What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Pain, Mental Health, Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Substance use & addiction journal on July 15, 2026.

Pain Mental Health Addiction

Many young adults use cannabis for health needs—often without doctors

Medical Use of Cannabis and Derived Cannabis Products in a Sample of Young Adults in the United States.

Substance use & addiction journal • July 15, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

A 2024 survey of 3,437 U.S. young adults ages 18–34 examined why people use cannabis and derived intoxicating cannabis products (DICPs), distinguishing medical from nonmedical use. Among respondents who had used cannabis in the previous six months, 59.9% reported using it at least sometimes for medical reasons. The corresponding figure for DICPs was 50.9%. Older participants, women, and people without a bachelor’s degree were more likely to report medical use.

Among those using cannabis or DICPs medically, the most commonly reported conditions were pain, migraines, and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, healthcare provider recommendation was reported by only 20.1% of medical cannabis users and 9.7% of DICP users. Participants who used these products primarily for nonmedical reasons were less likely to report provider recommendation, while most mixed-use groups reported more cannabis use disorder symptoms than people using products only nonmedically. The findings highlight a need for better communication between patients and healthcare providers, along with continued attention to risks when cannabis products are used for both medical and nonmedical purposes.

💡 Key Findings

Among young adults who used cannabis in the past six months, 59.9% used it at least sometimes medically; the figure for derived intoxicating cannabis products was 50.9%.

Good

75%

The most commonly reported medical reasons were pain, migraines, and posttraumatic stress disorder for both cannabis and DICPs.

Good

70%

Healthcare provider recommendation was reported by only 20.1% of medical cannabis users and 9.7% of medical DICP users, indicating a substantial communication gap.

Good

75%

Compared with people using cannabis or DICPs only nonmedically, most mixed medical/nonmedical use groups reported higher cannabis use disorder symptoms; the only-medical group was the exception.

Good

70%

📄 Original Abstract

Scant research has assessed young adult medical cannabis or derived intoxicating cannabis product (DICP) use. This study assessed young adults' medical cannabis and DICP use characteristics and correlates of medical use and healthcare provider recommendation. Using 2024 survey data among 3437 US young adults (ages 18-34) assessing use purpose (only-medical, primarily-medical, equally-medical/nonmedical, primarily-nonmedical, only-nonmedical), multivariable regression examined: (1) sociodemographics and state cannabis law in relation to any versus no past 6-month medical use among those reporting past 6-month use of cannabis and DICPs, respectively; and (2) extent of medical versus nonmedical use in relation to: (a) use disorder symptoms; and (b) healthcare provider recommendation among those using medically. Among those using cannabis (n = 1520, 44.2%) or DICPs (n = 934, 27.2%), >50% used at least sometimes medically (cannabis: n = 910/1520, 59.9%; DICPs: n = 475/934, 50.9%). For both cannabis and DICPs, being older, female, and <bachelor's degree educated were associated with any (vs no) medical use, and compared to the only-nonmedical group, all other groups except only-medical reported higher use disorder symptoms. Among those reporting medical cannabis or DICP use, common conditions were pain (36.0% cannabis; 35.4% DICPs), migraines (33.1%; 27.6%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (32.1%; 29.5%); provider recommendation was reported among 20.1% for cannabis and 9.7% DICPs; and those using primarily-nonmedically (vs only-medically) less likely reported healthcare provider recommendation. Communication gaps between those using medically and healthcare providers must be addressed. Furthermore, research and practice focused on risks associated with using cannabis and DICPs for both medical and nonmedical purposes is crucial.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Substance use & addiction journal
Published: July 15, 2026
PMID: 42459032
DOI: 10.1177/29767342261462492

Authors (9)

Laura C Schubel Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, DC, USA.
Darcey M McCready Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, DC, USA.
Cassidy R LoParco Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, DC, USA.
Shriya Thakkar Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, DC, USA.
Morgan B Speer Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, DC, USA.
+4 more authors