Health Care Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Medicinal Cannabis: The Case of Lebanon.

Abstract

Background: In 2020, the Lebanese parliament legalized cannabis for medical and industrial use, sparking diverse reactions among health care professionals (HCP). Few studies have been conducted to reflect the position of HCP on the topic, and no previous studies targeted all physicians with relevant specialties or had a large sample size. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the Lebanese medical community toward medicinal cannabis (MC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting HCP from different backgrounds and specialties. The survey questionnaire was disseminated through different scientific societies in the Lebanese Order of Physicians and other professional bodies. An online survey was shared with oncologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, pharmacists, and psychotherapists across different geographic regions. It covered questions about sociodemographic details, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to MC. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. A total of 202 HCP responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 34%. Results: Eighteen percent of the participants described their level of knowledge about the indications of MC as good. Twenty-five percent of the respondents are willing to prescribe, and 30% "may consider" it. Among those willing to prescribe, the majority may consider MC to treat chronic pain, palliative care, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, and anxiety. Respondents' knowledge about the side effects of MC is as follows: driving difficulties (82%), addiction (69%), drug interactions (65%), and weight gain (43%). Willingness to prescribe varies by medical specialty, previous clinical experience with MC, and gender. The majority of the participants expressed concerns about the potential harm of using MC and indicated that legalization would negatively impact society. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents reported not receiving any formal education about MC and agreed on the need to expand knowledge about its indications and side effects. The majority agreed that MC should be dispensed based on a prescription from a physician with special training and recognized the importance of establishing a national registry for patients undergoing MC treatment, as well as the necessity of guidelines for approval. Conclusion: The current data indicate that attitudes toward prescribing MC vary by medical specialty, gender, and clinical experience. Implementation of effective educational strategies in Lebanon to enhance HCP knowledge about MC and promote its proper use is crucial.