Education, training, and perceptions of physician competency among medical cannabis patients in Israel

Background

Medical cannabis use is expanding globally, yet knowledge gaps persist among both patients and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to examine age-related differences in medical cannabis use patterns, sources of education and training, and perceptions of physician competencies among medical cannabis patients in Israel.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 233 Israeli medical cannabis patients assessed use patterns, education and training sources, and perceptions of physician competencies. Data were analyzed by age groups (18–33, 34–48, 49–64, 65 +) using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA.

Results

Use patterns differed significantly by age. Smoking was common among participants aged 18–33 (40 %) and 34–48 (37.8 %) but less common in the 49–64 group (16.7 %) and the 65 + group (10 %; p < .001). Conversely, ingestion-based methods were reported by 65.5 % of participants aged 65 + and by 72.2 % in the 49–64 group, but only by 45.9 % and 50 % in younger groups (p < .01). Among 57.6 % of participants who knew the THC/CBD concentration of their cannabis, mean THC concentration decreased with age (p < 0.05), while mean CBD concentration increased with age (p < 0.01). Most participants (89.8 %) received education on medical cannabis, primarily from physicians (74.7 %), but 35.4 % used internet sources, and 20.1 % reported peer networks.

Conclusion

This study identifies age-related differences in medical cannabis use patterns, information sources, and perceptions of physician competencies. Future research should explore how tailored patient education and clinician training can address these differences and improve guidance for medical cannabis use.