Greater than half of people who use medical marijuana to ease pain also experience multiple withdrawal symptoms between uses, according to the University of Michigan.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan has found that over half of individuals who use medical marijuana for pain relief experience clusters of withdrawal symptoms when they are between uses. The study surveyed 527 Michigan residents over a two-year period, all of whom were certified to use medical cannabis for non-cancer-related pain. The researchers found that about 10% of the participants experienced worsening changes to their sleep, mood, mental state, energy, and appetite over the two-year period. These symptoms arise from the body and brain’s reaction to the absence of substances in cannabis products. The study highlights the need for increased awareness about the signs of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and its potential negative consequences, including an increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder. It also emphasizes the importance of discussing alternative pain treatments with healthcare providers and debunking misconceptions about the harmless nature of cannabis. The research suggests that individuals using cannabis for medical purposes should be aware of withdrawal symptoms, dosage, and the type of product they are using. The study opens the door for further research to explore cannabis withdrawal symptoms among medical cannabis patients and identify those most at risk of developing problems associated with cannabis use disorder. Click here for the full story.