International peer reviewed journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine published a research result from Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that the faculty medical students are supporting legalization of medical cannabis.
Highlights
- Medical students in Hong Kong supported future legalization of cannabis for medical use despite perceiving more risks.
- Female students perceived higher risks for cannabis than males.
- Students who used cannabis before are more acceptable on using cannabis as treatments.
- Stigmatizing views from Asian countries should be considered when medical cannabis is legalized in the future.
The research team analyzed a cross-sectional anonymous online survey which were sent from 1st December 2018 to 31st August 2020 to all medical students from the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
Overall, students perceived cannabis possessed significant physical and mental health risks, but they were more neutral to its physical and mental benefits. They also supported legalizing cannabis more so for medical use than recreational use. Students were also more likely to recommend medical cannabis than non-licensed cannabis to patients if they were legally available.
Conclusion
Medical students in Hong Kong supported legalization of cannabis for medical use despite perceiving significant risks from cannabis use. Future research should investigate public acceptance on medical cannabis in Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
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