Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Veteran’s Perspective

As conversations around cannabis shift from controversy to clinical relevance, a new study sheds light on how and why people are turning to it for chronic pain relief, especially within the veteran community.

In a 2025 survey conducted among veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, researchers explored the use of natural products (NPs) like cannabis, vitamins, and herbal remedies as alternatives or complements to conventional pain medication. Among the 52 veterans surveyed, a striking 40% reported using cannabis in the past month. Even more telling: most of these individuals used cannabis not just for pain, but for overlapping conditions like sleep disorders, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Pain was the leading reason veterans used cannabis, with 81% of cannabis users citing it as their primary motive. But that’s only part of the picture—62% used it to help with sleep, 43% for PTSD or anxiety, and another 43% for general stress. This supports what many in the cannabis space have known anecdotally for years: cannabis is seen not just as a pain reliever, but as a holistic tool for physical and emotional well-being.

One of the most eye-opening findings from the study is that nearly one-third of all respondents had substituted NPs—including cannabis—for prescription medications. Some were turning away from over-the-counter options like NSAIDS and acetaminophen, while others were even replacing antidepressants and neuropathic pain meds. Whether due to side effects, access, or a belief in cannabis’s natural safety, this substitution trend has significant implications for both health outcomes and the healthcare system.

Despite the widespread use, less than 55% of respondents said they had discussed their cannabis (or NP) use with a healthcare provider. Reasons ranged from thinking their provider wouldn’t support it to assuming it “wouldn’t help.” This communication gap could pose serious risks, especially when patients are using cannabis alongside other medications without professional guidance.

Many veterans believed cannabis and other NPs were safer than prescription drugs simply because they’re “natural” or sold over the counter. But the study also revealed that more than half worried about drug interactions or other risks. This underscores the need for better education for both patients and providers about the real-world effects of cannabis and how it interacts with other treatments.

This survey points to a broader cultural shift: patients, especially those managing long-term conditions like chronic pain, are seeking more control and more natural solutions. Cannabis is no longer a fringe option—it’s a key player in a growing toolkit of non-pharmaceutical treatments. However, as its use increases, so must the medical community’s understanding.

Veterans, often at the forefront of conversations about alternative medicine due to the complex nature of their health needs, are paving the way for more open, informed discussions about cannabis. As research evolves, it’s clear that the cannabis conversation is no longer about whether people use it, but how to support them when they do.