84% of New Zealand Oncology Doctors Had Patients Ask to Prescribe Cannabis | Research

The takeaway

In a survey of 45 oncology doctors in New Zealand, 84% reported patients requesting cannabis prescriptions and 98% were aware of patients using illicit cannabis for symptoms, yet most had prescribing concerns.

Medical regulators; oncologists; medical education planners; patients interested in the doctor perspective on cannabis.

98% of oncologists aware of patients using illicit cannabis for symptoms

What the researchers found

84% of doctors reported patient requests to prescribe cannabis, and 98% knew of patients using illicit cannabis for symptoms. Pain, nausea/vomiting, and cancer treatment were the top reasons. 73% knew of at least one cannabis product, but 82% had prescribing concerns. All were willing to use products developed with traditional medical provenance.

Why it matters

New Zealand was in the process of developing its medicinal cannabis framework during this study. Understanding what oncology doctors experience and need helps shape effective regulations and education programs.

The numbers in context

45/53 doctors surveyed (85% response rate). Patient cannabis requests: 84% (95% CI 70-93). Patients using illicit cannabis: 98% (95% CI 88-100). Knowledge of cannabis products: 73% (95% CI 58-85). Evidence knowledge: 60% (95% CI 44-74). Prescribing concerns: 82% (95% CI 67-92). Willing to use medical-provenance products: 100%.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 45 doctors (85% response rate) across four New Zealand hospital oncology departments between November 2019 and January 2020. Included consultants, registrars, and house surgeons.

What this study cannot tell us

Small convenience sample from four centers. The 45-doctor sample limits generalizability. Responses reflect a specific moment during New Zealand's evolving cannabis legislation. Self-reported data may not match actual practice.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: high response rate (85%) and clear methodology, but small sample from one country.

When this study was published

Published in 2022, data from 2019-2020.

The bigger picture

The gap between patient demand (nearly universal illicit use awareness) and physician readiness (widespread prescribing concerns) is a pattern seen globally. The universal willingness to prescribe properly developed products suggests the barrier is product quality and evidence, not ideological opposition.

Questions still open

Have NZ oncology prescribing patterns changed since the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme was implemented? Would targeted education programs address the knowledge gaps identified? How do patients respond when their cannabis requests are declined?

Common questions

Are oncology doctors opposed to prescribing cannabis?

Not in principle. 100% of surveyed doctors were willing to prescribe cannabis products developed through standard pharmaceutical processes. Their concerns were about the lack of evidence, dosing guidelines, and regulatory clarity rather than opposition to cannabis itself.

Why are patients using illicit cannabis if medical cannabis is available?

At the time of the survey, New Zealand's medicinal cannabis framework was still developing. Patients may have turned to illicit sources because medical access was limited, expensive, or difficult to navigate.

Read the original research

Experiences, patient interactions and knowledge regarding the use of cannabis as a medicine in a cohort of New Zealand doctors in an oncology setting.

Postgraduate medical journal, 98(1155), 35-42

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Oldfield, Karen; Eathorne, Allie; Tewhaiti-Smith, Jordan; Beasley, Richard; Semprini, Alex; Braithwaite, Irene. (2022). Experiences, patient interactions and knowledge regarding the use of cannabis as a medicine in a cohort of New Zealand doctors in an oncology setting.. Postgraduate medical journal, 98(1155), 35-42. https://doi.org/10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139013