Breaking the Stigma
Understanding self-medication, and cannabis use
Born of the sixties?
An era where lifestyle choices appeared to be more tolerated. Society, at least on the surface, seemed more accepting of different ways people chose to cope with life’s challenges. Over the years, the complexities of modern living have only made self-medicating: whether through alcohol, over-the-counter medicines, or controlled substances; a norm rather than an exception.
Most of us have, at some point, reached for a beer, a glass of wine, or a spirit-based drink after a long or difficult day. A reward, perhaps? A moment of relaxation or escape? Some have turned to a ‘medicinal brandy’ after an emotional shock, just as many manage pain or discomfort with easily accessible over-the-counter medications. These habits are ingrained in culture, largely accepted, and rarely questioned.
Yet, when it comes to cannabis, the discussion takes a different turn
The Science of Intoxication and the Need to Cope
There is a complex science behind the brain’s reward centres and why people seek intoxication, whether through alcohol, prescription medication, or cannabis. The human mind naturally craves relief, balance, and sometimes escape. For some, it is the calming effect of a depressant like alcohol; for others, the stimulation of an upper; and for many, cannabis serves as a means to manage pain, anxiety, or simply the weight of everyday life.
This is where the line between recreational use and self-medication becomes blurred.
The Stigma Surrounding Cannabis Patients
I cannot condone the accusation that all patients using cannabis therapies are merely ‘recreational users in disguise.’ It is an unfair and inaccurate generalisation that ignores the reality of medical need.
Yes, many long-term cannabis users, who previously self-medicated to manage chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, or other conditions, have transitioned to obtaining a prescription. But this shift should not be seen as deceptive or problematic—it is a step towards legitimacy, safety, and medical oversight. They are not ‘abusing’ the system; they are seeking to live without the constant threat of arrest, prosecution, or the stigma that comes with illicit use.
The Double Standard in Accepting Substance Use
If society accepts that people use alcohol as a coping mechanism or that pain relief from over-the-counter medication is reasonable, why is cannabis held to a different standard? The hypocrisy in this approach is striking. We do not call someone taking paracetamol for a headache a ‘drug abuser,’ nor do we question the person having a whisky after a tough day.
Yet, when someone legally accesses cannabis for pain relief, mental health support, or symptom management, their legitimacy is often questioned. This kind of bias not only fuels stigma but also impedes progress in creating policies that reflect the real-world complexities of substance use.
Moving Towards Understanding and Balanced Policy
The reality is that self-medication, in some form, is deeply embedded in human behaviour. Rather than making sweeping assumptions about cannabis patients, we should be focusing on education, harm reduction, and access to safe, regulated options.
Dismissing all prescribed cannabis patients as ‘recreational users in disguise’ does a disservice to those who rely on it for genuine medical reasons. Just as society has evolved in its understanding of mental health, addiction, and pain management, it must also evolve in its perception of medical cannabis.
Instead of questioning whether a patient is ‘truly’ in need, perhaps the better question is: why do we continue to judge cannabis differently when self-medication is already a societal norm?
Sian Phillips
Published 3rd March 2025
