The Intersection of Rurality, Unmet Treatment Need, and Cannabis Use for Adults with Chronic Pain

Abstract Objective: Rates of chronic pain are higher among rural versus urban individuals and rural individuals experience higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, poor or no health insurance coverage, and unmet treatment need. Medical cannabis is legal in Oklahoma. With 40% of Oklahoma’s population living in rural areas, and nearly 17% uninsured, the medical legalization of cannabis may present as an accessible and relatively low-cost alternative treatment, particularly for those with chronic pain. This study investigated differences in cannabis use by