Implementation of medicinal cannabis in Australia: Innovation or upheaval? Perspectives from physicians as key informants, a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objective We sought to explore physician perspectives on the prescribing of cannabinoids to patients to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by prescriber and public health advisors in the rollout of medicinal cannabis. Design A thematic qualitative analysis of 21 in-depth interviews was undertaken to explore the narrative on the policy and practice of medicinal cannabis prescribing. The analysis used the Diffusion of Innovations (DoI) theoretical framework to model the conceptualisation of the rollout of medicinal cannabis in the Australian context. Setting Informants from the states and territories of Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, and Queensl..