Philadelphia, PA — A new study published in Cureus reveals that medical cannabis may be a powerful alternative for patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain—offering pain relief, reducing reliance on opioid medications, and doing so without impairing mental function.
Conducted by researchers at the Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research & Education, the study sheds light on how patients are using cannabis, what benefits they report, and whether long-term use affects cognitive performance.
Key Findings: Relief Without Cognitive Decline
More than 80% of study participants reported that medical cannabis effectively managed their chronic pain. In addition to reduced pain, patients commonly noted improvements in sleep and anxiety, suggesting cannabis could offer broader symptom relief compared to conventional medications.
“Patients aren’t just finding relief from pain,” said Dr. Mohammad Khak, co-author and researcher at the Rothman Institute Foundation. “They’re also seeing benefits in areas that affect their overall quality of life.”
Significantly, 40% of participants reduced their use of traditional pain medications after beginning cannabis therapy. Several even reported a decreased need for opioids—an encouraging sign in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic.
“This data suggests medical cannabis could serve as a safer alternative or complement to traditional painkillers,” said Dr. Ari Greis, senior author, foundation board member, and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. “It could be part of a more effective, less risky pain management strategy.”
Diverse Use and Limited Medical Oversight
Patients used cannabis in a range of forms, including oils, smoking, and vaporization. Most turned to cannabis after other treatments failed, often due to severe, persistent pain. Despite the high rates of reported effectiveness, only about 25% of participants had a physician’s recommendation for cannabis use.
“This reflects broader challenges—such as physician knowledge gaps, restrictive regulations, and persistent stigma,” Khak noted. “There’s a disconnect between patient experiences and medical guidance.”
Cognition Remains Intact
A major concern about long-term cannabis use is its potential effect on cognitive health. However, this study found that most patients did not experience significant cognitive impairment. Side effects like dry mouth and fatigue were reported, but cognitive performance remained largely unaffected.
“These results suggest that, for many, medical cannabis can be safely incorporated into chronic pain management without compromising mental clarity,” Greis said.
Call for Further Research and Reform
While the findings are promising, the researchers stress the need for larger, more rigorous clinical trials to confirm cannabis’s effectiveness and safety profile. They also advocate for better physician education and clearer regulations to support informed, responsible use of cannabis in pain care.
The full study, Patterns, Efficacy, and Cognitive Effects of Medical Cannabis Use in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients, is available online:
📄 Read the Study on Cureus
About the Rothman Opioid Foundation
The Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research & Education, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is dedicated to advancing understanding and solutions to the opioid crisis. The foundation focuses on educating healthcare providers and patients, informing policy, and supporting high-quality research into opioids and alternative pain therapies. Learn more:
🔗 www.rothmanopioid.org
Cannabis is not just a passing trend—it’s a time-honored botanical with a rich history of healing. For too long, its medicinal potential has been clouded by stigma and legal barriers, leaving many without access to natural relief. Now that medical cannabis is legal in Georgia, residents have a safe, plant-based alternative worth considering. If you believe it could support your health, apply today for your 5-year medical cannabis card.
Click Elevated Health MD to Apply for a Georgia Medical Cannabis Card
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