Most chronic pain patients in Ohio were willing to try medical marijuana and wanted to reduce opioid use | Research

The takeaway

Among 242 chronic pain patients surveyed in Ohio, 84% were willing to consider medical marijuana, 68% wanted to use less opioids, and 94% would follow their pain specialist's recommendations about concurrent use.

Pain management specialists, patients with chronic pain considering medical cannabis, and policymakers in states with medical marijuana programs.

84% of chronic pain patients willing to try medical marijuana

What the researchers found

84.3% were willing to consider medical marijuana. 67.6% wanted to use fewer opioids after starting MMJ. 93.6% were amenable to following their specialist's recommendations about concurrent opioid-MMJ use. The greatest concern was affordability (2.98/5). Older patients were less likely to prefer inhaled forms (p=0.023).

Why it matters

In a region heavily affected by the opioid crisis, chronic pain patients' overwhelming willingness to try medical marijuana and reduce opioid use suggests strong patient demand for cannabis as a pain management option.

The numbers in context

242 respondents from 1,047 invited (23.1%). Average age 51-60. 70.7% female. 60.7% on opioids. 84.3% willing to consider MMJ. 67.6% wanted less opioid use. 93.6% would follow specialist guidance. Affordability top concern (2.98/5).

How the study worked

Online survey (MMIQ) administered to 1,047 chronic pain patients at a pain medicine center in Ohio. 242 responses (23.1%). Average age 51-60 years, 70.7% female, 60.7% current opioid users. Assessed willingness, compliance intent, and concerns.

What this study cannot tell us

Low response rate (23.1%) with online-only administration likely skewing toward younger, more tech-savvy patients. Single clinic in Ohio. Patients not yet using MMJ, so attitudes may differ from actual behavior. Self-reported willingness may overestimate real-world compliance.

How to read the evidence

Well-designed survey capturing patient attitudes, but low response rate and single-site limit generalizability.

When this study was published

2021 study from Ohio, which legalized medical marijuana in 2018. Reflects early patient attitudes in a newly legalized state.

The bigger picture

The high willingness to follow provider recommendations suggests an opportunity for pain specialists to guide medical marijuana integration into treatment plans, potentially reducing opioid reliance with appropriate oversight.

Questions still open

Do patients who express willingness actually follow through with MMJ? Does MMJ use actually reduce opioid consumption in this population? What barriers prevent willing patients from accessing medical marijuana?

Common questions

What was patients' biggest concern about medical marijuana?

Affordability was the top concern (rated 2.98 out of 5). Medical marijuana is typically not covered by insurance, making cost a significant barrier for chronic pain patients.

Did age affect preferences?

Yes. Older patients were significantly less likely to prefer inhaled forms of medical marijuana, suggesting that dosing form options matter for different age groups.

Read the original research

Interests and concerns regarding medical marijuana among chronic pain patients in Ohio: an online survey.

Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 37

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Adams, Daniel; Ofei-Tenkorang, Nana Ama; Connell, Patrick; Owens, Alexa; Gothard, Aaron; Souza, Dmitri; Narouze, Samer. (2021). Interests and concerns regarding medical marijuana among chronic pain patients in Ohio: an online survey.. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00092-y