Fostering Autonomy: Chronic Pain & Cannabis Care in Florida's Aging Population

Chronic pain affects millions across the United States and poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and individuals' quality of life, particularly among older adults. Amidst a landscape of biomedical limitations and societal stigma, individuals seek relief through complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including cannabis. However, the lived experiences of individuals with chronic pain utilizing cannabis remain underexplored within the evolving legal framework of medical cannabis in states like Florida.
This ethnographic study examines how older adults in Florida navigate the therapeutic use of cannabis to manage chronic pain. Employing participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this research delves into the embodied and social dimensions of cannabis treatment strategies. By documenting interactions within cannabis-related spaces and shadowing individuals over seven days, this study uncovers nuanced patterns of cannabis use within daily routines and responsibilities. Furthermore, interviews with both cannabis users and suppliers offer insights into access barriers, patient-provider dynamics, and the sociocultural contexts shaping cannabis consumption practices.
Situated within the broader theme of anthropological praxis, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between health, policy, and social justice. By illuminating the experiences of marginalized populations grappling with chronic pain, the study informs discussions on equitable healthcare access and the potential impact of cannabis policy reform on patient well-being. Ultimately, this work underscores the importance of ethnographic inquiry in addressing real-world challenges and advocating for the ethical and equitable treatment of communities affected by chronic pain.
Presentation for the American Anthropological Association 2024 Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.