Assessment of Norwegian physicians’ knowledge, experience and attitudes towards medical cannabis

Abstract

Background Medicinal cannabis (MC) has been used extensively throughout history. However, its criminalization in the United States in 1937 spurred the international community to follow suit, including Norway. Despite being reintroduced as a medical treatment in many countries in recent years, the use of MC in Norway is confined to a select few patient groups, and medical specialists must formally apply for authorization from the Norwegian authorities to prescribe the drug.

Objective To assess Norwegian physicians’ perceived knowledge of, experience with, and attitudes towards MC.

Methods A cross-sectional survey consisting of 31 closed-ended items captured physicians’ perceived knowledge of, experience with, and attitudes towards this treatment.

Results A total of 102 physicians participated in this study. Physicians generally agreed that MC is a legitimate treatment option (n = 45, 44.1%), that it represents a therapeutic agent for treating cancer and chemotherapy-induced side effects (n = 88, 86%), and that it has the potential to reduce unnecessary opioid use in patients with chronic pain (n = 40, 39.2%). Statistically significant differences were found between subgroups in the sample in terms of years of practice, specialty, age, country the medical diploma was obtained from, and practice type.

Conclusions This study found acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic agent as well as acceptance towards MC being introduced by prescription in Norway. Further large-scale in-depth studies on provider perspectives towards MC are warranted.