Prescribing Health Care Providers' Attitudes, Experiences, and Practices Surrounding Cannabis Use in Patients with Anxiety Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that certain cannabinoids may be beneficial for the treatment of anxiety and post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unclear whether prescribing health care professionals view medicinal cannabis as a safe and effective option for treatment of these disorders. Methods: Three hundred fifty-Two prescribing health care professionals across the United States completed an online survey assessing attitudes, knowledge, and practices surrounding the recommendation and evaluation of cannabis use for their patients with anxiety and/or PTSD. Results: The majority of providers reported seeing at least some potential benefit in the therapeutic application of cannabinoids for PTSD (z=7.24, p<0.001) and anxiety symptoms (z=8.15, p<0.001), although they neither viewed it as safe for patients with PTSD (90%) or anxiety (92%), nor recommended it to their patients (98%). Meanwhile, nearly all providers (89%) in this survey reported being interested in receiving more formal training related to cannabis. Prescribing health care professionals were largely aware of the legislative status of medicinal cannabis within their state. Conclusions: While the majority of medical providers are generally aware of their state's cannabis laws and believe that cannabis might be at least somewhat helpful for PTSD or anxiety symptoms, most providers do not currently recommend medicinal cannabis for the treatment of PTSD or anxiety.