A survey found that both adults with chronic pain and physicians expressed support for expanding access to cannabis for pain management.
What the researchers found
Researchers surveyed two key groups in the pain management landscape: adults living with chronic pain and physicians who treat them. Both groups were asked about their attitudes toward expanding access to cannabis as a pain management tool.
The results showed support for expanded cannabis access from both patients and clinicians. This convergence is notable because physician attitudes have historically been more conservative than patient attitudes regarding cannabis.
The findings reflect a broader shift in how cannabis is perceived within mainstream medicine, driven partly by the opioid crisis, which has increased interest in alternative pain management approaches.
Why it matters
Physician attitudes are a critical bottleneck for medical cannabis access. When doctors are skeptical, patients have difficulty obtaining recommendations even in states with medical cannabis programs. Finding that physicians increasingly support expanded access suggests the medical gatekeeping barrier may be lowering.
The numbers in context
Both chronic pain patients and physicians were surveyed. Both groups expressed support for expanding cannabis access for pain management.
How the study worked
This was a cross-sectional survey study that collected responses from two populations: adults with chronic pain and practicing physicians. Participants were asked about their support for various cannabis access policies. The study assessed attitudes and support levels across different policy scenarios.
What this study cannot tell us
Survey respondents may not represent all chronic pain patients or all physicians; those with stronger opinions about cannabis may have been more likely to participate. The study measured attitudes, not clinical outcomes, and supporting access does not necessarily mean cannabis is effective for all pain conditions. Response rates and sampling methods affect generalizability.
How to read the evidence
A cross-sectional survey measuring attitudes rather than clinical outcomes, providing moderate evidence of shifting stakeholder views on cannabis access.
The bigger picture
This study reflects a significant cultural shift in medicine. A decade ago, physician support for cannabis access was much lower. The convergence of patient and provider attitudes may accelerate policy changes and increase the integration of cannabis into mainstream pain management, particularly as opioid prescribing continues to face scrutiny.
Common questions
Do most doctors support medical cannabis for pain?
Does this mean cannabis works for chronic pain?
Read the original research
Support for Expanding Access to Cannabis Among Physicians and Adults With Chronic Pain.
JAMA network open, 7(9), e2435843
Citation
Stone, Elizabeth M; Tormohlen, Kayla; Bicket, Mark C; McGinty, Emma E. (2024). Support for Expanding Access to Cannabis Among Physicians and Adults With Chronic Pain.. JAMA network open, 7(9), e2435843. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.35843