Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain: Patient Demographics, Perceptions, and Use Patterns in Florida

Objective: Medical cannabis (MC) use has expanded rapidly, with chronic pain (CP) as a main reason for use. However, evidence on benefits and risks of MC use is conflicting due to factors like individual differences and product variability. This study compared the demographics of MC users with CP to those with other conditions, assessed perceived therapeutic benefit and risks of MC (effectiveness, changes in prescription opioid use, side effects), and examined product use patterns (methods of use, CBD:THC ratio, strain, dose). Method: Data were from the Medical Marijuana & Me (M3) cross-sectional survey of adults (≥ 18 years) certified for MC in Florida. Individuals reporting CP as a main reason for MC use comprised the CP group; all others comprised the non-CP group. In total, 632 individuals were included (278 CP, 354 non-CP). Analyses included descriptive analyses, chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression models to assess group differences. Results: MC users with CP were older, used MC primarily for medical reasons, and were more likely to have health insurance compared to those without CP. Most individuals with CP experienced pain relief (94%), especially with flower, vape, and edibles. Among individuals using prescription opioids, most reported a reduction or discontinuation of opioids. Side effects were generally mild. Product use patterns were mostly similar between groups, though certain edible products were more common in the CP group. Conclusions: This study identifies condition-specific patient demographics, perceptions, and patterns of MC use for CP, with most reporting pain improvement and manageable side effects. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal research to guide dosing and optimize patient care.