Ultra-Orthodox and religious Jewish nursing students in Israel have more negative attitudes toward medical cannabis than their secular peers, with higher religiosity correlating with more opposition.
Nursing educators, medical cannabis program administrators, cross-cultural healthcare researchers
What the researchers found
Religious/ultra-Orthodox nursing students showed more negative attitudes toward medical cannabis compared to other nursing students. Most opposed recreational legalization and believed cannabis is addictive. Those with prior exposure to medical cannabis had more positive attitudes. Knowledge levels were low, and students supported adding medical cannabis to their curriculum.
Why it matters
As medical cannabis use surges in Israel, nurses from religious communities will increasingly encounter patients using it. Understanding and addressing their attitudes is essential for ensuring all patients receive non-judgmental, informed care.
The numbers in context
221 religious/ultra-Orthodox nursing students surveyed. Negative correlation found between religiosity level and attitudes toward medical cannabis. Very low medical cannabis usage rate reported. Students supported curriculum inclusion of medical cannabis education.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 221 religious/ultra-Orthodox nursing students (BN and MN programs) using online questionnaires measuring demographics, attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about medical cannabis. Analyzed with Pearson correlation, t-tests, and multiple regression.
What this study cannot tell us
Single population (religious/ultra-Orthodox only) limits generalizability. Self-selection bias in online survey. Cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. Social desirability may influence responses.
How to read the evidence
Small cross-sectional survey of a specific subpopulation provides useful insights but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
Published 2026, reflecting Israel's rapidly expanding medical cannabis program.
The bigger picture
The tension between religious values and evolving medical practices around cannabis isn't unique to Israel — it's a global challenge as legalization spreads into culturally conservative communities where healthcare providers' personal beliefs may affect patient care.
Questions still open
- Would medical cannabis education change attitudes among religious nursing students? How do religious patients' own views on cannabis affect their willingness to use prescribed medical cannabis?
Common questions
Do religious beliefs affect healthcare providers' views on medical cannabis?
Should nursing programs teach about medical cannabis?
Read the original research
Attitudes and Knowledge of Israeli Ultra-Orthodox and Religious Jewish Nursing Students Toward the Use of Medical Cannabis.
Journal of religion and health, 65(1), 538-553
Citation
Kozlov, Gregory; Wacht, Oren; Grinstein-Cohen, Orli. (2026). Attitudes and Knowledge of Israeli Ultra-Orthodox and Religious Jewish Nursing Students Toward the Use of Medical Cannabis.. Journal of religion and health, 65(1), 538-553. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-025-02381-9
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