Medical Marijuana Helps Most Chronic Pain Patients, New Study Confirms
A new peer-reviewed study has found that a significant majority of medical marijuana users experience meaningful relief from chronic musculoskeletal pain. Conducted in Pennsylvania and published in Cureus, the research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting cannabis as a safe and effective pain management tool.
80% of Patients Report Pain Relief
According to the study, over 80% of participants said that medical cannabis helped them manage chronic pain. Most respondents also noted improvements in related symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia—suggesting that cannabis could provide broader therapeutic benefits than traditional pain medications.
“These findings point to the possibility that cannabis could serve as a safer alternative or complement to conventional pain management strategies,” said Dr. Ari Greis, senior author of the study and a professor of orthopedic surgery at Drexel University. Dr. Greis is also on the board of the Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research & Education.
Long-Term Use Is Common and Well-Tolerated
Nearly 78% of participants in the study had used medical cannabis for more than two years. The most common usage frequency was daily (28%), followed closely by two to three times per day (23%).
Importantly, the majority of patients felt their usage was stable and did not need adjustment. About 86% said they had never felt the need to reduce their cannabis intake, and nearly 100% reported that no one in their life had suggested they cut back.
Topicals and Edibles Among Preferred Forms
The form in which patients consumed cannabis varied. Topical applications—such as creams and ointments—were the most popular method, used by 63.5% of participants. Other common forms included capsules, edibles, oils, and tinctures, used regularly by just under half of the respondents.
More intense concentrates like dabs or wax were rarely used—only 9.3% of patients reported trying them. This suggests that most users prefer milder, more manageable forms of cannabis.
Dosage Awareness Remains Low
A significant number of users—roughly half—were unsure of the exact amount of THC or CBD they consumed. Among those who did know, the average oral dose was about 10 mg of either cannabinoid.
This gap in dosage knowledge could be due to inconsistent labeling across products or a lack of patient education. It also highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans and clearer product information.
Cognitive and Mood Effects Generally Mild or Positive
Most patients said cannabis had no noticeable effect on their thinking or coordination. Specifically, 72.1% reported no cognitive or motor impairment. A smaller group (12.4%) experienced some mental fog or reduced coordination but still found the symptom relief worthwhile.
Only 2.3% of users were dissatisfied, reporting negative cognitive effects without any meaningful pain improvement.
Additionally, many respondents noted a positive impact on their mood, further supporting cannabis as a multifaceted therapeutic option.
A Safer Alternative in the Fight Against Opioids?
The findings arrive as the medical community continues to search for safer alternatives to opioids. Organizations like the Rothman Opioid Foundation advocate for informed prescribing practices and support research into non-opioid treatments like cannabis.
The stability, perceived safety, and multi-symptom relief reported by patients in this study add to the argument that medical marijuana deserves a more prominent role in pain management strategies.
Related Reading
If you’re interested in how cannabis treatment can be tailored to individual needs or its effects in other medical scenarios, explore these related articles:
- Cannabis Genetics Could Personalize Treatment Plans for Pain Relief
- Medical Marijuana Shows Promise in Supporting Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients
- In-Depth Analysis: How Medical Cannabis Eases Musculoskeletal Pain
FAQ – Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain
Q1: Is medical marijuana effective for all types of chronic pain?
A1: This study focused on musculoskeletal pain, and while results were positive, effectiveness can vary depending on the pain source and individual biology. Personalized approaches are recommended.
Q2: Are there any risks of cognitive side effects from cannabis use?
A2: Most users in the study reported no cognitive impairment, but about 12% experienced mild issues such as decreased coordination or slower thinking. These effects were generally not severe enough to stop treatment.
Q3: What forms of cannabis are most commonly used by patients?
A3: Topical applications like creams were the most popular, followed by edibles, tinctures, and capsules. More potent forms like concentrates were rarely used.
Q4: Is long-term cannabis use safe?
A4: According to the study, long-term use was well tolerated. Most patients reported stable usage patterns and no desire to reduce their consumption over time.
