# Decriminalization of cannabis use in South Africa: The perspectives and health outcomes among medical students; A systematic qualitative review

## TL;DR

This review explores how South African medical students view cannabis decriminalization and its health effects, highlighting the need for more focused research.

## Contribution

The study provides a systematic qualitative synthesis of South African medical students' perspectives on cannabis decriminalization and its health impacts.

## Key findings

- Medical students have diverse opinions on cannabis decriminalization and its health effects.
- Themes identified include health impacts, perceptions of decriminalization, educational influences, and access to support services.
- Decriminalization may influence medical students' attitudes and behaviors regarding cannabis use.

## Abstract

The decriminalization of cannabis in South Africa has sparked growing concern within the medical community, particularly among medical students. As future healthcare providers, they must navigate evolving legal and professional landscapes while forming beliefs about the health effects of cannabis use. This legal shift has intensified debates surrounding the benefits, risks, and health consequences of cannabis, especially in relation to mental well-being, academic performance, and professional identity.

This systematic qualitative review aimed to synthesize existing literature on South African medical students’ perceptions of cannabis decriminalization and their views on its health-related impacts. The review seeks to clarify how medical students interpret the effects of cannabis use on mental and physical health and how these beliefs shape their professional attitudes and behaviors.

A systematic search and thematic synthesis were conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect for literature published between 2010 and 2024. Studies were eligible if they focused on cannabis or marijuana use, included South African medical students, and discussed perspectives or health impacts in the context of decriminalization. Data were extracted, coded line-by-line, and synthesized to generate descriptive and analytical themes.

Four studies met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) Health impacts (Mental and Physical); (2) perceptions and attitudes toward decriminalization; (3) educational influences and awareness; and (4) access to support services.

This study emphasized the need for more focused research on the impact of cannabis decriminalization on medical students in South Africa. Current literature suggests that while there are diverse opinions on the subject, the decriminalization of cannabis may influence both attitudes and behaviors.