A new study found that more than half of patients prescribed medical marijuana for chronic musculoskeletal pain stopped using it within a year.
The study tracked roughly 80 medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania. Most quit consuming marijuana before their one-year state authorization expired.
Researchers say study participants gave a mix of reasons for stopping use, such as dissatisfaction with the treatment, side effects or choosing to have surgery instead.
Medical marijuana is also available to pain patients in Arizona.
Roughly 90,000 people are enrolled, but the program has been in decline for years since recreational marijuana was legalized.
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Pennsylvania.
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