A new study from Old Dominion University finds that medical marijuana is associated with reduced prescription drug use and improved well-being and symptom intensity among Appalachian adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia and chronic pain. The researchers behind the paper are urging more cannabis education for healthcare providers, who they say are the main source of information for patients.
“Prescription medication use decreased significantly after medical cannabis use,” says the report, published in the Journal of Nurse Practitioners. “Health characteristics and symptom intensity improved significantly after medical cannabis use.” Health and well-being improved significantly after the addition of medical cannabis to their treatment regimen.
Moreover, prescription medication use decreased significantly. Respondents self-reported a therapeutic health benefit after medical cannabis use. Of those surveyed, 28% reported improved health, and 57% reported improved quality of life. The most significant benefits were decreased anxiety (59%) and insomnia (53%). Patients indicated they were “sleeping a lot better” and “don’t feel depressed anymore.” Patients also noted their “anxiety is so much better, no panic attacks even under stress.”
