Nurse Practitioner Students Overwhelmingly Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana
A recent study published in The Nurse Practitioner journal found that a staggering 94% of nurse practitioner students believe medical marijuana should be legalized across the United States. Additionally, 97% of the students surveyed felt that education on medical marijuana should be included in their training programs. However, only 30% reported receiving in-depth education on the topic.
The study, conducted by professors at Simmons University’s school of nursing in Boston, surveyed 115 nurse practitioner students and found that most students believed medical marijuana should be legalized in all US states. They also identified cancer, pain, cachexia, nausea/vomiting, post-traumatic stress disorder, and epilepsy as approved indications for medical marijuana use.
Despite the majority of students supporting legalization and education on medical marijuana, the study revealed a significant gap in knowledge about the topic. Only 30% of students reported receiving in-depth education on medical marijuana, highlighting the need for nurse practitioner programs to integrate content on the topic.
The study’s findings are consistent with recent research showing that medical marijuana is associated with reduced prescription drug use and improved well-being and symptom intensity among adults with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. The American Nurses Association has also recognized cannabis as a nursing specialty practice area, acknowledging the essential role of cannabis nurses in the healthcare system.
As more jurisdictions legalize medical marijuana, nurse practitioner programs must evaluate their current curricula and integrate content that addresses the gap in knowledge about medical marijuana’s mechanism of action, indications, and adverse reactions.
