Attitudes and beliefs of medicine and social work students about medical cannabis use for epilepsy

•Most of the participants had no formal education about medical cannabis (MC).•About half of the participants believed that MC is an effective therapy for Epilepsy.•Prior cannabis use was found associated with beliefs about MC effectivity in Epilepsy.•Efforts to develop curricula and training programs should be promoted. The current study sought: (i) to explore whether health profession students possess formal medical cannabis (MC) education, feel prepared to answer questions about MC, and perceive it as an effective therapy for epilepsy; (ii) to assess students’ attitudes and beliefs about MC use; and (iii) to explore the associations between students’ background characteristics, MC-related attitudes and beliefs regarding its effectiveness for epilepsy. A sample of 310 students (141 from medicine and 169 from social work) voluntarily participated in the anonymous online survey. The vast majority (92.5%) indicated they had no formal education about MC, and only 11.2 % reported being prepared to answer clients’ MC-related questions. Participants reported favorable beliefs about MC benefits, the need for training, and recreational marijuana use legalization. Less supportive attitudes were reported regarding MC risks. Prior cannabis use (e.g., self-use, friends, or family) and individuals from a secular background were associated with more positive beliefs about MC benefits and its legalization for recreational purposes. Prior recreational cannabis use [OR=1.541] and having friends who recreationally use the substance [OR=1.891] were associated with the belief that MC is an effective therapy for epilepsy. These findings indicate an urgent need for students’ MC education to provide future physicians and social workers with MC-related capacities. Development of curricula and training programs in Israel are encouraged.