This is one of first comprehensive studies to explore why so many doctors are skittish about medical cannabis. The study reveals that 78% percent of physicians feel uncomfortable mostly because they are unsure of the right dosage, the frequency, and complexities of filling medical cannabis prescriptions.
Twenty-one articles were included from five different countries where the medical cannabis laws varied. Over 20 peer-reviewed articles addressing hospital physicians’ and GPs’ experiences, attitudes, and beliefs towards the use of medical cannabis were searched in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.
This review indicates that GPs and hospital physicians from various specialties frequently experience patient demands for medical cannabis and to some degree show openness to using it, although there was a wide gap between studies in terms of willingness to provide. Hospital physicians and GPs’ experienced in prescribing are more convinced of effects and less worried of adverse effects. However, most physicians experience a lack of knowledge of beneficial effects, adverse effects and of how to advise patients, which may comprise barriers towards prescribing. More research, including larger studies is urgently needed
READ ABOUT THE REPORT HERE.