Our Medical Marijuana Patients in PA: Data Report on Top Conditions
- Nicholas DiBella
- Published: February 13, 2025
- Updated: February 13, 2025
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute has been a trusted resource for medical marijuana (MMJ) certifications in Pennsylvania since the state’s program launched. We launched The Sanctuary in Pennsylvania in 2018, and have since expanded to multiple states. Through our in-person and telehealth services, we’ve helped thousands of patients access medical cannabis for a variety of qualifying conditions.
At The Sanctuary, our mission is to help patients navigate the MMJ certification process with ease and ensure they have access to the relief they need. Our experienced doctors evaluate each patient’s condition, ensuring they meet the state’s qualifying criteria before issuing a medical marijuana certification.
This article outlines data from our Pennsylvania patients since 2021, including the medical conditions for which their doctors prescribed them medical marijuana. We will also provide an overview of Pennsylvania’s MMJ program, how to obtain a medical marijuana card, and how our findings align with broader state statistics.
Key Findings
Here are some key insights from our Pennsylvania medical marijuana patients:
- 66% of our medical marijuana patients were prescribed medical marijuana for anxiety or anxiety disorders.
- Our doctors have certified patients for more than 23 different medical conditions.
- Since 2021, we have provided 64,000 medical marijuana prescriptions for Pennsylvanians (including card renewals).
- As of 2020, Pennsylvania’s MMJ program had nearly 300,000 registered patients. That number has continued to grow.
- Patients who were previously relying on prescription medications have found alternative relief through MMJ.
About Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program allows residents with qualifying conditions to obtain a medical marijuana card and access cannabis from licensed dispensaries. To get a medical marijuana card, patients need to follow these basic steps:
- Register with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program
- Obtain a certification from a state-approved doctor
- Pay for the card and complete the registration process.
- Purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary
Pennsylvania’s MMJ program has seen continued growth, with nearly 300,000 patients and caregivers registered as of 2020, highlighting the increasing acceptance and demand for cannabis-based treatment. The program has also seen expansion in terms of available medical marijuana products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and vaporization options, making it more accessible to patients with different needs and preferences.
Our Most Common Medical Marijuana Prescriptions
Below are the most common qualifying conditions among our patients in Pennsylvania. This data reflects more than 64,000 medical marijuana prescriptions since 2021:
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders – 66%
- Severe, Chronic, or Intractable Pain – 17%
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – 7%
- Neuropathies – 2%
- Cancer – 2%
- Opioid Use Disorder – 1%
More than half of our patients were prescribed medical marijuana for anxiety or anxiety disorders. Pennsylvania added anxiety as a qualifying condition in 2019, significantly increasing the number of eligible patients. According to one of our Sanctuary doctors,
The following conditions make up less than 1% of prescriptions, but still represent hundreds of patients:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Autism
- Damage to Nervous Tissue, Intractable Spasticity
- HIV/AIDS
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Tourette Syndrome
Although rarer, we have also prescribed medical marijuana cards for the following conditions:
- Intractable Seizures
- Dyskinetic and Spastic Movement Disorders
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Terminal Illness
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Huntington’s Disease
The wide range of conditions that qualify for MMJ in Pennsylvania showcases its versatility as a treatment option. While anxiety remains the top condition, many patients dealing with severe pain, PTSD, and neurological disorders have also benefited significantly.
Am I Eligible for Medical Marijuana?
If you are wondering whether you qualify for medical marijuana, check out our resources on qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.
You can also use our interactive U.S. map to see medical marijuana laws and qualifying conditions for your state: Medical Marijuana Laws and Regulations by State.
Additionally, Pennsylvania continues to evaluate and expand its list of qualifying conditions, so if you suffer from a chronic or debilitating health issue, it may be worth discussing medical marijuana as a treatment option with a certified doctor. Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions.
Conclusion
The data from our Pennsylvania patients highlights the widespread use of medical marijuana for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, and neuropathy. The state’s medical marijuana program continues to grow, offering relief to thousands of residents.
As more people explore cannabis-based treatments, MMJ is proving to be an essential tool in managing symptoms for a variety of conditions. Patients who once relied on prescription medications with harsh side effects are finding relief through medical cannabis, often improving their quality of life.
If you are interested in getting a medical marijuana card, The Sanctuary Wellness Institute can help. We offer MMJ certifications in multiple states, including:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward medical marijuana relief! Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with the certification process and answer any questions you may have.
How we reviewed this article:
- Drexel University (2020). Information on Medical Cannabis in Pennsylvania
https://drexel.edu/cannabis-research/resources/overview/
Current Version
February 12, 2025
Written By
Nicholas Dibella
Fact-checked By
Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Nicholas DiBella received his psychology degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2023. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
