Why Does Cannabis Still Feel Taboo in Medicine?
Imagine for a moment: you’ve seen four doctors, tried five medications, and you’re still in pain—or worse, stuck feeling like a shell of yourself. You ask your doctor, What else is there? And instead of offering hope or innovation, they hand you yet another referral or suggest a pill from the “Let’s See If This Works” aisle. Seem familiar? For many patients with chronic conditions, it’s an all-too-common story.
Here’s the kicker: amidst all those recommendations, how often does someone mention cannabis? Almost never. And it’s not because it doesn’t work. The problem is that most doctors aren’t trained to think beyond the pill bottle. Less than 10% of medical schools in the U.S. teach anything about cannabis, and most of the textbooks they do learn from were written and printed way before 1992, when the human Endocannabinoid System was first discovered . The result? Patients are left navigating their pain, inflammation, and anxiety with options that feel like leftovers from a very limited menu.
Meanwhile, cannabis sits quietly in the corner like the kid in class who knows the answer but never gets called on. Studies have shown its potential to ease symptoms of neuropathy, Crohn’s disease, and even cancer pain. Seniors, in particular, are increasingly turning to cannabis as a safer option compared to opioids or benzos—both notorious for their side effects and risks. And yet, when was the last time a doctor said, Have you considered trying cannabis?
It makes you wonder: why are we so quick to dismiss a plant with so much potential? Maybe it’s time to rethink the system, one that boxes us into outdated solutions and ignores what might genuinely help. Imagine if cannabis was treated like any other medical option—approached with curiosity, science, and, most importantly, care. That’s the kind of future worth building. 🌿✨
For more on the Commonwealth Project: https://commonwealthproject.org
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Below: “Bridging the Cannabis Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Insights for Medical Progress”
Bridging the Cannabis Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Insights for Medical Progress
Medical education on cannabis is severely lacking. Less than 10% of medical schools in the U.S. teach about cannabis, leaving most physicians unprepared to discuss or recommend it as a treatment option. This educational gap contributes to the taboo surrounding cannabis in medicine and limits patients' access to potentially beneficial treatments. Source
Cannabis use among older adults is increasing significantly. A study found that cannabis use among adults 65 and older rose from 2.4% in 2015 to 4.2% in 2018. This trend suggests growing acceptance and interest in cannabis as a medical treatment option, particularly among seniors seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals. Source
Cannabis may be an effective alternative for pain management. In a survey of adults with chronic pain, over half reported that using cannabis led to decreased use of prescription opioids, nonopioid analgesics, and over-the-counter pain medications. This suggests cannabis could potentially help reduce reliance on more harmful pain management options. Source
There is a critical need for more research on medical cannabis. The current regulatory environment severely restricts cannabis research, limiting scientists' ability to study its potential benefits and risks. This lack of robust scientific evidence contributes to the hesitancy among medical professionals to discuss or recommend cannabis. Source
Healthcare providers generally report low knowledge of medical cannabis. A study found that physicians' average level of medical cannabis knowledge was only 58% correct, with particularly low understanding of effective dosages. This knowledge gap likely contributes to the reluctance of many doctors to discuss cannabis as a treatment option with their patients. Source
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