Why Do People Use Cannabis? A Pharmacist’s Perspective
Cannabis use has been steadily rising since the 1960s, and today it is one of the most commonly used substances in the U.S. Surveys show nearly half of Americans have tried marijuana at least once. But the more important question isn’t just how many people use cannabis—it’s why.
Common Reasons for Cannabis Use
Research summarized in Psychology Today highlights ten key reasons people turn to cannabis:
- Relaxation & stress relief – easing tension after a long day
- Pain relief – especially in those living with chronic conditions
- Fun and enjoyment – altering perception to enhance music, movies, or social gatherings
- Curiosity & experimentation – particularly common among young adults
- Social connection – fitting in with peers, bonding, or enhancing conversation
- Sleep support – helping those with insomnia or restlessness
- Managing emotions – easing anxiety, depression, or boredom
- Medical needs – from multiple sclerosis symptoms to nausea from chemotherapy
- Inspiration & new perspectives – creative or spiritual exploration
- Habitual use – sometimes evolving into dependence
Notably, motives shift with age and circumstance. College students often use cannabis for social or experimental reasons, while older adults tend to use it for medical issues such as chronic pain, sleep, or anxiety.
Medical Cannabis: Benefits & Risks
According to WebMD, medical cannabis is being studied or used for conditions including:
- Severe or chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Seizure disorders (with FDA-approved CBD medicine, Epidiolex)
- Appetite loss in HIV/AIDS or cancer
- PTSD, anxiety, or sleep problems
Potential benefits include modest pain reduction, improved sleep, reduced spasms, and appetite stimulation.
Potential risks are equally important to consider:
- Dizziness, confusion, and poor coordination (especially concerning in adults over 65, increasing fall risk)
- Drug interactions (e.g., cannabis can intensify sedative effects or alter metabolism of prescription drugs)
- Cardiovascular strain (higher heart rate, possible risk in heart disease)
- Addiction or cannabis use disorder
- Respiratory harm from smoking; unpredictable effects from edibles
Cautions with New Medications
From my perspective as a pharmacist:
- We must individualize the reason for use. A patient using cannabis for curiosity has a very different risk profile than a patient using it to ease chemotherapy side effects.
- Older adults need extra caution. With multiple prescriptions, the chance for interactions rises. For example, THC may add to the sedating effects of pain medications or sleep aids.
- CBD and THC are not the same. CBD has no intoxicating effects, but both CBD and THC can interact with prescription drugs through the liver’s CYP450 system.
- Start low and go slow. For anyone exploring medical use, especially older adults, small doses titrated carefully under medical supervision are safest.
- Always consult a healthcare professional. Cannabis therapy should be part of a larger medication review to minimize risks and avoid duplication.
Final Thoughts
People use cannabis for a wide variety of reasons—some social, some medical, some habitual. As pharmacists, our role is not to judge why, but to help patients use cannabis safely and wisely, particularly when combined with prescription medications.
👉 If you are considering cannabis for relaxation, pain, or another reason, talk to your healthcare provider first. A pharmacist can help you understand safe starting doses, potential side effects, and drug interactions.