Understanding of pharmacy students' knowledge of cannabis use disorders in recreational vs non-recreational use states.

Introduction: Currently, the trend of legalizing recreational cannabis across the United States is experiencing rapid expansion. Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment, manifested by at least two of the 11 criteria on DSM-5. The objective of this study is to compare the knowledge of CUD among pharmacy students attending pharmacy schools in recreational cannabis-legalized states to nonlegalized states.

Methods: This was a survey-based study using validated questionnaires distributed among students from ACPE-accredited pharmacy schools in the United States. The survey included a CUD knowledge section followed by section on student characteristics. Individual item knowledge scores for each question were assessed as well as the total knowledge score. Adjusted linear regression model was used to evaluate knowledge scores between legalized and nonlegalized states.

Results: A total of 513 students initiated the survey and 408 completed responses with 153 from recreational cannabis legalized states and 255 from nonlegalized states. The mean knowledge score in RC-legalized states was higher than nonlegalized states. After adjusting for covariates, the knowledge of pharmacy students in recreational cannabis legalized states were 40% higher than in nonlegalized states.

Conclusion: For future patient requirements, it may be necessary for students to receive formal education in pharmacy schools regarding CUD so that they can proficiently assist with their patient needs. Given that pharmacy students might relocate to different states, it is essential to ensure that they possess a comprehensive understanding of the specific regulations CUD across the United States.