The survey also found that 62 percent of Americans would rather use cannabis than pharmaceuticals for health problems.
A Harris Poll survey released June 8 found that 91 percent of adults 21 and older who have used cannabis did so in an effort to promote overall wellness and health. The Harris Poll, a market research and analytics company, surveyed nearly 2,000 U.S. residents (all 21+) on behalf of Curaleaf, a maker and retailer of cannabis products.
Shift Toward ‘Holistic Solutions’
The findings reveal a larger shift toward holistic health solutions and, as part of that, greater acceptance of cannabis for its potential wellness use.
According to the survey results, 75 percent of Americans said they’d prefer holistic solutions — “aromatherapy, cannabis, acupuncture, supplements” — over pharmaceuticals to treat a medical issue when possible.
And addressing cannabis specifically, 62 percent said they’d rather use cannabis than pharmaceuticals to treat a medical issue.
Of those who used cannabis to achieve greater health and wellness, the top reasons were:
to relax (52 percent)
to help with sleep (49 percent)
to reduce stress (44 percent)
to reduce anxiety (41 percent)
For Hesitant Users, New Formulas Minimize Psychotropic Effects
The survey findings did not make a distinction between psychotropic and non-intoxicating cannabinoids. But new formulations often use both to maximize results while minimizing psychotropic effects, noted Dr. Stacia Woodcock, clinical cannabis pharmacist for Curaleaf New York.
“There are a wide variety of ways to consume cannabis safely, and many formulations actually have minimal intoxicating effects,” Woodcock said in a press release. “Different product options with various ratios of THC and CBD give patients the opportunity to consume cannabis in a way that works with their lifestyle and comfort level.”
“There are a wide variety of ways to consume cannabis safely, and many formulations actually have minimal intoxicating effects. Different product options with various ratios of THC and CBD give patients the opportunity to consume cannabis in a way that works with their lifestyle and comfort level.”
— Dr. Stacia Woodcock, clinical cannabis pharmacist for Curaleaf New York
Although cannabis use already appears to be accepted by many adults, Woodcock suggested that continued outreach would further shift decades-old stereotypes about the plant and people who use it.
"Educating consumers on how cannabis can be leveraged to support everyday health and wellness needs is critical to destigmatizing the plant and providing consumers with more choices to best fit their personal lifestyle," Woodcock said.
Many Say They'd Tell a Friend
The survey also found that 88 percent of those who have used cannabis as an alternative or complement to pharmaceutical treatments felt that doing so improved their overall well-being. A majority of those who have chosen to use cannabis for health or wellness, 86 percent, would recommend cannabis to a friend or family member for similar use.