6 Ways to Overcome the Stigma Around Marijuana

When stigma gets in the way of medical marijuana, six steps help: confide in someone you trust, talk to your doctor, learn what NIH and the FDA actually say, join a patient group, remember how common medical use has become, and trust your own informed choice.

Humans are social animals. Deep down, we want others to accept us for who we are.

With medical marijuana, though, some patients run into real problems. There’s still stigma around marijuana, even in states where medical use is legal.

Why Are Some Patients Afraid to Ask About Medical Marijuana?

• Don’t want to be accused of being a “pothead,” just looking for an excuse to “get high”
• Are afraid of upsetting their friends and family
• Don’t want to risk losing their job if they use their medicine at work
• Can’t count on their card in another state, since federal law still applies and each state sets its own rules
• Live in federally-subsidized housing and don’t want to risk being evicted

Can Stigma Keep Patients From Getting Proper Health Care?

A 2015 interview study of 18 California medical marijuana patients found stigma shaped how they sought care; most went around their own physicians to get a recommendation.

Not every physician is comfortable recommending marijuana, for a variety of reasons. Because of this, patients may hide their medical marijuana use from their doctor.

This is potentially dangerous because the doctor can’t track the status and well-being of the patient. They also might prescribe a drug without knowing about it, and the FDA warns that CBD can affect how other drugs you are taking work.

How Can You Get Honest Medical Care Without Feeling Shame?

Some cannabinoids are FDA-approved medicines, but the FDA has not approved the cannabis plant itself for any medical use.

Each patient needs to decide, along with their doctor, whether medical marijuana is right for him or her. If you feel that the stigma around marijuana is preventing you from seeking treatment, here are six ways to overcome it.

1. Confide in Someone You Trust

If you have a friend or family member who you feel is open-minded and won’t judge you, talk to them about it. Let them know you’re interested in medical marijuana (if you’re not already using it), but you’re concerned about the stigma. Having someone to talk to may help you feel less isolated.

2. Talk to Your Doctor About It

It’s always important to keep your doctor in the loop about any healthcare decision you make. If you have a doctor who is open to recommending medical marijuana, he or she can provide you with information that can help empower you. Your physician may even be able to advise you on how to cope with the stigma attached to marijuana.

3. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Read and watch videos about the science, history and laws surrounding marijuana. Read about common marijuana myths, and on the “gateway drug” question, NIDA notes most people who use cannabis do not go on to other drugs, though early use raises the risk of a use disorder.

The more you learn about this medicine, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision to use it.

Plus, you’ll learn cool facts like:

• Cannabis has a long medical history: a 2006 historical review traces its use as medicine in Asia, mainly India, to before the Christian era.

• Federal restriction began with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, while the National Cancer Institute says medicinal use of cannabis dates back at least 3,000 years.

• Scientific interest grew again in the 1990s, after researchers described cannabinoid receptors and the body’s own cannabinoid system.

• Alcohol and cigarettes are legal, and cannabis carries risks too: CDC says about 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.

• Cannabis can also cause poisoning, especially from edibles, and CDC advises calling poison control at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has taken too much.

4. Join a Group of Fellow Medical Marijuana Patients

Some medical marijuana patients and caregivers have formed groups to share stories and experiences, and some of these groups also advocate for policy change.

Many dispensaries and patient groups hold education events, so ask your local treatment center what it offers.

Patient groups exist for veterans, parents and others; check that any group you join shares accurate, sourced information.

5. Remember: Most States Now Allow Medical Marijuana

By June 2022, 38 states and Washington, D.C. had legalized medical cannabis, according to a peer-reviewed count.

CDC says 52.5 million people, about 19% of Americans, used cannabis at least once in 2021.

In other words, you are far from alone.

Some people still doubt medical marijuana, and sharing what NIH and the FDA actually say can help. Minds can change when people see the evidence, including its limits.

6. Trust Yourself

Hopefully, the people close to you will understand and support your decision to use medical marijuana. At the end of the day, however, it’s your choice to make. Consult with a doctor so that you can make sure that choice is an informed one.

Have you ever faced stigma for using medical marijuana? How did you respond? We want to hear from you, so give us a shout on social media.

If you have a qualifying condition, but the stigma around marijuana is holding you back, get in touch with us. Give us a call at (800) 420-8423 or schedule an appointment online to meet with a physician. At our Florida offices, we’ll evaluate you and give you the information you need to decide whether medical marijuana is right for you.

Last updated October 15, 2026 by the Dr. Green Relief Editorial Team.

Sources

• Peer-reviewed state law count (PMC10212254): 38 states and Washington DC as of June 3, 2022 (PMC)
• Satterlund TD et al. Stigma Among California’s Medical Marijuana Patients. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2015 (PMC)
• Zuardi AW. History of cannabis as a medicine: a review. Braz J Psychiatry. 2006 (PubMed)
• National Cancer Institute, Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ), Health Professional Version
• National Institute on Drug Abuse, Cannabis (Marijuana)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cannabis Facts and Stats
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cannabis and Poisoning
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis or CBD