81% of Poles Support Medical Cannabis, but Only 4% Have Been Offered It by a Doctor

81.1% of respondents supported medical cannabis legalization and 84.3% expressed willingness to undergo treatment if medically indicated. However, only 4.2% reported receiving a physician recommendation. Confidence in physician knowledge (29.9%) and patient knowledge (16.1%) was low. Chronic pain (49.8%) and oncological conditions (57.4%) were the most recognized indications.

Cross-sectional survey conducted July 2025 using computer-assisted web interviewing on a nationally representative sample of 1,113 Polish adults aged 18-84. Multivariable logistic regression identified sociodemographic predictors of key attitudes.

Poland's experience illustrates a common pattern: legalizing medical cannabis does not automatically translate to clinical adoption. The gap between public willingness and physician recommendation highlights systemic barriers in medical education and practice guidelines.

This pattern of high public support but low clinical implementation is seen across many countries that have legalized medical cannabis. Education for healthcare providers and evidence-based clinical guidelines appear to be the primary bottlenecks.

Online survey may underrepresent older adults and rural populations despite nationally representative sampling. Self-reported attitudes may not reflect behavior. Cross-sectional design captures one timepoint. Social desirability bias possible on sensitive topics.