Introduction: This study explores attitudes and knowledge regarding cannabis legalization and potential harm among outpatient psychiatric patients at Thammasat University Hospital. It explores opinions regarding cannabis legalization and assesses knowledge regarding the adverse effects of cannabis on mental health, focusing on patient awareness of associated risks.
Objectives: To investigate the views, attitudes, knowledge, and understanding of possible adverse effects of cannabis and risk factors among psychiatric patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used, targeting patients over 15 years old attending the mental health clinic between May 31 and October 31, 2023. Purposive sampling was used to select patients diagnosed with primary psychiatric disorders under ICD-10 codes F20-F29, F30-F31, F32-F34, F40-F41, and F43. 423 patients were surveyed using validated questionnaires, including the Burapha University questionnaire and the WHO-Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test for Cannabis V3.
Results: Of the 423 patients, 59.1% were women, 75.95% were single, 80.6% were Buddhist, and 50.15% earned less than 15,000 baht monthly. Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 49.1%; 14.2% had history of cannabis use; 5.2% were current users; and 79.3% of users were at intermediate risk of addiction.
Notably, 82% had poor understanding of cannabis, while 18% had fair knowledge. Influential factors included age, occupation, and history of cannabis use. Perceptions of cannabis were generally fair. Those with higher incomes and those who had used cannabis had more positive perceptions of medical cannabis.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for tailored education and intervention strategies to address knowledge gaps and potential harm associated with cannabis use in this vulnerable population.