Medical Cannabis Use and Quality of Life Among Appalachian Adults

Evidence suggests medical cannabis is safe for human consumption. It was unclear whether study patients experienced therapeutic benefit after a medical cannabis regimen for those with anxiety, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain. An online simultaneous pre-post–cross-sectional survey was used. Patients (N = 31) in a medical cannabis clinic already using medical cannabis participated. The study site was a medical cannabis clinic located in rural Appalachia, VA. Generally, respondents were informed about medical cannabis use but lacked knowledge about cannabis varieties and medicinal properties. Respondents were more likely to obtain information about medical cannabis from nurse practitioners. Moreover, health and well-being improved significantly after medical cannabis was added to the treatment regimen. Prescription medication use decreased significantly. Quality of life and symptom intensity improved significantly. Medical cannabis should be considered an alternative treatment for patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain. Patients should feel comfortable discussing medical cannabis with their providers. Increased provider knowledge about medical cannabis use and benefits may increase their willingness to provide access for patients managing chronic conditions in Virginia’s Appalachian region. •Medical cannabis should be considered an alternative treatment for patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain.•Patients should feel comfortable discussing medical cannabis with their providers.•Increased provider knowledge about medical cannabis use and benefits may increase their willingness to provide access for patients managing chronic conditions in Virginia’s Appalachian region.