What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: CBD.

Where was this research published?

Published in Substance use : research and treatment on August 27, 2026.

A short course boosts pharmacists’ confidence on hemp products

Q: What did this research study find?

Before training, pharmacists reported **low perceived knowledge and confidence** about *kratom* and *hemp-derived cannabinoids*, including their uses, risks, and legal status.

Pharmacists' Perceived Knowledge of Kratom and Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Before and after Education.

Substance use : research and treatment • August 27, 2026 • Relevant

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AI Summary

An exploratory survey found that Texas pharmacists generally felt they had limited knowledge about kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids before a continuing-education session. Most had rarely been asked about kratom, while questions about hemp-derived cannabinoids were more common but still infrequent. Pharmacists also reported uncertainty about the substances’ uses, risks, legal status, and the distinctions among cannabis-related terms.

After a live, one-hour educational presentation, perceived knowledge and confidence in counseling patients improved across all five measured areas, with all changes statistically significant (p<0.0001). The study measured pharmacists’ perceptions rather than objective knowledge or patient outcomes, but it suggests that targeted education may help healthcare professionals respond more effectively when cannabis-related products come up. The low frequency of patient discussions also supports concerns that people who use these substances may not routinely tell their healthcare providers.

💡 Key Findings

Before training, pharmacists reported low perceived knowledge and confidence about kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including their uses, risks, and legal status.

Good

65%

Following a one-hour education session, perceived knowledge and counseling self-efficacy improved across all five measured areas; every change was statistically significant (p<0.0001).

Good

65%

Most pharmacists were rarely asked about kratom, and discussions about hemp-derived cannabinoids were also limited, suggesting that users may not routinely disclose their use to healthcare providers.

Good

60%

The findings support targeted professional education, but they reflect perceived knowledge rather than objectively tested knowledge or patient outcomes.

High

80%

📄 Original Abstract

Kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid use has increased in the United States. Assess pharmacists' perceived knowledge of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids and whether it improved following continuing education. This cross-sectional survey was administered to participants immediately before and after attending a live, one-hour continuing education presentation regarding the pharmacology, uses, risks, and legality of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids. The novel, investigator-designed, literature-informed survey assessed the frequency with which they were asked about kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids in practice, perceived knowledge of the uses, risks, and legality of these substances, and participant's perceived self-efficacy regarding counseling patients about them. The post-education survey also contained questions regarding perceived training value. Any pharmacist who attended the presentation and acknowledged consent was eligible to participate. Non-pharmacist attendees were excluded. In total, 99 participants completed the pre-education survey and 63 the post-education survey. Most were never (81.8%) asked about kratom, while about half (48.5%) were never asked about hemp-derived cannabinoids, with 45.5% asked twice per month or less. Prior to education, most pharmacists did not feel confident discussing common uses, risks, or legal/regulatory status of kratom or hemp-derived cannabinoids and had limited understanding of distinctions between cannabis-related terms. Median pre-education scores ranged from 1-2 (out of 5) across all items. Following education, perceived knowledge and self-efficacy improved across all five items (all p<0.0001), each with post-education medians of 4. This exploratory study indicated that Texas pharmacists' perceived knowledge of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids was low, but significantly improved following education on the topic. It also indicated they are not often asked about these substances in day-to-day practice, corroborating previous research that people who use these substances rarely discuss their use with their healthcare providers.