New Survey Study Shows Patients Are Okay With Their Doctors Consuming Cannabis Off The Clock

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A new study has found that a majority of patients are comfortable with their physicians using marijuana outside of work—particularly for medical purposes. The research, published in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, surveyed 388 patients at orthopedic clinics in Pennsylvania, where cannabis is currently legal only for medical use.

Nearly 56 percent of respondents expressed comfort with doctors using medical marijuana, while 45 percent felt similarly about recreational use. By contrast, 64 percent approved of alcohol use outside of work, and 57 percent were fine with nicotine use.

Notably, the study found more patients were comfortable with doctors using marijuana than not, especially when it was medically prescribed. “These findings reflect the complex nature of marijuana use in our society, both in legality and social acceptance,” the authors wrote.

The survey population skewed older (average age 55) and predominantly white, reflecting the demographics of the participating clinics. About 60 percent of those surveyed had never used cannabis, and only 11 percent reported frequent use. Yet patients’ own cannabis use and education levels had little impact on their attitudes toward physician use.

Patients showed the strongest disapproval toward recreational cannabis use, with 19 percent expressing strong opposition. However, they also showed the most uncertainty about cannabis compared to other substances—14 percent were unsure about prescribed use, and over 16 percent were unsure about recreational use.

When it came to discussing marijuana and CBD as part of treatment, views were similarly split. Just over half (53%) were open to physicians discussing cannabis use, while 40 percent supported its inclusion in treatment. CBD received slightly higher support, with 55 percent open to discussions.

Researchers noted that the rural, homogeneous sample limits broader generalizations, but the findings may help shape regional policy and inform future studies as cannabis laws continue to evolve across the U.S.

As Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh adult-use legalization, these findings underscore shifting public perceptions—even in traditionally conservative settings.

Read the whole article from MarijuanaMoment here.