A recent survey by NuggMD reveals that nearly 80% of cannabis users in the U.S. consume marijuana as a substitute for prescription drugs. Despite lacking medical marijuana cards, many respondents use cannabis therapeutically for stress, anxiety, and pain relief. The substitution effect may impact pharmaceutical profits, with estimates suggesting around 40 million Americans rely on cannabis instead of traditional medications. Supporting research shows cannabis legalization correlates with reduced prescription drug spending. While more studies are needed, the findings highlight a growing trend of consumers turning to cannabis for medical purposes over conventional treatments.
