O-10 Primary care patients’awareness and perceptions of medicinal cannabis in Barbados

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 404 adult primary care patients (M 162, F 242; response rate 79.2%) was conducted from January to February 2025 across nine government polyclinics in Barbados Polyclinics were stratified by patient volume with proportional allocation; within each, every third eligible patient was systematically recruited. A validated questionnaire assessed awareness, perceptions (Cronbach’s α=0.857), prior use, and healthcare provider communication (Cronbach’s α=0.707). Chi-square tests, t-tests and ANOVA examined demographic associations.

Results: Only 16.8% (n=68) were aware of any legal medicinal cannabis product available in Barbados.. Familiarity with medical uses declined significantly with age: (χ²(12)=38.01, p<0.001): 45.1% of those aged 25–34 reported familiarity compared with 16.4% of those aged ≥55. Despite low awareness, 80.2% (n=324) supported easier access and 64.1% (n=259) believed medicinal cannabis improved health conditions. Mean perception scores differed significantly by age (F(4,399)=6.605, p<0.001); adults aged 25–44 years held more positive perceptions (mean 3.75–3.79) than those ≥55 (mean 3.41; Tukey HSD p<0.001). Awareness did not differ by gender (p=0.842) or religion (p=0.341). Only 8.9% (n=36) reported prior use; among users 43% cited pain relief. The leading barrier was insufficient information (28.8%), followed by addiction concerns (25%) and safety concerns (25%); stigma accounted for less than 5%. Despite 68.1% (n=275) trusting physician-provided information and 66.8% expressing willingness to try if prescribed, only 3.5% (n=14) had ever discussed medicinal cannabis with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: Five years post-legalization, primary care patients in Barbados remain largely unaware of medicinal cannabis yet demonstrate openness to physician-guideduse. The most frequently reported barrier was lack of information, not stigma Findings underscore the need for targeted public education, structured clinician training, and evidence-based practice guidelines. . Results provide baseline data for Caribbean nations implementing similar reforms.