A recent survey highlighted what effects US cannabis users are pursuing, and the main reason why they are using it.
In the USA, cannabis is legal in 38 of 50 states and several territories for medical purposes, and 24 states allow marijuana for recreational use. An estimated 46.9% of Americans have used marijuana at some point in their lives and according to SAMHSA, past month use in 2022 was 15%. This indicates a huge number of Americans are partaking, but what is driving this use – is it just to get high?
A recent poll by NuggMD.com looked at the main motivation for using cannabis, and it appears most are doing so primarily for medicinal reasons. When respondents were asked their main goal when using cannabis:
- Pain relief – 25%
- Anxiety relief – 23%
- Stress relief – 18%
- Recreational use – 13%
- Depression relief – 12%
- Insomnia relief – 7%
- Other – 2%
When respondents were asked when they typically consume cannabis, 48% selected “any time” followed by 29% choosing evenings and 11% at bedtime. The effects most sought after were relaxed (30%), euphoric (24%) and energetic (15%). There was no breakdown of use in terms of the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD vs. THC, which is the cannabinoid associated with marijuana’s high.
Conducted in May 2024, the poll comprised 6,550 respondents – so it was a significant sample.
NuggMD.com is a telehealth platform connecting US patients with evaluating physicians online who are authorised to provide recommendations enabling patients to register for medical cannabis access in their state. Founded in 2015, the company claims 1.3 million patients are connected to state-licensed doctors through its telemedicine platform. However, the survey sample didn’t contain NuggMD customers according to the company. The poll was sent to a random list of opt-in respondents who consume cannabis regularly.
An earlier survey by the firm based on questions asked when signing up to the service (patients ranged from 18 to 106 years old) indicated 51% of all submissions stated anxiety or stress as a primary reason for seeking medical cannabis, followed by chronic pain at 39% and insomnia for more than 30% of patients.
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