Chronic Pain Is the Most Common Reason for Medical Cannabis Use

A Leafwell study found chronic pain as the top condition treated with medical cannabis, although an even greater majority use it for multiple ailments. Demographically, the majority are aged 21-49, with usage spanning diverse ethnic groups. Anxiety and insomnia are also significant drivers in the growing acceptance of cannabis as a versatile, non-addictive therapeutic option.

According to a report by Leafwell, an online cannabis dispensary, 32% of patients using medical cannabis in the United States cited chronic pain as their primary condition, followed by anxiety (26.8%) and insomnia (18.5%). The study analyzed data from over 81,000 patients across 32 U.S. states, offering insights into the demographics and conditions treated with medical cannabis.

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Prevalence of Multiple Conditions Among Patients

One of the report’s most striking findings is that more than 58% of chronic pain patients use medical cannabis to manage two or more conditions simultaneously. While chronic pain is the leading reason, other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (11.2%), are also significant factors driving the use of medical cannabis.

The study’s data reveal trends related to the demographic characteristics of medical cannabis users. Chronic pain patient ages vary widely, but two-thirds fall between 21 and 49 years old, with an average age of 40. Approximately 51.1% of medical cannabis cardholders were men, while 48.9% were women.

The study also examined the ethnic representation of cardholders. The majority were white (71.5%), followed by Black individuals (10.4%) and Hispanic individuals (8.4%), with 7.1% identifying as “other.” The report highlights specific trends within chronic pain these groups; for instance, chronic pain is more frequently reported by non-Hispanic white and Black patients, while anxiety is more prevalent among Hispanic patients.

Chronic Pain: A Persistent Challenge

The high prevalence of chronic pain among patients using medical cannabis aligns with broader health data. Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to a diminished quality of life.

Traditional chronic pain treatments, such as opioids, carry risks of addiction and side effects, making medical cannabis an appealing alternative for many. The Leafwell report underscores the scale of this issue and emphasizes the need for accessible, non-addictive therapeutic options like cannabis.

Beyond Chronic Pain

Beyond chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia are significant reasons for medical cannabis use. Anxiety, cited by more than a quarter of patients, is an increasingly pressing concern in today’s fast-paced world.

Insomnia, affecting millions of people, disrupts sleep cycles and overall health. Medical cannabis provides a natural option for managing conditions besides chronic pain, offering relief without the risks associated with some pharmaceutical treatments.

The Leafwell report ultimately reflects the growing acceptance of medical cannabis in the United States for treating chronic pain along with the diversity of conditions it addresses, and its broad demographic reach.

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(Featured image by Kindel Media via Pexels)

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