Attitudes toward medical cannabis among family physicians practising in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative research study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical cannabis has been legally available in Canada since 2001, but its benefits and harms remain uncertain. We explored attitudes toward medical cannabis among family physicians practising in Ontario.

Methods

Between January and October 2019, we conducted a qualitative study of Ontario family physicians using semistructured telephone interviews. We applied thematic analysis to interview transcripts and identified representative quotes.

Results

Eleven physicians agreed to be interviewed, and 3 themes regarding medical cannabis emerged: reluctance to authorize use, concern over harms and lack of practical knowledge. Participants raised concerns about the limited evidence for, and their lack of education regarding, the therapeutic use of cannabis, particula

SUBMITTER: Ng JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8084545 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature