Medical cannabis is often seen as a promising option for people living with long-term pain, but new research suggests that its benefits may not last for everyone.
A study from Philadelphia has found that more than half of patients who were prescribed cannabis for chronic musculoskeletal pain stopped using it within one year.
The study, published in PLOS One by researchers from the Rothman Institute Foundation for Opioid Research & Education, followed 78 patients in Pennsylvania who were certified for medical cannabis.
It revealed that 57.9% chose to discontinue the treatment within twelve months. Nearly half of them—about 44.7%—stopped within just the first three months.
One of the most surprising findings was that age seemed to play a major role. Patients who stopped were, on average, around 71.5 years old, while those who continued were about 64.5 years old. This suggests that older adults may be less likely to stick with cannabis therapy, though the study did not pinpoint exactly why.
Other possible explanations—such as the type of pain or overall health—were ruled out. Whether the pain came from the back, joints, or neck made no significant difference, and baseline measures of physical and mental health were similar between those who quit and those who continued.
So why are so many patients giving up on medical cannabis? The study suggests there may be a mix of reasons. Some people may not have felt enough relief, while others could have experienced side effects.
Cost, difficulties accessing consistent products, or the decision to pursue more permanent treatments like injections or surgery could also play a part.
Unfortunately, the study was not able to track details like dosage, delivery methods, side effects, or patients’ perceptions of whether the drug helped. This leaves many questions unanswered about exactly why patients stopped.
Dr. Asif M. Ilyas, co-author of the study and President of the Rothman Opioid Foundation, explained that while enthusiasm for cannabis is growing, it does not seem to meet expectations for many patients with chronic pain. Lead author Dr. Mohammad Khak added that factors such as daily function, costs, and personal experiences with the drug may be just as important as medical considerations in deciding whether to continue.
The findings come at a time when medical cannabis use is spreading rapidly across the United States. They highlight the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patients, especially older adults who appear more likely to discontinue. The researchers stress the need for larger studies that track more detailed information, such as dosage, side effects, and patient satisfaction. This, they believe, will help doctors better identify who benefits most from cannabis—and for how long.
Until then, both doctors and patients may need to approach cannabis treatment with realistic expectations, staying flexible and open to adjustments depending on how well it works in the early stages.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage your back pain, and Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
