Virtual Education as an Academic Model in the Use of Medical Cannabis in Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Background: There is a global tendency to decriminalize the use of cannabis, either medical or recreational. Colombia is no exception and from 2016 it has been legal to produce and prescribe medical cannabis. Nonetheless, like it has happened in other countries, there appears to be neglect to medical education on the subject. Methods: A Situational analysis was conducted, in which bibliography sources were revised, a survey and questionnaire were conducted, a focus group was developed, a normogram designed and available courses were revised. Results: The legal framework facilitates the production and prescription of medical cannabis, the survey, the questionnaire, and the focus group all converged on the fact that medical education is not adequate and guidelines for an adequate course were proposed, the courses available did not meet the quality criteria established. Conclusions: Even though Colombia has the legal framework to produce and prescribe medical cannabis, its doctors are not prepared academically to do so. This subject should be strengthened and included in the medical pensum of the different local universities.