Medical Marijuana Use Is ‘Prevalent’ Among People With Disabilities—And It Helps Treat Pain, New Federally Funded Study Shows

OG article by Aaron Houston

December 31, 2025

A new federally funded study reveals that medical marijuana use is common among adults with disabilities, with over one in five respondents reporting current cannabis consumption. The primary reason for use is pain relief, cited by more than 70 percent of users, followed by relaxation or tension relief at over 60 percent. Specific conditions addressed include migraines, nausea, muscle spasms, seizures, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances. Data comes from the National Survey on Health and Disability, surveying nearly 2,000 individuals with self-reported limitations in cognition, hearing, independent living, mobility, self-care, and vision. The study, published in the November 2025 issue of the Disability and Health Journal by researchers from George Mason University and the University of Nevada, was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Researchers found that users reported significant improvements in pain management and overall quality of life. The study highlights medical marijuana's role as an alternative to opioids for many with disabilities. However, limitations include self-reported data and a non-representative sample that is mostly white, female, college-educated, and affluent, restricting generalizability. Despite these constraints, the findings underscore the prevalence and perceived benefits of medical cannabis in this population, calling for further research and policy considerations to support access while addressing potential risks.