Study: Cannabis Consumers Seeking Relief, Not Just High

If cannabis were legalized nationwide in the U.S., the majority of consumers would use it to treat some sort of ailment, according to a recent Nielsen survey.

Eighty-five percent of survey respondents indicated they would use cannabis products to treat chronic pain, followed by 82 percent who said they would use it to improve mental health. 81 percent indicated it helps with minor injuries and 77 percent said they would use cannabis as a sleep aid.

Another 74 percent indicated they would use cannabis for recreational purposes, specifically relaxing, while 48 percent responded that they would use cannabis “to have a good time with friends and family,” and 46 percent said they would consume cannabis to enhance experiences and entertainment at home.

The U.S. Consumer Research Study also found that 88 percent of cannabis-interested adults suffer from headaches and migraines and actively use an over-the-counter or prescription medication for treatment. Another 64 percent suffer from back and neck pain, 63 percent from arthritis pain, and 61 percent from feminine pain.

“Seventy percent of adults who are interested in cannabis and who today treat their ailment with OTC/Rx medications say they would consider treating with cannabis because of the perception that it’s more effective than OTC/Rx alternatives.” – Nielsen, U.S. Consumer Research Study, May 15, 2019

The survey found 67 percent of respondents believed cannabis was “healthier” than their over-the-counter and prescription drugs. 69 percent said they believed cannabis was “more natural” than traditional medications.

While this isn’t the first Nielsen study asking cannabis-related questions, it is the first since their acquisition of Cannabiz Consumer Group. Nielsen is also partnering with cannabis analytics company Headset to release a report on the cannabis market from its infancy through 2018.