A new study from the University of Southern California has shed light on the potential benefits of cannabis in helping individuals reduce or stop their opioid use. The research, led by PhD student Sid Ganesh, involved interviewing 30 people who were using opioids, cannabis, and injecting drugs. These participants, who were receiving services from a methadone clinic and a syringe exchange in Los Angeles, reported that cannabis played a significant role in managing their opioid use, particularly due to its increased accessibility in recent years.
Opioid use disorder patients often face challenges in accessing life-saving treatments such as suboxone, methadone, and naloxone. The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, focused on qualitative data to understand the lived experiences of individuals struggling with opioid use. This approach provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of cannabis as a tool for managing opioid addiction, especially among vulnerable populations facing various social and economic challenges.
The study findings underscore the importance of unraveling the complex relationship between opioid addiction, overdose, and cannabis use, particularly in light of the rising opioid overdose deaths in recent years. While some studies suggest that cannabis legalization has helped individuals reduce their opioid consumption, the impact on overdose rates remains inconclusive. Addiction medicine specialist Ryan Marino emphasizes the need for further research to determine the influence of cannabis legalization on these trends, especially in the context of the current toxic drug supply and the prevalence of fentanyl.
Ganesh and her colleagues discovered that cannabis could assist participants in navigating the challenging stages of quitting or reducing opioid use. Participants described using cannabis to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and anxiety during the post-withdrawal period. This supportive role of cannabis was particularly beneficial for individuals with lower tolerance levels following opioid cessation, reducing their risk of overdose. Marino acknowledges that while cannabis may not be a universal solution for opioid use disorder, it has shown promise in helping some individuals avoid overdose and reduce their opioid intake.
To fully understand the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for opioid use disorder, large-scale clinical trials are needed. However, federal restrictions have hindered research efforts in this area, although potential changes in regulations could pave the way for more comprehensive studies. Previous trials have explored the use of synthetic THC in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and supporting detoxification treatments, highlighting the potential of cannabis as a complementary tool in opioid addiction treatment.
Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of improving access to a range of harm reduction tools for individuals struggling with opioid use, including cannabis. By addressing barriers to treatment and providing comprehensive support, such as methadone, suboxone, clean syringes, naloxone, and potentially cannabis, healthcare providers can better assist individuals in managing their opioid addiction. As attitudes towards cannabis evolve, there is a growing recognition of its potential as a valuable tool in the treatment of opioid use disorder, offering hope for a future where it is accepted as part of a holistic approach to addiction care.
