Cannabis Content in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy Curriculums in the United States

Abstract

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and its use is becoming more popular with the legalization of medical marijuana. Currently, 36/50 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. These changes have allowed for more cannabis-related research to be conducted. It is unknown how health professional education programs such as physical therapy and athletic training have integrated cannabis-related curriculum into their students’ training. This study aimed to identify how physical therapy and athletic training education programs are approaching teaching students about cannabis-related topics. Methods: There were 111 individuals from 40 states who responded to the survey (Males=53; Female=58), including 88 athletic training and 23 physical therapy faculty. Methods: An email was sent to all program directors of athletic training and physical therapy programs in the US with a Qualtrics survey link for faculty to complete. The 23-item questionnaire included closed-ended questions on demographics, where they sought cannabis-related information, and whether program curriculum includes cannabis-related topics. Frequencies were computed for sources of cannabis-related information and whether program curriculum includes cannabis-related topics. Results: Sixty (53.5%) participants stated they have not received information or completed any training related to cannabis. Of those receiving information or completing training (n=51), the most common sources of information were live lectures (n=23), peer-reviewed manuscripts (n=24), and social media/news (n=21). Also, 43 (38%) participants noted teaching cannabis-related topics in their curriculum. However, 33 participants reported either not completing training related to cannabis or being self-educated through the current literature. Conclusions: These results suggest program faculty may benefit from formal cannabis education in an effort to adequately integrate the content into curriculums.