The Harris Poll released a survey of American cannabis consumers and their reasons for using the herb. The report, which involved 2,000 U.S.-based adults who consume marijuana, was sponsored by leading multi-state cannabis company Curaleaf. It found that 91 percent of U.S. adults consume the controversial plant "for health and wellness purposes."
The survey revealed several insightful aspects of the attitudes of American marijuana consumers, with a focus on the precise reasons behind their embrace of legal weed. It found that 75 percent of Americans "prefer holistic solutions over pharmaceuticals" to treat medical issues.
The investigation learned that 88 percent of those who use marijuana "as an alternative and/or in addition to pharmaceutical treatments" perceive that doing so has improved their overall well-being. The survey also revealed that 86 percent of those who use cannabis for health and wellness say they would recommend it to a friend or family member for medical purposes.
The report noted that Americans consume cannabis for many reasons, the top of which are:
Relax (52 percent)
Help with sleep (49 percent)
Reduce anxiety (41 percent)
The study noted that the wave of cannabis legalization across the United States has resulted in a shift in beliefs and behaviors regarding the consumption of the plant for "health and wellness needs," including everything from the relief of menstrual cramps and the pain resulting from arthritis to reductions in anxiety and improvements in sleep quality.
"Educating consumers on how cannabis can be leveraged to support everyday health and wellness needs is critical to de-stigmatizing the plant and providing consumers with more choices to best fit their personal lifestyle," said Dr. Stacia Woodcock, Clinical Cannabis Pharmacist for Curaleaf in New York.
Dr. Woodcock noted that a variety of cannabis and hemp-based formulations in the legal market are available that convey "minimal intoxicating effects." In contrast, others offer various ratios of CBD and THC to "allow patients to consume cannabis in a way that works with their lifestyle and comfort level."
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