The main reasons for using medical cannabis

In the United States, medical cannabis is rapidly replacing traditional treatments and medications such as painkillers and radiation therapy. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, but one thing is certain: a majority of Americans now believe that cannabis is a reliable treatment option for certain medical conditions.

A recent study HelloMD, a healthcare platform for patients treated with medical cannabis, cross-referenced the profiles of 1,400 Californians and surveyed them about their reasons for using medical cannabis, their purchasing preferences, and their social perceptions.

Reasons to Use Medical Cannabis

66% of respondents use cannabis as their primary treatment method, and 76% use it to treat their anxiety. The study also found that 20% of respondents used the cannabis as a substitute for alcohol.

It should also be noted that medical cannabis helps relieve chronic pain, stress, and insomnia, and that some patients also use it to relax or to boost their libido.

96% of patients would recommend cannabis to their loved ones, indicating greater social acceptance than in the past. Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and widespread in California, setting itself apart from the «recreational» market that had previously dominated the market.

However, when asked about cannabis strains, potency levels, and general knowledge about cannabis, the responses varied. While sales data indicate a significant increase in sales of cannabis-infused edibles, tinctures, and creams, respondents:

• 71% still prefer smoking, and 66% enjoy vaping
• only 48% reported purchasing cannabis-infused products (including tinctures and creams)
• Younger people prefer smoking and vaping, while the use of tinctures and creams becomes more common as people get older

Differences Between Men and Women

The approach to cannabis is apparently different for men and womens. Men prefer to vaporize or smoke their cannabis, while women prefer cannabis-based tinctures and creams.

Women are more likely to use a home delivery service than to visit a dispensary. Even though cannabis is becoming more popular, women still prefer a discreet way to buy it for now.

Study conclusions

A new type of cannabis user has emerged. Recreational cannabis use is giving way to medical use. The stereotype of the cannabis user who gets a prescription just because they occasionally have a headache is far removed from the reality reflected in the statistics. These California patients find genuine relief in medical cannabis.