Veterans, Cannabis for Chronic Pain, and Coaching Intervention: Insights from a Pilot Study

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A recently published pilot study examined the effects of coaching intervention in chronic pain management for veterans using medical cannabis for their symptoms (1). The researchers noted in the study’s introduction that up to 30% of the veteran population in the US is affected by chronic pain. The study, “Feasibility pilot of a novel coaching intervention to optimize cannabis use for chronic pain management among Veterans,” was published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in January 2025. The study is reportedly the first of its kind to empirically assess the effects of coaching on reducing harm and maximizing benefits of cannabis.

The study was developed from scientific literature and included motivational interviewing as the counseling style. The participants consisted of 21 Armed Services veterans ages 18 years and older with self-reported chronic pain lasting more than three months. All were either already using cannabis for chronic pain, or were interested in using it. The intervention lasted for 14 weeks and included four cannabis coaching visits and cannabis education materials to create a personalized cannabis use plan and provide guidance in follow-up visits. The last assessment was completed in December 2023.

Highlighted results included (1):

• 87.5% were very or completely satisfied with the intervention
• 81.3% rated coaching as very or extremely helpful
• All participants reported improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)
• 63% reporting much or very much improvement on the PGIC

Additionally, a significant decrease in pain intensity was reported (7.1/10 vs. 5.7/10) along with pain interference (T-score 66.3 vs. 61.8). Social satisfaction was also increased (T-score 41.4 vs. 44.3). No adverse events were reported.

Open-ended feedback at the end of the study was conducted. Participants reported positive feedback on developing a personalized plan, forming a connection with the coach and the ability to discuss questions, and the ability to test different approaches to cannabis-based treatment. Some participants reported frustration at a lack of being given recommendations for specific cannabis brands.

Limitations to the study were also noted, including a lack of control group, small population group, and a lack of a thorough analysis of how coaching or specific products affected cannabis use patterns.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the results warranted further research. “In this feasibility pilot study of coaching on cannabis use for chronic pain among Veterans, participants were satisfied with the intervention and reported improvements in pain symptoms. Our results support evaluating this intervention in a larger, efficacy trial.”

The researchers also mentioned they were recruiting participants for a larger trial in states with legal adult-use cannabis.

Reference

1. Boehnke, KF.; Bowyer, G.; McAfee, J.; Smith, T.; Klida, C.; Kurtz, V.; Litinas, E.; Purohit, P.; Arewasikporn, A.; Horowitz, D.; Thomas, L.; Eckersley, J.; Railing, M.; Williams, DA.; Clauw, DJ.; Kidwell, KM.; Bohnert, ASB.; Bergmans, RS. Feasibility pilot of a novel coaching intervention to optimize cannabis use for chronic pain management among Veterans. J Cannabis Res. 2025.DOI: 10.1186/s42238-025-00265-z.