A growing number of chronic pain patients are turning to medical cannabis—and finding relief without the mental fog that often comes with traditional painkillers, according to a new peer-reviewed study published in Cureus.
The research, conducted by the Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research & Education, examined how people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain are using cannabis, what benefits they’re experiencing, and whether long-term use affects cognitive function.
“Over 80% of participants reported that medical cannabis helped manage their pain,” said Dr. Mohammad Khak, co-author of the study and researcher at the Rothman Institute. “Many also noted improvements in sleep and anxiety, indicating cannabis could provide broader symptom relief than typical pain medications.”
Importantly, 40% of those surveyed reduced their use of traditional analgesics after starting cannabis—some even scaled back their opioid use.
“This suggests cannabis might be a safer alternative or complement to conventional pain management, especially in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Ari Greis, senior author of the study and assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Patients used cannabis in a variety of forms, including oils, vaporizers, and smoked flower. Most had tried conventional treatments without success, turning to cannabis as a last resort when pain became unmanageable. Still, only about 25% of users received a physician’s recommendation, pointing to ongoing challenges in medical cannabis access and acceptance.
“This study underscores barriers such as a lack of physician training, complex regulations, and persistent stigma,” added Dr. Khak.
The study also explored concerns over cognitive side effects. While some patients experienced mild symptoms like dry mouth or fatigue, most reported no serious cognitive impairment—suggesting that medical cannabis can often be used without affecting mental sharpness.
Researchers stressed that while patient-reported outcomes are promising, larger clinical trials are essential to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis for chronic musculoskeletal pain. They also called for improved education for healthcare providers and more streamlined regulations to help guide responsible cannabis use in pain treatment.
