The conversation on medical cannabis has changed recently, and this is also the case in Europe. A ground-breaking Belgian investigation has yielded important new information. It has shown the prevalent beliefs, gaps in understanding, and impact of social trust. Furthermore, a thorough poll carried out in Germany emphasizes all the difficulties. Delving into the results of these research, we see how opinions toward medical cannabis are changing and acquire a thorough understanding of the European scene. Now that we have reviewed the prior knowledge, we can move forward to 2024.
Belgium’s viewpoint: social trust and knowledge gaps
The 656 participants in the Belgian study expressed a generally good attitude toward medicinal cannabis. Positive behavioral intentions were present, as were positive perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of medical cannabis. Nonetheless, a significant knowledge gap was found, suggesting a lack of comprehension of the subjective and objective features of medical marijuana. The necessity for extensive education and awareness programs to close the gap between perception and truth is highlighted by this knowledge deficit.
Opinions were found to be significantly shaped by social trust. Increased views of the hazards and decreased perceptions of the benefits of medical cannabis were correlated with higher social trust. Three main groups within the community were identified by the study: cautious, optimistic, and exuberant. This highlights the variety of viewpoints that exist, with openness to medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic alternative being influenced by age and education.
Germany: views from the medical community
Germany is a major player in the European medicinal cannabis market, having legalized the drug in 2017. The survey conducted by Cantourage in 20 major German cities shows a range of viewpoints regarding cannabis therapy among general practitioners. The study’s imaginary patient case with sleep issues was the focal point, and the answers differed greatly between cities.
those with higher rates of physician rejection were Hannover, Bochum, and Dresden; those with higher acceptance rates were Düsseldorf and Münster. The poll also revealed differences in beliefs regarding the efficacy of cannabis in treating sleep disorders, with some medical professionals voicing doubts. Cantourage’s Florian Wesemann challenged the idea that cannabis is ineffectual for specific ailments by highlighting the plant’s wide range of therapeutic applications.
Europe overview: country-by-country analysis
A Statista research that involved 2,000–6,000 individuals from different nations between October 2022 and September 2023 provided a more comprehensive view of Europe. The purpose of the study was to find out what people between the ages of 18 and 64 thought of medical marijuana as a therapeutic.
With 42% indicating a readiness to investigate medical cannabis as an alternative medicine, Poland emerged as a leader in acceptance. Switzerland, Austria, and Germany came next, all with acceptance rates of about 37%. Even while acceptance rates in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and France were lower—between 20% and 26%—these data nevertheless show that these countries’ populations have a sizable interest in medical cannabis.
What’s in it for 2024?
The year 2023 has offered a thorough overview of how the European population views medical marijuana. It was portraying a complex picture formed by disparities in expert opinions, societal trust, and knowledge gaps. It is imperative that we address these issues through focused educational initiatives and candid conversations as we approach 2024. As a result, it will promote a more knowledgeable and tolerant attitude toward medicinal marijuana throughout Europe. The changing environment indicates that future developments regarding the adoption of medical cannabis in the area will be greatly influenced by ongoing study and transparent communication. We may observe that nations, like Ukraine, are becoming more accommodating when it comes to medical marijuana. Will it happen more frequently?