Only 21% of Australian gastroenterologists supported medical cannabis for IBD and just 6% understood current access pathways, despite 39% having patients already using cannabis and ranking it safer than steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics.
Gastroenterologists, IBD patients, and medical cannabis access advocates.
21% supported MC for IBD; only 6% knew access pathways
What the researchers found
39% had patients using medical cannabis. Only 21% supported MC in IBD. Only 28% wanted to prescribe. Just 6% understood access pathways. Only 31% felt comfortable discussing MC with patients. 20% cited adverse effects as a barrier. Driving impairment (64%) and developing brain effects (56%) were top concerns. Yet most ranked MC as less hazardous than steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. 53% supported patient participation in clinical trials.
Why it matters
The disconnect between patient use (39% of specialists had MC-using patients) and specialist support (21%) creates a gap in clinical guidance.
The numbers in context
93 respondents (70 gastroenterologists, 23 trainees). 39% had MC-using patients. 21% supported MC in IBD. 28% wanted to prescribe. 6% understood access pathways. 31% comfortable discussing. 64% concerned about driving. 53% supported clinical trials.
How the study worked
Anonymous 30-item survey of 70 Australian gastroenterologists and 23 trainees, collected April-August 2019.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample from one country. Self-selected respondents may not represent all gastroenterologists. Survey conducted before some evidence updates.
How to read the evidence
Small survey with reasonable response quality, but limited to one country and potentially subject to selection bias.
When this study was published
2020 survey from 2019.
The bigger picture
Gastroenterologists may be more cautious than their patients about cannabis because they focus on disease modification (where evidence is lacking) rather than symptom relief (where patients report benefit).
Questions still open
- Would more gastroenterologist education change prescribing patterns? Is the gap between patient use and specialist support widening or narrowing?
Common questions
Do gastroenterologists recommend cannabis for IBD?
Do IBD patients use cannabis?
Read the original research
Attitudes and Knowledge of Australian Gastroenterologists Around the Use of Medicinal Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Crohn's & colitis 360, 2(2), otaa045
Citation
Benson, Melissa J; Abelev, Sarah V; Corte, Crispin J; Connor, Susan J; McGregor, Iain S. (2020). Attitudes and Knowledge of Australian Gastroenterologists Around the Use of Medicinal Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.. Crohn's & colitis 360, 2(2), otaa045. https://doi.org/10.1093/crocol/otaa045
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