{
  "abstract": "Background and Importance In recent years, the legal status of medical cannabis (MC) has changed significantly, making it accessible to many patients worldwide. However, in many countries, its use remains prohibited creating the need to explore its potential use in this region targeting the challenges of integration into the healthcare system.Aim and Objectives This study aims to explore physicians’ knowledge, perception and willingness to prescribe MC in the healthcare system.Material and Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians from specialities where there is a potential for prescribing MC. The interview guide was developed based on a literature search and the integrated – Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants via LinkedIn professional network. Thematic analysis using i-PARIHS framework as a coding tree was conducted.Results Nine interviews were conducted with multiple specialities. Participants had positive views about the use of MC in the healthcare system despite variable cultural and religious challenges, suggesting the establishment of robust implementation infrastructure. The need for structured training and education for physicians arose given the general lack of knowledge about the employment of MC in clinical practice.Conclusion and Relevance This study explored physicians’ perspectives on MC use. The importance of careful planning and infrastructure development was emphasised along with creating strategies that align international guidelines with local needs. These insights offer guidance for policymakers and healthcare administrators to develop evidence-based, culturally appropriate frameworks allowing MC integration in the healthcare system.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "N Hashad"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo, Egypt"
      ],
      "name": "HM Mohamed"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "L Al Hajri"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Scda, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "A Almaazmi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "M Almehairi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "S Alraeesi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "R Alzarooni"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Higher Colleges of Technology, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "S Alkhaldi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Fakeeh University Hospital, Pharmacy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates"
      ],
      "name": "W Ahmed"
    }
  ],
  "title": "4CPS-280 A qualitative exploration of physicians’ knowledge and perception about the use of medical cannabis",
  "uid": "b953d324-d30c-5f0e-ae9d-34eed3f115eb"
}