TDNet Discover

Abstract: The present study addressed the attitudes and opinions of physician assistant students across Tennessee regarding the legalization of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol following The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill). The purpose of the study aimed to assess the awareness and opinions of physician assistant students about the effects of delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC cannabis strains on treating disease so that formal training can be developed to educate future providers about the possible use of cannabis in their practice. In turn, this formal training would reassure patients that their providers are adequately informed about this newly legalized substance and its potential integration into healthcare, strengthening the patient-provider relationship. An eleven-question, anonymous survey was sent out to Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) representatives across Tennessee which was then forwarded to their respective 2024 and 2025 student cohorts. The survey data was analyzed by the independent researchers of this study and a responder rate of 40-60% or greater was considered sufficient for survey data. It was ultimately found that more research must be done to provide adequate information about the risk versus benefits of using delta-8-THC or delta-9-THC, and its role in the healthcare setting.