What Patients Say About Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain (Exclusive Survey Insights)

Executive Summary

Living with chronic pain often means years of trial and error with treatments that don’t fully relieve symptoms—or come with dangerous side effects. Our new nationwide survey of 1,450 medical cannabis patients managing chronic pain offers a rare look at real-world outcomes with medical cannabis. Patients shared how often they use cannabis, how effective they find it, and whether it helped them reduce their reliance on prescription medications.

Key takeaways:

• 86% of respondents report moderate–significant pain improvement
• 72.4% rate cannabis effectiveness between 8/10–10/10
• 72.7% use daily
• 87.8% say it’s a sustainable long‑term option

Highlight: Overall Improvement in Pain

86% of patients report moderate to significant pain improvement with cannabis.

Summary: 55.5% experienced significant improvement and 30.6% reported moderate improvement in pain symptoms compared to before using cannabis.

Summary: 55.5% experienced significant improvement and 30.6% reported moderate improvement in pain symptoms compared to before using cannabis.

Survey Respondents on Overall Improvement in Pain

The Top Benefits Patients Report

Medical cannabis provides more than short-term symptom relief—it has become an essential part of many patients’ pain management routines. The survey data highlights not only the pain reduction people experience, but also improvements in quality of life and everyday functioning.

Pain Relief That Feels Meaningful

More than 86% of patients in our survey reported moderate to significant improvements in their chronic pain symptoms after starting cannabis treatment. Even more compelling, 72.4% rated the effectiveness between 8 and 10 out of 10. For many, cannabis is the first option that provides real relief after years of struggling with conventional medications.

Daily, Consistent Use for Ongoing Relief

Patients aren’t turning to cannabis as an occasional option—they’re relying on it daily. Nearly three-quarters (72.7%) of respondents said they use cannabis every day for pain relief, showing that it’s an essential part of their care routine rather than a short-term experiment.

Quality-of-Life Improvements Beyond Pain Scores

Respondents frequently described secondary benefits, such as better sleep, increased mobility, and reduced anxiety. These improvements compound to make a meaningful difference in day-to-day life.

Fewer Prescription Pain Medications for Many

For years, opioids and other prescription medications were the standard approach for chronic pain. But the survey data shows that medical marijuana is helping many patients reduce or eliminate their reliance on these medications.

Real‑World Substitution Effects

Before trying cannabis, nearly half (48%) of surveyed patients were using prescription painkillers. After incorporating cannabis:

• 35% stopped all prescription pain medications
• 14.8% stopped some
• 11.6% reduced dosage or frequency

Changes in Prescription Medication Use

Why Patients Prefer Cannabis

Many participants highlighted the lower risk of overdose compared to opioids, a more manageable side-effect profile, and the flexibility of different product formats. These factors explain why so many choose cannabis as a safer long-term strategy.

Built for the Long Haul

Chronic pain is not a short-lived condition. Patients live with it for years, and they need treatments that can sustain relief over the long term. Our survey results show cannabis is delivering on that need.

Chronic Pain Is Chronic—Patients Need Sustainable Options

More than half of respondents (51.5%) have lived with pain for over a decade, and another 39.3% have endured it for 3–10 years. This long-term struggle explains why 87.8% of patients say cannabis feels like a sustainable solution, not just a temporary fix.

Where Is Medical Marijuana Legal for Chronic Pain?

As of 2025, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, and in most of these, chronic pain is one of the top qualifying conditions. More than 30 states explicitly list “chronic pain” or “intractable pain,” including large states like California, Florida, and New York. Others, like Oklahoma and Louisiana, give physicians broad discretion, meaning patients with long-term pain can usually qualify.

This broad adoption reflects the fact that chronic pain is the number one reason patients join medical cannabis programs. Conservative states like Alabama, Missouri, and Louisiana have recently expanded their laws to include chronic pain as well, showing bipartisan support for cannabis in pain management.

Recent Changes in Texas

Texas made a major policy shift in 2025 when the legislature passed HB 1805, expanding the Compassionate Use Program to include chronic pain for the first time. The impact of this change is huge: an estimated 5 million adults in Texas live with chronic pain, and projections suggest 250,000–500,000 may enroll in the first year alone.

Key Changes Under the Law

• Patients no longer need to “fail” opioids before qualifying.
• Dispensary access is expanding, with licenses increasing from 3 to 15.
• THC limits were adjusted to 10 mg per dose, with multiple product types (tinctures, vapes, patches, topicals) now available.
• Physicians enter prescriptions directly into the state registry (CURT), and patients can then purchase from licensed dispensaries.

This change gives Texans more options than ever before. If you want a step-by-step guide, read our full post on how to get medical marijuana for chronic pain in Texas.

How Patient Perspectives Can Guide Policy

Our survey highlights what patients already know: cannabis works for many where other treatments fail. Policymakers can use this real-world data to design programs that reduce reliance on opioids, increase access for seniors, and expand safe treatment options. Listening to patients is the first step toward building programs that actually meet their needs.

Key Takeaways

• Relief is meaningful: 86% report moderate–significant improvement; 72.4% rate effectiveness 8–10/10.
• Used daily: 72.7% rely on cannabis every day—suggesting sustained benefit, not a short trial.
• Fewer pain pills: 61.4% reduced or stopped prescription pain meds after starting cannabis.
• Built for longevity: 87.8% say cannabis is a sustainable long‑term option; most have lived with pain >3 years (51.5% >10 years).
• Access is expanding: Chronic pain qualifies in most medical states; Texas added chronic pain in 2025 (details below).
• Who benefits: Many patients—especially seniors—report better sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life when guided by a clinician.

FAQs about Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Is medical marijuana right for all types of chronic pain?

Not necessarily. Research is strongest for neuropathic pain, but many patients with back pain, arthritis, and cancer-related pain also report improvements. Individual response can vary widely, and product type and dosing matter. Consulting a knowledgeable physician ensures that patients explore cannabis safely and in a way that matches their health profile.

Will cannabis let me stop other pain meds?

Possibly. In our survey, more than 60% of patients reported reducing or stopping prescription medications, including opioids. However, results aren’t guaranteed, and many patients use cannabis alongside other treatments. Any medication changes should always be made under physician supervision to avoid withdrawal or complications.

What formats are popular for ongoing pain relief?

Tinctures and capsules are commonly used for steady symptom control. Vapes and inhalers provide fast-acting relief for flares, while patches and topicals are popular for localized pain. Patients often combine methods—for example, using a tincture daily and a vape for breakthrough pain—to personalize their treatment plan.

Can seniors benefit from medical marijuana for chronic pain?

Yes. Seniors are one of the groups most affected by chronic pain, and many report meaningful benefits from cannabis, including improved sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life. Because seniors are often more sensitive to the side effects of opioids, medical marijuana offers a potentially safer alternative, especially under the guidance of a physician.

What risks should patients consider?

Cannabis is not risk-free. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth, with higher THC doses sometimes triggering anxiety or paranoia. Patients with certain mental health conditions or who are on other medications should use caution. Working closely with a physician helps minimize risks and ensures the treatment is tailored to individual needs.

How much does it cost to get medical marijuana for chronic pain?

Costs vary by state and product type. In Texas, patients pay for a physician evaluation, which can be done via telemedicine, and then purchase products such as tinctures, capsules, vapes, or topicals from licensed dispensaries. Product costs can add up, but many patients report saving money long term by reducing or eliminating other costly medications.

Related Reading

• How to Get Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain in Texas — Step‑by‑step guide to qualifying, prescriptions, and dispensaries.
• Download the Full Patient Perspectives Report — All charts, methods, and policy recommendations.
• Texas Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions — Verify eligibility and documentation requirements.
• Medical Marijuana Telemedicine Appointments — How remote evaluations work and what to prepare.

How to Get Started (Texas & Beyond)

If you live in a state where chronic pain qualifies, the first step is booking a consultation with a licensed physician. In Texas, evaluations can now be done through telemedicine, and dispensaries are expanding statewide to improve access.

Ready to explore medical cannabis for chronic pain? Schedule a confidential evaluation with Green Health Docs to review your history and options.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.