Canadian nursing students and education in medical and recreational cannabis: a preliminary evidence

Objectives

Explore the interest of Canadian undergraduate and graduate nursing students in medical (MC) and recreational cannabis (RC) education.

Methods

Transformative learning theory framed an online survey exploring sources of information; factors and learning modalities of increasing interest in learning about MC/RC; and future career plans regarding MC/RC in practice. Survey ran from September 2022 to February 2023. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were applied.

Results

Respondents (n=153) disclosed knowledge gaps in MC/RC regulations (90 %), effectiveness (88 %), and dosing best practices (86 %). Exposure to clinical opportunities and virtual resources were stimulating learning factors.

Conclusions

A socially responsive curriculum is crucial to engage nursing students in becoming more knowledgeable about this topic and understand the nurse’s role in enhancing practice quality. Implications for International Audience - The evidence provides a proactive approach to nursing educators in countries where cannabis is legal or in the process of being legalized.