Study: Public Support for Medical Cannabis in Poland is Above 80%, but Clinical Integration Still Lags

Researchers from the Medical University of Warsaw conducted a cross-sectional survey in July 2025 on a nationally representative sample of 1,113 adults. The results show that 81.1% of respondents support the legalization of medical cannabis, and 84.3% said they would undergo cannabinoid-based therapy if medically recommended. Despite this strong support, only 4.2% reported ever receiving a physician’s recommendation for medical cannabis. The study also highlights low confidence in the healthcare system’s preparedness. Just 29.9% of respondents believed doctors in Poland have sufficient knowledge about medical cannabis, and only 16.1% felt patients are adequately informed. Respondents most often associated medical cannabis with oncological conditions (57.4%) and chronic pain (49.8%).

Support for home cultivation under physician supervision was tied to prior medical cannabis use, younger age, male gender, and living in large cities. Interestingly, older adults—particularly those over 50—were more likely to back legalization, while those aged 30–39 and individuals with moderate household income expressed less acceptance.

The findings underscore a disconnect between widespread public support and the realities of clinical practice. Surveys of physicians in Poland indicate that more than 60% have had no formal training in cannabinoid-based therapies, and over 70% feel unprepared to advise patients. This lack of physician knowledge, combined with cost barriers and product consistency issues, has hindered broader implementation.

The authors conclude that bridging the gap between public demand and medical practice will require comprehensive physician training, evidence-based clinical guidelines, and high-quality research to inform treatment standards. Without these steps, the legalization of medical cannabis in Poland will remain largely symbolic, with limited impact on patient care.