The influence of religion on physicans` and nurses` attitudes toward medical cannabis in Northern Israel.

Abstract

Background: The use of medical cannabis has been increasing significantly worldwide, including in Israel, a country characterized by substantial religious diversity. This study examines the influence of religion on physicians' and nurses' attitudes toward medical cannabis use, focusing on four primary religions in Northern Israel: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and the Druze faith.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Ziv Medical Center in Northern Israel, involving 395 physicians and nurses. Participants completed a structured questionnaire based on a modified version of the Medical Marijuana Questionnaire (MMQ), assessing their attitudes toward the medical benefits and risks of cannabis. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and mixed-design ANCOVA models, controlling for covariates including age, gender, religiosity, profession, educational level, and exposure to cannabis use among acquaintances.

Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in attitudes toward medical cannabis across religious groups. After adjusting for demographic and background variables, Jewish and Christian participants reported significantly more favorable attitudes regarding the medical benefits of cannabis, while Muslim and Druze participants emphasized its associated risks. A significant interaction was also found between religious affiliation and attitude type (benefits vs. risks), indicating that religious affiliation moderated the relative evaluation of cannabis's therapeutic potential versus its harms. These findings suggest that each religion's unique cultural and ethical frameworks shaped participants' attitudes. The more permissive attitudes observed among Jewish and Christian participants reflect religious principles that emphasize alleviating suffering, while the cautious attitudes of Muslim and Druze participants align with stricter interpretations of religious guidelines.

Conclusions: This study identified significant differences in attitudes toward medical cannabis among physicians and nurses from different religious backgrounds in Northern Israel. Jewish and Christian participants expressed more favorable views regarding its medical use, while Muslim and Druze participants exhibited more cautious attitudes. These findings underscore the need for culturally and religiously tailored education and policies to facilitate the integration of medical cannabis into clinical practice.