Austrian medical students knew little about CBD vs. THC differences and were skeptical of medical cannabis | Research

The takeaway

A survey of 404 Austrian university students found that medical students, despite reporting more cannabis education, struggled to differentiate CBD from THC and were more skeptical about medical cannabis prescribing than non-medical students.

Medical education administrators, medical cannabis advocates, healthcare curriculum designers

Medical students confident in cannabis knowledge but could not differentiate CBD from THC

What the researchers found

64% of medical students said they learned about medical cannabis at university. Despite confidence in their knowledge, medical students struggled to differentiate between CBD and THC. They were more reserved about increasing medical use and legalization, and more skeptical about physician prescribing than non-medical students. Males were more confident and favorable toward legalization; females perceived cannabis as more addictive and as a gateway drug.

Why it matters

Future healthcare providers who lack accurate cannabis knowledge and hold negative attitudes may be less likely to recommend or discuss medical cannabis with patients, potentially limiting patient access to a legitimate treatment option.

The numbers in context

404 students surveyed; 64% of medical students reported university cannabis education; medical students more skeptical of prescribing and legalization; males more favorable toward legalization; females perceived cannabis as more addictive

How the study worked

Online survey of 404 Austrian university students in three groups: medical studies, studies with a medical background, and studies without a medical background. Assessed knowledge, attitudes, and gender differences regarding medical cannabis.

What this study cannot tell us

Austrian sample may not generalize internationally. Online survey with potential self-selection bias. Knowledge was self-assessed rather than objectively tested. Cross-sectional design captures one point in time.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional survey with adequate sample size and multiple comparison groups, though limited to one country.

When this study was published

Published in 2021.

The bigger picture

The disconnect between medical students' confidence in their cannabis knowledge and their inability to distinguish CBD from THC highlights a gap in medical education that could affect patient care as medical cannabis use increases.

Questions still open

Would targeted cannabis education modules improve both knowledge and prescribing attitudes? Do practicing physicians show similar knowledge gaps?

Common questions

Did medical students know more about cannabis?

They thought they did. While 64% reported learning about medical cannabis at university and expressed confidence in their knowledge, they struggled with basic distinctions between CBD and THC, suggesting gaps between perceived and actual knowledge.

Were there gender differences?

Yes. Male students showed more confidence about cannabis knowledge and were more favorable toward legalization and prescribing. Female students were more likely to perceive cannabis as physically addictive and as a gateway drug.

Read the original research

Knowledge about and attitudes towards medical cannabis among Austrian university students.

Complementary therapies in medicine, 58, 102700

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Felnhofer, Anna; Kothgassner, Oswald D; Stoll, Astrid; Klier, Claudia. (2021). Knowledge about and attitudes towards medical cannabis among Austrian university students.. Complementary therapies in medicine, 58, 102700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102700