Most Peruvian Medical Cannabis Patients Knew About Consumption Methods But Had Knowledge Gaps

Among 86 patients at a Lima cannabis clinic (mean age 41, 53.4% women), 60.2% knew about cannabis consumption forms and 77.3% recognized product quality importance. Primary conditions treated: chronic pain and nausea (each 23.9%), cancer and epilepsy (each 21.6%). Knowledge correlated significantly with cannabis use duration, but most patients had incomplete understanding of risks, regulations, and safety.

Cross-sectional survey using the 22-item KUC-22 questionnaire at the CANNAVITAL clinic in Lima, Peru, assessing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cannabis among 86 patients with at least one year of medical cannabis use.

As medical cannabis programs expand globally, understanding what patients know and do not know about their treatment is critical for safety. The knowledge gaps found suggest that even experienced patients need ongoing education.

Peru represents a growing number of countries in Latin America with medical cannabis programs. Patient education challenges seen here likely exist in many newer medical cannabis markets worldwide.

Single clinic in Lima. Small sample. Selection bias (clinic patients may be more knowledgeable than general users). Self-reported knowledge may not reflect actual understanding.