(1194) Comparisons Between Student Pharmacists and Healthcare Majors on Knowledge and Perceptions on Medical Cannabis

Objectives: Since medical cannabis use was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018, cannabis dispensaries and medical cannabis use have grown dramatically across the state. A gap in healthcare involvement in the dispensing of this therapy was noted in a previous study that surveyed patients utilizing dispensary services (Van et al., 2023; JAPhA abstract 1197). The objectives of this study are to compare the attitudes and perceptions of student pharmacists and healthcare majors on their knowledge and perceptions of the legality, uses, side effects, and sources of information concerning medical cannabis at a western Oklahoma university. Results will aid in developing curriculum and training of healthcare professionals.

Methods: Starting in September 2023, students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) voluntarily completed an electronic survey on the Qualtrics online platform. Researchers recruited participants for the survey via flyers posted across the university, mass emails to the student population, on the Canvas web-based learning management system, or in person. Responses reflecting the above objectives were gathered, as well as demographic data of survey participants. Data were compared based on whether students were in the SWOSU College of Pharmacy versus pursuing other SWOSU healthcare degrees (Kinesiology, Pre-Nursing, Nursing, Pre-Pharmacy, Psychology, and Allied Health).

Results: At the time of abstract submission, 49 student pharmacists and 57 healthcare majors had completed the survey. Most students correctly responded that medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma (95.9% of student pharmacists versus 93.0% healthcare students). Fewer respondents knew that medical marijuana is not legal nationally (77.6% student pharmacists versus 82.5% healthcare students). For student pharmacists and healthcare majors, the three top perceived patient uses were similar – anxiety, pain, and epilepsy / seizures. For student pharmacists, most frequently perceived patient side effects included anxiety, paranoia, and euphoria. Other healthcare majors supposed the most common patient side effects included increased euphoria, disorientation, and anxiety. Student pharmacists and healthcare majors reported using social media, internet searches, and friends as their three top sources of information. Preliminary results suggest medical journals and news sources were also regularly used by students; however, healthcare providers were not common sources of information.

Conclusions: In comparing the perceived uses of medical cannabis to evidence-based sources, both student pharmacists and healthcare majors were mostly correct. Strong evidence exists for its use in the treatment of analgesia and seizure disorder; however, there is limited evidence supporting anxiolytic effects. Both sets of student perceptions of side effects were consistent with what is reported in the literature. However, this study shows a need for students to be using more reputable sources of information, and, in agreement with this, a concurrent study (Van et al., 2024; JAPhA submitted abstract) demonstrates student desire for a more comprehensive formal education regarding medical cannabis. Future directions will investigate other survey questions, as well as evaluate whether having a medical cannabis card or student’s hometown (rural versus urban) has an impact on survey responses.