Does religiosity matter? University student attitudes and beliefs toward medical cannabis

Objectives: To assess the relationship between religiosity and medical cannabis (MC) knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among university medical and allied health (i.e., nursing and social work) students. Methods: This study uses data collected from 540 Israeli male and female, Jewish and Bedouin-Arab, religious and secular students. Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables were used to determine the relationship. Results: Religious, compared to secular, students reported less personal cannabis use and contact with others who use the substance. Regarding attitudes and beliefs, religious students were more likely to believe cannabis use poses serious physical and mental health risks and were less likely to recommend it for patient treatment. The majority of all students, religious and secular, believed cannabis can be addictive; are not prepared to answer patient/client MC questions; and, have not received formal education about MC. Religiosity was not found related to student knowledge about cannabis and its use for medical conditions. Conclusions: This study is the first in Israel to examine the relationship between religiosity and student MC knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Results evidence the relationship that should be used for curriculum development, education and field practice purposes linked to patient care.