GCRC launches global survey on healthcare cannabis knowledge

The Global Cannabinoid Research Center has opened a survey for healthcare workers worldwide to gauge what clinicians know about cannabinoids, patient questions and fast-changing U.S. cannabis rules. The study begins as federal policy shifts take effect in late 2026, making the results a snapshot of provider readiness during a major transition.

Why it matters: - The Global Cannabinoid Research Center wants to find out whether healthcare workers are ready to answer patient questions about cannabis, CBD and cannabinoids as federal rules change. - The survey could help identify education gaps, policy awareness gaps and practical barriers that affect patient care. - Results may show how clinical knowledge changes while new U.S. cannabis regulations are being implemented.

What happened: - The Global Cannabinoid Research Center launched the Clinician and Healthcare Survey Study for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, staff and students. - The anonymous 21-question survey is open to adults who work, train or study in healthcare anywhere in the world. - The survey asks about cannabinoids, plant medicine, the endocannabinoid system and rapidly changing federal cannabis policy.

The details: - The survey takes about five minutes to complete. - Participants are asked about patient questions involving cannabis and cannabinoids, confidence discussing those substances and awareness of federal regulatory changes. - The study also examines barriers to cannabinoid discussions in healthcare, including insufficient clinical evidence, regulatory uncertainty, institutional policies, product quality, lack of education, dosing questions, drug interaction concerns, stigma and insurance coverage. - The survey asks which educational formats healthcare professionals would use, including online modules, webinars, workshops, written guides, video, podcasts and conference sessions. - GCRC says the survey does not collect names, contact information or patient information, and it does not store IP addresses with responses. - Participants can separately provide an email address if they want the eventual study summary, and GCRC says that information is stored separately from survey responses. - Results are expected to be published through the Global Cannabinoid Research Center Research Blog during and after the study closes. - GCRC thanked Creaeza, LLC for development and technical work on the project. - GCRC said Creaeza helped build the digital infrastructure for the study and improve the participant experience. - Creaeza is described as a full-cycle digital agency offering web development, application development, digital marketing, search engine optimization, design, automation and digital strategy services.

Between the lines: - The survey is being fielded during a period of major regulatory change, which gives the study a live-test quality rather than a retrospective one. - Federal Schedule III actions have changed the status of certain FDA-approved marijuana products and state-regulated medical marijuana. - Additional federal changes affecting hemp-derived cannabinoid products are scheduled for November and December 2026. - Because responses are dated, researchers can compare healthcare awareness before and after the new framework takes effect. - Mike Robinson, GCRC founder and Nanobles CEO, said the study is designed to measure what healthcare professionals actually know instead of assuming they are prepared. - Robinson said patients have been asking healthcare professionals about cannabis, CBD and cannabinoids for years, but the healthcare system’s readiness remains unclear.

What's next: - Federal provisions affecting certain cannabinoid products begin taking effect Nov. 12, 2026. - Additional changes to the federal definition of hemp, including new total THC provisions and a 0.4 milligram per container threshold for certain final hemp-derived cannabinoid products, are scheduled for Dec. 11, 2026. - The survey remains open through Feb. 28, 2027. - GCRC will analyze responses as the regulatory changes unfold and publish findings after the survey closes.

The bottom line: - GCRC is using a global clinician survey to measure how prepared the healthcare workforce is for a fast-moving shift in cannabis policy and patient demand.