Assessing the Market Readiness for Medical Cannabis in Greece: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives
<b>Background:</b> The introduction of medical cannabis in Greece marks a shift in healthcare policy, yet patient attitudes remain underexplored. <b>Methods:</b> This qualitative study examines the market readiness for medical cannabis through semi-structured interviews with...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
|
| Series: | Medicines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/12/2/12 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> The introduction of medical cannabis in Greece marks a shift in healthcare policy, yet patient attitudes remain underexplored. <b>Methods:</b> This qualitative study examines the market readiness for medical cannabis through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants—12 users of cannabidiol (CBD)-based formulations and 12 medical cannabis-naive individuals. <b>Results:</b> CBD-experienced patients generally perceive cannabis-based treatments as beneficial for managing musculoskeletal pain, migraines, anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances, despite concerns over product quality, cost and limited medical guidance. Medical cannabis-naive participants express skepticism due to stigma and perceived insufficient evidence but acknowledge potential therapeutic value within a regulated framework. This study highlights the need for better patient education, physician training and clear regulatory guidelines to support responsible market entry. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings offer important insights for policymakers, healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the need for a structured, evidence-based approach to medical cannabis integration in Greece. Further research is needed to assess long-term patient experiences and the evolving impact of regulatory changes on market dynamics. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2305-6320 |