Exploring perceptions of cannabis use and employment implications among healthcare workers: a single-institution experience

Cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, and its implications extend into many facets of society, including healthcare. Despite legal and societal shifts toward the acceptance of cannabis, healthcare professionals face ethical and legal complexities related to cannabis use. Understanding perceptions of cannabis use within the healthcare community is essential for developing informed drug policies in healthcare settings. The objective of this study was to better understand the changing perceptions of recreational and medical cannabis use on employment within the healthcare community. In September 2023, a team of residents and faculty conducted an anonymous descriptive survey study targeting residents, attending physicians, and administrative staff at HonorHealth in the Phoenix metropolitan area (Arizona, USA). The survey included questions on participants’ roles in the healthcare community, their knowledge of cannabis and cannabis testing policies, and their opinions on the permissibility of cannabis use in various workplace scenarios. The survey results were summarized via descriptive statistics. The survey received 80 responses from 258 potential respondents, yielding a 31% response rate. The survey indicated familiarity among respondents with cannabis products, support for removing cannabis from pre-employment screening, and disapproval of employment termination following positive tests, particularly for medical cannabis use. The findings suggest that healthcare institutions need more information about cannabis use in these environments and highlight areas for policy review and further research to inform evidence-based approaches to drug policies that balance ethical considerations and the well-being of healthcare professionals.