Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41592835›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2026

Understanding the acceptance of medical marijuana among Malaysian adults: a cross-sectional online survey.

Abu Bakar Rahman, Nurul Athirah Naserrudin, Zamtira Seman, Zaikiah Mohd Zin, Rahmat Dapari, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Azman Ab Rashid, Mariatul Umeera Muhd Dahaban, Nadia Hani Jahaya, Hema Balamurugan and 1 more

Abstract read
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Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Abu Bakar Rahman *Institute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia abubakar.rahman@moh.gov.my.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2259-3009
Nurul Athirah Naserrudin *Institute for Health System Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Zamtira SemanSector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Zaikiah Mohd ZinHealth Education Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Rahmat DapariCommunity Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
Mohd Rohaizat HassanDepartment of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Azman Ab RashidInstitute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Mariatul Umeera Muhd DahabanInstitute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Nadia Hani JahayaInstitute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Hema BalamuruganInstitute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Manimaran KrishnanInstitute for Health Behavioral Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGlobal discussions surrounding the medical use of marijuana have gained momentum; yet in Malaysia, cannabis remains strictly prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Despite its legal status, there is growing public discourse on its potential therapeutic benefits. Understanding public acceptance is critical for informing future health policies and public education efforts.

methodsThis study used a cross-sectional design, web-based survey among Malaysians aged 18 years and above using convenience and snowball sampling methods. The survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors (eg, smoking and drug use), awareness of medical marijuana and perceived risk. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with acceptance of medical marijuana decriminalisation.

resultsOut of 2047 respondents, 88.4% supported medical marijuana decriminalisation based on clinical evidence. Key predictors of acceptance included male gender (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.71; 95% CI 1.29 to 2.26), higher education (Bachelor's degree AOR 1.56; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.23 and Master's/PhD AOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.34 to 3.10), self-employment (AOR 1.84; 95% CI 1.22 to 2.77) and private sector employment (AOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.89). Behavioural factors, such as smoking (AOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.27), prior drug use (AOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.67) and low perceived risk (AOR 5.82; 95% CI 3.48 to 9.73), were also significantly associated with acceptance.

conclusionsA large proportion of Malaysian adults supported the clinical use of medical marijuana. Acceptance was strongly associated with demographic and behavioural factors, particularly gender, education and perceived risk. These findings may guide the development of targeted public health education and inform future discussions on regulatory approaches in Malaysia.

Indexed as

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeMedical MarijuanaAdolescentAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansLogistic ModelsMalaysiaMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultMedical MarijuanaCross-Sectional StudiesHealthSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID41592835
PMCPMC12853548

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.