Most primary care providers did not routinely ask older adults about medical cannabis despite completing cannabis education courses

Primary care providers were more likely to inquire about alcohol and tobacco use than cannabis with older adult patients. Providers did not frequently ask about cannabis use or consider it as a therapeutic option for their older patients, even after completing Pennsylvania Department of Health-approved cannabis education courses.

Cross-sectional survey emailed to 575 physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who completed Pennsylvania DOH-approved medical cannabis courses between 2018-2022. Respondents had to practice in the Tri-state area and care for older adults.

If even providers who have completed cannabis education courses are not discussing cannabis with older patients, the communication gap may be wider among providers without such training. Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users.

The reluctance to discuss cannabis persists despite education, suggesting that knowledge alone does not change clinical behavior. Stigma, legal uncertainty, or lack of evidence-based prescribing guidelines may be stronger barriers than knowledge gaps.

Survey respondents may not represent all providers. Low response rate not specified in abstract. Self-reported communication practices may not match actual behavior. Pennsylvania-specific findings may not apply to states with different cannabis programs.