Nurse Practitioners Are Missing This Vital Training—And It Could Be Hurting Patients

A recent study reveals a troubling disconnect in the healthcare sector: while a staggering 94% of nurse practitioner (NP) students support the legalization of medical marijuana across the United States, less than a third have received comprehensive education on the subject. This educational gap could lead to significant missed opportunities in patient care, particularly for individuals suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, and other conditions where medical cannabis could offer relief.

The research, conducted by professors at Simmons University’s School of Nursing and published in the September issue of The Nurse Practitioner, surveyed 115 NP students about their views and knowledge on medical marijuana. The findings were stark—although almost all participants (97%) agreed that education on medical marijuana should be a part of NP curricula, only 30% reported having received in-depth training on the topic.

This lack of education has real-world implications. When asked to identify which of 18 medical conditions were approved indications for medical marijuana use, the students’ accurate response rate was disappointingly low. While more than half correctly identified conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, cachexia, nausea/vomiting, PTSD, and epilepsy, the overall understanding of cannabis’s medical applications was insufficient.

The study’s authors argue that with the growing legalization of medical marijuana across various states, NP programs must reevaluate their curricula. Without proper education on the mechanisms of action, indications, and potential adverse reactions of medical marijuana, nurse practitioners may be ill-prepared to discuss or recommend these treatments effectively. This educational gap could lead to underutilization of a potentially beneficial therapy, leaving patients without access to treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life.

This issue is not just academic; it’s a pressing concern for patient care. Conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and epilepsy are notoriously difficult to manage, and patients often seek alternatives when traditional treatments fall short. Medical marijuana has shown promise in alleviating symptoms where other medications fail, yet the lack of comprehensive education means that many nurse practitioners might not even consider it as an option.

The study also aligns with broader trends in the nursing community. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recently praised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for recommending that marijuana be moved to Schedule III, a change that would ease restrictions on research and use of cannabis in clinical settings. Additionally, the ANA has recognized cannabis nursing as a specialty practice area, highlighting the growing importance of cannabis in healthcare.

In light of these developments, the study’s authors call for an urgent reassessment of NP program curricula. By integrating comprehensive education on medical marijuana, nurse practitioners can be better equipped to make informed decisions, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and a more holistic approach to care.

As the landscape of medical marijuana continues to evolve, the healthcare sector must keep pace. Failing to do so risks leaving patients without access to treatments that could significantly enhance their well-being—a missed opportunity that no one can afford.

Do you think nurse practitioner programs should prioritize education on medical marijuana to improve patient care?