Medical Use of Cannabis in the United States

Medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids are becoming more commonly used than ever before. Whether it is a form of TCH or CBD, the medical industry applies cannabis to more treatment protocols every day. Widely associated with pain relief, medicinal cannabis use is currently legal in 47 states with varying degrees of accessibility and legality. This health alternative is predicted to continue a steady growth rate of legal use for years to come.

Medicinal cannabis, in the United States, is most commonly used for pain control. Chronic pain patients turn to this alternative for the soothing effects and because it is safer than opiates, and it is considered impossible to overdose on and far less addictive. Cannabis is also an alternative for those suffering from kidney issues and ulcers, whereas medicines such as Advil or Aleve would exasperate this health issue.

While pain relief has been the most common use of medicinal cannabis to date, the treatment applications are rapidly expanding. Cannabis is now commonly prescribed as muscle relaxants for Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, nausea, weight loss, glaucoma, and Chron’s disease. Cannabis is also being tested and showing promise for treating PTSD in veterans who are returning from combat zones. While this is not a comprehensive list, we can state that this is only the beginning. With the fast-moving legalization of cannabis, more studies and treatments will be completed each year.

As of March 1, 2022, medical cannabis is available in 47 states, including four of America’s inhabited territories in the Atlantic Ocean. Access to this medicinal treatment varies depending on each state’s degree of legalization. There are three degrees of legalization in the United States; Recreationally Legal, Fully Medically Legal, Severely-Limited Access. Below is a map depicting the current states and their degrees of medicinal cannabis legality.

Medicinal cannabis use is still dictated by each state and is not sanctioned as federally legal yet. While the 2020 election appeared to move the voting trend toward more widespread legal cannabis use, this has been upended by the years of a global pandemic and Russia’s current invasion of Ukrania. While the USA has made great strides over the last ten years, there is still much room for the growth of cannabis use for even more medicinal applications and to help more people.

If you’re considering the use of cannabis as a part of your treatment plan, consult with your doctor to find a prescription that is best for you.