Physicians’ attitudes towards medical cannabis: a survey from Uruguay

Abstract

Background: Although Uruguay was the first country to legalize cannabis at a national level, regulations for the medicinal component have been slow in coming. The integration of medical cannabis into the healthcare system remains a challenge, and the regulatory framework is still under review. In this context, physicians’ opinions must be considered. This study aims to determine the medical community’s attitudes towards cannabis.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous self-administered online survey. Several national physician organizations collaborated in the dissemination process. The questionnaire inquired about cannabis-related topics such as knowledge, experience, attitudes, and the perceived barriers they encounter.

Results: A total of 275 physicians responded to the survey. The vast majority stated that they had been consulted by their patients about cannabis, although only half of them had formally or informally recommended it. Finally, we found almost unanimous agreement among physicians that medical cannabis should be legal.

Discussion: Uruguayan physicians have a positive view regarding the legalization of medical cannabis and are in favor of recommending its use. The main barrier to doing so is the lack of knowledge about incorporating it into their clinical practice. Medical cannabis should be addressed by public policies by providing training opportunities and institutional support.

Keywords:

• Medical cannabis
• Uruguayan physicians
• medical survey

Acknowledgments

We thank Raquel Peyraube and Julia Galzerano for their advice on the questionnaire design. We also thank Sindicato Médico del Uruguay, Colegio Médico del Uruguay, the Faculty of Medicine at CLAEH, and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universidad Católica del Uruguay for helping us to disseminate the survey. Special thanks to all the physicians who took the time to answer the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The Ethics Committee of the Catholic University of Uruguay approved the research design on April 12, 2021.

2 According to data from the Human Resources Analysis and Control System provided by the Ministry of Public Health, 60% of physicians are women, 40% are men, and the average age is 46 years. This average is somewhat lower than our sample, which can be explained because retirees were allowed to participate. Retrieved from: https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-salud-publica/datos-y-estadisticas/microdatos/sistema-control-analisis-recursos-humanos-scarh

3 Without any medical specialization.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Open Society Foundations under Grant OR2016-27307.