Medical cannabis : knowledge and expectations in a cohort of North Island New Zealand general practitioners

AIM: To investigate GP knowledge of the use of cannabis as a medicine and its regulation in New Zealand. METHOD: A convenience sample of GPs completed a questionnaire during continuing medical education sessions. Key domains investigated were: patient interactions around use of cannabis as a medicine; prescription facilitation and impediments; knowledge of evidence for and against the use of cannabis as a medicine; knowledge of the New Zealand regulatory processes and knowledge of pharmaceutical grade products. Questionnaires were administered between June and October 2018. RESULTS: There were 42/76 (55%) GPs who stated at least one patient had asked for a cannabis prescription for medical use in the last 12 months and 43/76 (57%) were aware of pharmaceutical grade preparations, the majority Sativex. There were 59/75 (79%) who expressed concerns about future prescribing; however, 63/75 (84%) indicated they would be 'somewhat' or 'very' likely to prescribe a PHARMAC-funded product with good evidence in specific conditions. CONCLUSION: Some GPs have concerns about prescribing medicinal cannabis. Due to regulatory restrictions, including no currently funded products, and uncertain scientific evidence of efficacy and safety, education programmes will be required to inform the medico-legal, evidential and practical elements of prescribing cannabis as a medicine