Medical Marijuana vs. Opioids: Many Patients with Chronic Pain Are Choosing Pot, Study Finds

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If you've tried medical marijuana to manage chronic pain, you're not alone. In a new study, more than 30% of people with chronic pain reported using medical marijuana as a treatment. Most of them substituted marijuana for prescription opioids, prescription non-opioids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Some participants also indicated that medical marijuana decreased their need for non-drug treatments such as physical therapy and behavioral therapy. The authors of the study emphasize that more research is needed on the effectiveness of medical marijuana for chronic pain. While some studies have found it helpful for patients with neuropathic pain, the CDC states there is limited evidence that it works for other types of chronic pain.