Religion in Russia: Its impact on university student medical cannabis attitudes and beliefs

Abstract

Despite significant research, the benefits and risks of cannabis for medical purposes remain elusive. However, there is one factor about the substance that is clear - there is a dearth of knowledge about attitudes and beliefs toward its use in Russia where the substance in any form is strictly prohibited. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of affiliation with religion on university student attitudes and beliefs toward cannabis for medical conditions. Survey data were collected from 828 medical and allied health students at two Russian universities. Findings indicate that students with a religious affiliation were significantly more likely to express negative attitudes towards medical cannabis.

Keywords: Cannabis; Religion; Russia; University students.