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Primary Care Provider and Medical Student Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Cannabis in Vermont
Brownmiller, Seth Homick, Ana Hsu, William Maxim, Clara Nguyen, Leland Penfield-Cyr, Annie Sozen, Serra Stoutenburg, Eric
Brownmiller, Seth
Homick, Ana
Hsu, William
Maxim, Clara
Nguyen, Leland
Penfield-Cyr, Annie
Sozen, Serra
Stoutenburg, Eric
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Abstract
Background: There is growing debate about the use of cannabis containing products and community implications. Current research emphasizes determining the impact cannabis has on the short and long-term health of an individual. Our research was focused on the perception of cannabis use between medical students and primary care providers (PCPs). Methods: We used an anonymous, 5-point scale survey to assess the knowledge and attitudes about cannabis use, including thoughts on Vermont’s upcoming adult use marketplace. Key emphasis was placed on the attitudes of public health, driving safety, effectiveness for medical conditions, and patient education. Results: Roughly 64% of respondents believe cannabis may negatively affect public health, yet 90% of students and 58% of PCPs support the creation of an adult use marketplace. This is especially interesting to consider when an overwhelming majority of both students and PCPs agreed that alcohol use had a negative impact on public health. Confidence in patient education was also evaluated, which demonstrated an opportunity for both medical students and PCPs to receive additional training on the positive and negative impacts of cannabis to share with patients. Conclusion: It is our goal that this work be used to further the conversation both inside and outside our healthcare system to better understand the public perception on cannabis, and the impact its use may have on the people in our communities. We hope this project will inspire future collaboration with the VT Cannabis Control board to serve as a source of valuable information about healthy policy surrounding cannabis use.
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Date
2022-06-01