A virtual cannabis education program for healthcare trainees across four disciplines achieved strong satisfaction ratings, with 96% reporting improved ability to counsel patients about cannabis.
Healthcare professionals and trainees; medical education administrators
96% of trainees reported improved ability to respond to cannabis-related patient questions
What the researchers found
345 trainees in pharmacy, nursing, public health, and medicine completed the program. 96% reported improved ability to respond to patients interested in cannabis.
Why it matters
Cannabis use is surging but healthcare professional training on cannabis remains minimal.
The numbers in context
345 trainees certified since 2023. 90% agreed it addressed a training need. 83% said it should be required. 96% reported improved patient response ability.
How the study worked
Implementation study using post-training surveys. The virtual training was developed using intervention mapping with four key strategies.
What this study cannot tell us
No control group or pre-post knowledge assessment. Self-reported satisfaction only.
How to read the evidence
Implementation study using satisfaction surveys without controls.
When this study was published
2025 publication covering training since 2023
The bigger picture
As cannabis legalization expands, the gap between patient cannabis use and clinician knowledge grows.
Questions still open
- Do trainees who complete this program actually provide better cannabis-related care?
Common questions
Why do healthcare professionals need cannabis-specific training?
What topics did the training cover?
Read the original research
"It's legal, now what?" development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary cannabis education for healthcare trainees.
Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 68
Citation
Cronin, Sean P; Cruz, Josue; Cameron, Elena; Azemar, Sabrina; Dudley, Steven; Largent-Milnes, Tally M; Brady, Benjamin R; Wallace, Jessica S; Arnett, Margie R; Dahmer, Stephen M; Ibrahim, Mohab M; Padilla, Alyssa R; Vanderah, Todd W; De La Rosa, Jennifer S. (2025). "It's legal, now what?" development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary cannabis education for healthcare trainees.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00321-8
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