Adults with chronic pain show more support for cannabis access policies than their physicians, as revealed by a study from Rutgers Health and other institutions. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 1,600 chronic pain patients and 1,000 doctors in states with medical cannabis programs.
The study found that 71% of chronic pain patients are in favor of federal legalization of medical cannabis compared to 59% of physicians. Elizabeth Stone, the lead author and core faculty member at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, highlighted the complex policy landscape surrounding cannabis. She explained that legality varies by state; some have legalized both medical and recreational use while others have not.
Currently, medical cannabis is legal in 38 states plus Washington D.C., with New Jersey among the 24 jurisdictions allowing adult recreational use. Despite this, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally—a classification indicating high abuse risk without recognized medical use according to the National Institutes of Health.
The survey also indicated that 55% of chronic pain patients support federal legalization for adult recreational use compared to only 38% of physicians. Furthermore, while 64% of patients advocate for insurance coverage for cannabis treatment of chronic pain, only 51% of doctors agree.
Stone noted that “Overall, people with chronic pain were more supportive of the policies that would expand access to medical cannabis,” whereas providers leaned towards restrictive policies. The study utilized two separate survey groups: adults suffering from noncancer pain lasting six months or longer and primary care providers along with various specialty physicians.
Personal experience influenced attitudes significantly; those who used cannabis for chronic pain showed higher support levels for expanding access. Conversely, physicians who hadn't recommended it reported lower support levels.
There was widespread backing for enhanced education on prescribing medical cannabis; around 70% from both groups favored mandatory training in medical schools on treating chronic noncancer pain with cannabis.
Stone emphasized the need for future guidance regarding cannabis usage and efficacy: “Is it something they should be recommending? If so are there different considerations for types of products or modes?”
Federal restrictions complicate research efforts into these questions. Stone mentioned how federal legalization could standardize regulations across states and facilitate comprehensive studies on its effectiveness in managing pain: “Currently there are limitations on research... Opening up those avenues would likely lead to better understanding.”
This study forms part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded project examining state medical cannabis policies' impacts on opioid-related outcomes among people dealing with chronic pain.
