Medical cannabis enrollment surged nationwide over past decade, but leveled off as recreational access expanded

A decade-long study of medical cannabis registry data across the United States reveals a dramatic surge in patient enrollment, followed by a leveling off as recreational access expanded. In 2016, approximately 747,000 Americans were registered to use medical cannabis, but by 2024, that number had skyrocketed to about 3.9 million, a staggering 420% increase.

The University of Michigan researchers analyzed data from all states and the District of Columbia during this period to understand the trends in medical cannabis use and its purposes. While chronic pain continued to be the primary reason for medical cannabis use, the use for mental health conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety saw a significant rise, despite limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for these conditions.

This surge in registrations, coupled with the shift towards recreational cannabis legalization, indicates that some patients may be seeking cannabis outside of medical programs. The researchers emphasize the need for further research to better understand the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis use for various conditions.