Emergency department providers’ perspectives on patients’ use of cannabis: therapeutic potential, risks, and prescribing experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Cannabis legalization in Canada has increased both therapeutic and recreational use. Emergency department (ED) providers encounter patients using cannabis recreationally, to self-manage symptoms, or under medical authorization, often without a clear distinction between these contexts at the point of care. However, provider attitudes toward cannabis in the emergency setting remain poorly understood, and no Canadian studies have specifically explored this group. This knowledge gap limits the development of clinical guidance and education for ED staff. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of physicians and nurses working in the Adult Emergency Department at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, from October 2024 to February 2025. The survey evaluated attitudes toward legalization and medical use, perceived legal, social, and health risks, and prescribing experience. Descriptive statistics were used. Survey reporting followed best practice guidelines. Results Forty-five providers completed the survey. Most (71.1%) supported legalization, and 86.7% believed cannabis has therapeutic value. Nearly all (95.6%) agreed that eligible patients should have access to cannabis. Legal (91.1%) and social (77.3%) risks were perceived as low, while views on health risks varied; 38.6% perceived moderate or high health risks. No participants had prescribed cannabis, although 42.2% were in prescribing roles. Conclusion This is the first study to examine Canadian ED provider attitudes toward cannabis. While most respondents supported legalization (71.1%) and endorsed the therapeutic potential of cannabis (86.7%), with nearly all (95.6%) agreeing that eligible patients should have access, prescribing experience was limited, and many of those surveyed held uncertain or mixed views on cannabis safety, particularly relative to prescription pain medications. These findings highlight the need for targeted education, clinical tools, and evidence-based guidance to support cannabis-related care in emergency settings.