To explore information extent, experience level and possible negative consequences of psychoactive substance use in medical students.

636 medical students were included in the cross-sectional study. All respondents filled in a questionnaire concerning their knowledge, use and negative consequences of use of psychoactive substances.

The most frequent regularly used psychoactive substance was caffeine (49,8 % of all respondents), followed by alcohol (12,7 %) and tobacco (12,6 %). 36,6 % respondents have had at least one experience with any illicit psychoactive substance and the most common illicit drug repeatedly or regularly used was marijuana (11,7 % of respondents). We found a significant link between tobacco and cannabinoid's use as well as between the use of cannabinoids and other illicit drugs. Further analysis showed that students who use specific psychoactive substances have significant risk of developing problems in academic life.

Medical students are interested in psychoactive substances. They are well informed about different types of drugs. We found a high prevalence of psychoactive substance use amongst them, which has significant risk of developing problems in academic life.