Deborah Berlekamp1, P S S Rao2, Tara Patton3, Jeff Berner4. 1. The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, Findlay, OH 45840, United States. Electronic address: berlekamp@findlay.edu. 2. The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, Findlay, OH 45849, United States. Electronic address: rao@findlay.edu. 3. 1731 Alvin St., Toledo, OH 43607, United States. Electronic address: pattont@findlay.edu. 4. 27172 Lakeside Drive, Beloit, OH 44609, United States. Electronic address: bernerj@findlay.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In this study, a cohort of Ohio pharmacy students were surveyed about knowledge and attitudes regarding medical marijuana (MMJ). Pharmacy educators in legalized states were asked how MMJ education was incorporated into pharmacy curricula. METHODS: Pharmacy students from six colleges were emailed surveys. Pharmacy educators from 79 colleges in states with legal MMJ programs were emailed regarding curricular content covering MMJ. RESULTS: A total of 319 student respondents received scores between 50 and 60% on knowledge-based questions. Students favored legalization of medical, but not recreational marijuana; they are not confident in ability to counsel; they believe little education on MMJ is provided in pharmacy school; and feel that more education is needed on MMJ. Students supporting MMJ were more likely to support recreational use of marijuana (p < 0.001), and education about MMJ (p < 0.001). Students in advanced years were less willing to dispense medical marijuana (p < 0.01), and less likely to support pharmacist availability for counseling (p < 0.05). Sixty-two percent of colleges who responded to the survey in legalized states provided education on MMJ to pharmacy students. Sixty-four percent of colleges responding who provided MMJ education offered a required course; 84.6% educated on indications and misuse/abuse; 92.3% on side effects, and adverse drug reactions; 53.8% on drug interactions. CONCLUSION: Ohio pharmacy student knowledge regarding medical marijuana is low. Students believe pharmacists should be available for counseling on MMJ; they feel unprepared to dispense MMJ, and would like more education on MMJ. Some colleges of pharmacy in the US report providing MMJ education; extent is unknown.
INTRODUCTION: In this study, a cohort of Ohio pharmacy students were surveyed about knowledge and attitudes regarding medical marijuana (MMJ). Pharmacy educators in legalized states were asked how MMJ education was incorporated into pharmacy curricula. METHODS: Pharmacy students from six colleges were emailed surveys. Pharmacy educators from 79 colleges in states with legal MMJ programs were emailed regarding curricular content covering MMJ. RESULTS: A total of 319 student respondents received scores between 50 and 60% on knowledge-based questions. Students favored legalization of medical, but not recreational marijuana; they are not confident in ability to counsel; they believe little education on MMJ is provided in pharmacy school; and feel that more education is needed on MMJ. Students supporting MMJ were more likely to support recreational use of marijuana (p < 0.001), and education about MMJ (p < 0.001). Students in advanced years were less willing to dispense medical marijuana (p < 0.01), and less likely to support pharmacist availability for counseling (p < 0.05). Sixty-two percent of colleges who responded to the survey in legalized states provided education on MMJ to pharmacy students. Sixty-four percent of colleges responding who provided MMJ education offered a required course; 84.6% educated on indications and misuse/abuse; 92.3% on side effects, and adverse drug reactions; 53.8% on drug interactions. CONCLUSION: Ohio pharmacy student knowledge regarding medical marijuana is low. Students believe pharmacists should be available for counseling on MMJ; they feel unprepared to dispense MMJ, and would like more education on MMJ. Some colleges of pharmacy in the US report providing MMJ education; extent is unknown.