Canadian Doctors Feel Unprepared to Authorize Medical Cannabis

Five themes emerged: knowledge gaps, internal influences (attitudes and beliefs), patient influences (requests and expectations), external influences from other healthcare providers, and systemic barriers. The biggest factor was environmental context and resources, with providers citing a lack of guidelines and educational materials as the primary obstacle.

Qualitative study using semi-structured Zoom interviews with 12 primary care providers (family physicians and nurse practitioners) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Interview guide developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework, with thematic analysis.

Despite cannabis being legal in Canada since 2018, many patients still cannot find a healthcare provider willing to authorize medical cannabis. This study identifies why: providers lack training and guidelines, not necessarily because they oppose it.

The gap between legal access and practical access to medical cannabis is a recurring theme across legalized jurisdictions. This study suggests that guideline development and targeted education, not just policy changes, are needed to close that gap.

Small sample (12 providers) from one Canadian province limits generalizability. Qualitative design captures perspectives but cannot quantify how widespread these barriers are. Self-selection bias may mean participants were more engaged with the topic than average.