Greek Patients See Potential in Medical Cannabis But Want Better Guidance

CBD-experienced patients (n=12) generally perceived cannabis-based treatments as beneficial for musculoskeletal pain, migraines, anxiety, stress, and sleep, despite concerns about product quality, cost, and limited medical guidance. Cannabis-naive participants (n=12) expressed skepticism due to stigma and perceived insufficient evidence but acknowledged potential therapeutic value within a regulated framework.

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 24 participants in Greece: 12 users of CBD-based formulations and 12 medical cannabis-naive individuals, examining market readiness for medical cannabis.

As Greece introduces medical cannabis, understanding patient attitudes and barriers is essential for effective implementation. The gap between experienced and naive patients highlights the role of direct experience in shaping opinions and the need for education to bridge information gaps.

Greece joins a growing list of European countries navigating medical cannabis introduction. Patient perspectives from early-adopting markets can inform other countries preparing for similar policy changes, highlighting universal challenges of stigma, cost, and physician knowledge gaps.

Small qualitative sample (n=24) from a single country. Self-selected participants may not represent broader patient populations. CBD-experienced group was using over-the-counter CBD formulations, not prescription medical cannabis. Cannot quantify the extent of reported benefits or concerns.