The majority of physicians believe medical marijuana should be nationally legalized and that it can offer patients real benefits, according to a 2014 survey by WebMD and Medscapes. Currently, medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Medical marijuana is most commonly used to treat seizure disorders, chronic pain from injuries or medical conditions such as cancer, nausea from medication and multiple sclerosis.
While evidence of the possible health benefits of marijuana is not substantial, this may be due to limitations on research by the federal government, according to WebMD. However, anecdotal evidence about the positive effects of a special strain of marijuana on epileptic seizures has increased calls for research. The Epilepsy Foundation recently requested the Drug Enforcement Administration relax its restrictions on medical marijuana to allow it to be studied properly.
The survey analyzed responses from 1,544 physicians from more than 12 specialties and 48 states. Findings from the survey are listed below.
General findings
- Sixty-nine percent of physicians believe medical marijuana can help with certain treatments and conditions.
- Sixty-seven percent say it should be a medical option for patients.
- Fifty-six percent support making it legal nationwide.
- Fifty percent of physicians in states where it is not legal say it should be legal in their states.
- Fifty-two percent of physicians in states considering new laws say it should be legal in their states.
Specialty-specific findings
- Oncologists and hematologists showed the highest level of support with 82 percent saying medical marijuana delivers real benefits to patients and that it should be a medical option for patients.
- Rheumatologists gave medical marijuana the lowest ranking, with only 54 percent saying medical marijuana delivers benefits to patients.
- Neurologists reported the highest number of patients inquiring about the benefits of medical marijuana (70 percent).
- Oncologists and hematologists had the second highest level of patient inquiries and ophthalmologists had the third highest.