A new survey of nearly 400 healthcare professionals in Washington state has exposed the growing pressure that cannabis health risks are placing on frontline clinicians. Many say they lack the training and resources to respond effectively.

Published in the Substance Use and Addiction Journal, the study drew responses from 388 doctors, nurses and other health professionals between December 2024 and March 2025. Researchers believe it is the first study in the United States to ask clinicians directly about treating patients with cannabis-related adverse health effects.

Cannabis Health Risks Hiding in Plain Sight

Nearly one in five respondents saw patients with cannabis-related adverse health effects two to three times per month. More than half expressed strong concern about the mental health dimension of cannabis use. Researchers say those numbers should prompt urgent attention from policymakers and health systems.

“Healthcare providers are noticing, and concerned about, cannabis adverse events,” said Beatriz Carlini, lead author and research associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Four conditions came up most often among patients presenting with cannabis health risks:

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome affected 70% of clinicians’ patients. The condition triggers repeated cycles of severe nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and long emergency department stays.

Cannabis use disorder, a pattern of addiction or dependency, appeared in 65% of respondents’ caseloads.

Anxiety tied to cannabis use turned up in 63% of clinicians’ patients.

Psychosis or hallucinations showed up for 53% of respondents. Notably, 34% called this the most serious cannabis-related adverse health effect they see in practice.

Why Clinicians Are Underprepared for Cannabis Health Risks

The survey revealed significant training gaps. When clinicians rated their own knowledge on cannabis-related topics, the most common answer was “moderately knowledgeable.” That word does a lot of heavy lifting.

Nearly 66% reported little or no knowledge about how cannabis interacts with other medications. Over 42% had limited understanding of cannabis-induced psychosis. Nearly 75% wanted more training on screening for cannabis use and managing related health risks.

These are not minor gaps. The healthcare system has not kept pace with the scale of cannabis health risks now reaching clinical settings.

System Barriers Worsening Cannabis-Related Adverse Health Effects

Clinicians also pointed to structural problems. Over 80% said clearer treatment protocols and better referral options would make them more likely to screen and intervene.

The shortage of cannabis care specialists adds further strain. Substance use services already face heavy demand from opioid and methamphetamine disorders, as well as alcohol. Cannabis, widely seen as low risk, falls lower on the priority list. People who seek help often do not get it.

“This reflects a systemwide lack of response to a drug that has become more potent and more available,” Carlini said. “There has been no capacity-building to properly respond in the healthcare setting.”

A Legal Market Without a Safety Net

Washington state legalised cannabis for recreational use in 2012. The study does not track whether cannabis-related adverse health effects have risen since legalisation, but Carlini noted that research from other regions points in that direction.

Cannabis is more accessible and more potent than ever. The healthcare system’s ability to respond has not grown with it. Frontline clinicians absorb the consequences daily, often without the knowledge, tools or support they need.

Training needs to improve. Protocols need to exist. Referral options need to expand. Until those things happen, patients at risk from cannabis health risks will keep falling through the gaps.

Source: newsroom