Cannabis Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Among Allergists

The following article features coverage from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, being held virtually from November 4 to 8, 2021. Click here to read more of MPR‘s conference coverage from the ACAAI 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Allergists who were more knowledgeable and comfortable discussing cannabis with patients were more likely to have progressive cannabis attitudes, according to a report on the International Cannabis KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice) Allergist Survey presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, from November 4 to 8, 2021.

Researchers representing the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the Canadian Society of Allery and Clinical Immunology, and the European Academy of Allergy and Immunology surveyed members of these organizations to evaluate clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cannabis.

A 7-question survey was completed by 193 clinicians; 59.6% were male and 34.4% had ever used cannabis. Results indicated 22% of survey respondents never ask patients questions about cannabis use; 61.2% do not ask about it on intake forms; and 32.2% said they were not comfortable speaking to patients about it. Among survey respondents, those who were more knowledgeable and had a history of cannabis use were more likely to be comfortable speaking about it with patients. 

Investigators concluded that “Cannabis education can improve cannabis communication between physicians and patients.”

Reference

Zeiger J, Silvers W, Zieger R, et al. The International Cannabis KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice) Allergist Survey Study. Presented at: the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting; November 4-8, 2021; New Orleans, LA. Abstract A081.

This article originally appeared on Pulmonology Advisor