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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.