A study led by Joe Kossowsky, PhD, at Boston Children's Hospital reveals that over 25% of adolescents with chronic pain reported cannabis use, primarily for symptom management. This cross-sectional analysis of 245 patients found that 77.4% of users engaged in instrumental use, citing pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety as motivations. Despite the prevalence of use, concerns regarding potential adverse effects highlight the urgent need for education on cannabis risks and alternative coping strategies in pediatric pain management.

Source: JAMA Network Open