12-Month Study Confirms Cannabis Improves Daily Life for Patients

Can medical cannabis actually make life better for people living with chronic conditions? A new year-long Australian study¹ confirms this, and notably, the improvements are not just temporary.

Researchers behind this QUEST (QUality of life Evaluation STudy) Initiative followed over 2,300 patients for a 12 month period following the prescription of cannabis oil.  What was found was encouraging: across a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain and insomnia to anxiety and depression, patients reported feeling better, sleeping deeper, worrying less, and even reducing their need for other medications like opioids – a benefit that has been getting increased attention lately.

Why This Study Matters

Australia legalized medical cannabis in 2016.  In the time since, the country has seen over one million patients turn to the plant as a means of managing everything from pain to PTSD.  Despite this, long-term studies remain few and far between, making this initiative an intriguing one to consider.

What Improved Over 12 Months?

Led by researchers from the University of Sydney, the adults were prescribed cannabis oils of varying compositions that changed ratios of THC and CBD.  Patients completed detailed surveys assessing their quality of life, pain levels, mood, sleep patterns, and other aspects of their well-being.  Most were dealing with more than one health condition.  So what insights did the subsequent checkups provide?

1. Quality of Life Went Up

Whether referring to emotional, physical, or mental wellness, people said they just felt better overall.  In fact, their health scores improved by nearly 20%, which is considered a clinically meaningful change.

2. Sleep Got Better

Looking closer, it was found that those with insomnia reported sleeping more soundly, equating to a 13% drop in sleep disturbances for those who suffered from such disorders.  With such a change, it is unsurprising that overall wellness improved, as this effect on sleep alone is enough to make a real difference in daily life.

3. Less Pain, Especially Chronic Pain

One of the most well-known and accepted use cases for cannabis is in the treatment of mild pain.  So it is unsurprising that patients reported their pain intensity and how much it interfered with daily life dropped significantly.

4. Mood Lifted for Those with Anxiety or Depression

Then there are those who rely on cannabis for mental wellness.  In this study, those suffering from anxiety saw their stress levels move from the “severe” range down to “moderate.”  Furthermore, those with depression boasted an average 30% drop in symptoms.

5. Medication Use Dropped

Finally, an ancillary benefit to pain management, which has been getting an increasing amount of attention lately, is the reduction in reliance on potent and addictive medications like opioids.  In the study, it was reported that nearly half of the patients either reduced or discontinued the use of at least one other medication.

With regard to opioids, in particular, 7 in 10 users were able to reduce or stop their use after starting medical cannabis.

THC or CBD: Which Works Better?

So, we know that medical cannabis offers some fantastic benefits – that much is clear.  How did this present across the cannabis oils with differing compositions, though?

As mentioned, the study looked at how different cannabis oil formulations—some high in THC, others rich in CBD—affected patients over time.  It turns out that THC-dominant products were generally more effective for improving sleep quality and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Meanwhile, CBD-dominant oils showed greater benefit for managing specific types of pain, especially musculoskeletal issues and cancer-related discomfort.

When it came to general chronic pain, though, the results were encouraging across the board, with patients seeing improvements regardless of the THC-to-CBD ratio in their medication.

The Takeaway

While this wasn’t a clinical trial, it was a real-world snapshot of what happens when people use medical cannabis for months on end.  And for most of them, the answer is simple: they feel better.

Patients living with pain, anxiety, poor sleep, and fatigue saw steady, lasting improvements.  This meant taking fewer pills, getting better rest, experiencing less pain, and feeling an improved mood.  Overall, that’s a win by any standard.

While cannabis may not be a miracle cure, this study offers compelling evidence that for many people with chronic conditions, it can be a safe, long-term option worth considering – especially when other treatments fall short.

Studies Referenced:

^{1. Tait, M-A., et al. (2025). Improvements in health-related quality of life are maintained long-term in patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia: The QUEST Initiative 12-month follow-up observational study. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320756}