Most adult-use dispensary customers reported using cannabis for pain or sleep and cutting back on other medications | Research

The takeaway

Among 1,000 recreational dispensary customers in Colorado, 65% used cannabis for pain and 74% for sleep, with large majorities reporting they reduced or stopped using over-the-counter and prescription medications as a result.

Public health researchers, policymakers designing cannabis regulations, and anyone interested in cannabis substitution for pharmaceuticals.

88% reduced or stopped opioids

What the researchers found

65% of adult-use customers used cannabis for pain relief, and 74% used it for sleep. Among those using cannabis for pain, 80% found it very or extremely helpful. 82% of those on OTC pain medications and 88% of those on opioids reported reducing or stopping those medications. For sleep, 84% found cannabis helpful, and 87% on OTC and 83% on prescription sleep aids reported reducing or stopping.

Why it matters

This study reveals that "recreational" dispensary customers are frequently using cannabis for symptom management, particularly pain and sleep. The reported medication substitution, especially reducing opioid use, has significant public health implications.

The numbers in context

1,000 respondents. Pain use: 65%. Sleep use: 74%. Pain effectiveness (very/extremely helpful): 80%. Reduced/stopped OTC pain meds: 82%. Reduced/stopped opioids: 88%. Sleep effectiveness: 84%. Reduced/stopped OTC sleep aids: 87%. Reduced/stopped Rx sleep aids: 83%.

How the study worked

Survey conducted at two retail cannabis stores in Colorado between August-October 2016. 1,000 adult-use only customer respondents (medical certification holders excluded). Electronic survey provided by store staff.

What this study cannot tell us

Self-reported data from dispensary customers who chose to participate, likely biasing toward positive experiences. No verification of medication changes or clinical outcomes. Cross-sectional design cannot confirm causation. Colorado population may not generalize.

How to read the evidence

Rated moderate because the sample size is substantial, but self-reported data from dispensary customers has significant selection bias.

When this study was published

Published in 2019 based on 2016 data from Colorado, one of the earliest adult-use markets.

The bigger picture

The blurred line between "medical" and "recreational" cannabis use suggests that adult-use markets are serving a significant medical function. The high rate of opioid reduction is particularly noteworthy in the context of the opioid crisis.

Questions still open

Are patients who substitute cannabis for opioids actually achieving comparable pain control? Does the availability of adult-use cannabis reduce prescription medication use at the population level? Should adult-use markets incorporate more health information?

Common questions

Do recreational cannabis customers use it for medical reasons?

Yes. In this survey, 65% used it for pain and 74% for sleep. The distinction between recreational and medical use appears blurry in practice.

Did people actually stop taking other medications?

Self-reported data showed 88% of opioid users and 82-87% of OTC medication users reduced or stopped those medications after using cannabis. However, these reports were not clinically verified.

How effective did customers find cannabis?

80% of those using it for pain and 84% for sleep found it "very or extremely helpful," though this reflects a population that has already chosen to purchase cannabis.

Read the original research

Use of Cannabis to Relieve Pain and Promote Sleep by Customers at an Adult Use Dispensary.

Journal of psychoactive drugs, 51(5), 400-404

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bachhuber, Marcus; Arnsten, Julia H; Wurm, Gwen. (2019). Use of Cannabis to Relieve Pain and Promote Sleep by Customers at an Adult Use Dispensary.. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 51(5), 400-404. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1626953