Anxiety is the top reason patients use medical cannabis in Pennsylvania

Anxiety disorder was the most common qualifying condition (50.1%) and comorbid condition (69.3%). Approximately 95% reported no adverse effects. 90% preferred inhalation via vaporization. More than 50% reported symptom improvement. Only 20% reported tolerance to their current dose. 70% found obtaining cannabis easy and 54% said cost was not a barrier.

Cross-sectional convenience sample survey of 207 qualified medical cannabis users at a Laurel Harvest Labs dispensary in Pennsylvania. Survey covered demographics, qualifying conditions, usage, administration methods, adverse effects, tolerance, and impact on other substance use.

Many states do not recognize anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. This study shows anxiety is the primary driver of medical cannabis use where it is permitted, suggesting restrictive qualifying lists may be misaligned with patient needs.

The dominance of anxiety as a qualifying condition challenges the traditional focus on pain and cancer as the primary medical cannabis indications and suggests the patient population has shifted.

Convenience sample from a single dispensary. Self-reported outcomes without clinical verification. Selection bias toward satisfied customers. 84.7% white may not represent diverse populations. No comparison group.