A systematic review found South African medical students have varied perspectives on cannabis decriminalization, with concerns about mental health, academic performance, and professional identity.
Medical educators in South Africa, health policy researchers, cannabis education advocates
Only 4 studies found on medical students and cannabis decriminalization in South Africa
What the researchers found
Four themes emerged from the review: health impacts (mental and physical), attitudes toward decriminalization, educational influences, and access to support services. Medical students expressed diverse opinions about cannabis decriminalization and its health implications, with awareness gaps about cannabis effects on health and professional practice.
Why it matters
As future healthcare providers in a country that recently decriminalized personal cannabis use, medical students' attitudes and knowledge gaps directly affect the quality of care they will provide.
The numbers in context
Four studies met inclusion criteria. Four key themes identified through thematic analysis. Focus on South African medical students specifically.
How the study worked
Systematic qualitative review searching PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect for studies (2010-2024) on South African medical students and cannabis decriminalization, using thematic synthesis.
What this study cannot tell us
Only four studies met inclusion criteria, indicating severe research gaps. Cannot generalize to all South African medical students or other healthcare professions. Publication bias possible.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review limited by very small evidence base (4 studies), highlighting a major research gap.
When this study was published
2025 review of literature from 2010-2024 on South African medical students.
The bigger picture
South Africa's 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalizing private cannabis use created a unique context where future doctors must navigate evolving social norms, personal beliefs, and clinical evidence.
Questions still open
- How should medical curricula address cannabis in the context of decriminalization? Do medical students' personal views about cannabis affect their clinical practice? What educational interventions are most effective?
Common questions
What do South African medical students think about cannabis?
Are medical students prepared to handle cannabis-related patient questions?
Read the original research
Decriminalization of cannabis use in South Africa: The perspectives and health outcomes among medical students; A systematic qualitative review.
Journal of public health research, 14(4), 22799036251373016
Citation
Mokhwelepa, L Winter; Olivia Sumbane, Gsakani. (2025). Decriminalization of cannabis use in South Africa: The perspectives and health outcomes among medical students; A systematic qualitative review.. Journal of public health research, 14(4), 22799036251373016. https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036251373016