New research 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 study, led by PhD student Sid Ganesh, interviewed 30 people who were using opioids and cannabis, including injecting drugs. These participants, who were receiving services from a methadone clinic and a syringe exchange in Los Angeles, reported that cannabis was a valuable tool in managing their opioid use, citing its accessibility as a key factor.
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 of Drug Abuse, focused on qualitative data to gain insight into the lived experiences of individuals who use drugs. This approach allowed researchers to understand the complexities of opioid addiction and the role cannabis plays in managing it.
Ganesh emphasized the importance of understanding the real-life circumstances of study participants, many of whom were unhoused or had unstable housing situations. By delving into the personal experiences of individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, researchers were able to uncover the ways in which cannabis helped them navigate the challenges of quitting or reducing opioid use.
The relationship between opioid addiction, overdose, and cannabis use is a complex and urgent issue, particularly as opioid overdose deaths continue to rise. While some studies suggest that cannabis legalization has led to a decrease in opioid consumption, the impact on overdose rates remains inconclusive. Addiction medicine specialist Ryan Marino highlighted the challenges in determining the influence of cannabis legalization on these trends, citing the prevalence of fentanyl and other factors contributing to overdose deaths.
Participants in Ganesh’s study shared how cannabis helped them manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and anxiety during the process of quitting or reducing opioid use. For some individuals, cannabis served as a crucial tool in overcoming the initial urge to use opioids, especially during vulnerable periods of lower tolerance post-withdrawal. While the data on cannabis as a treatment for opioid use disorder is still evolving, Marino emphasized the importance of considering any potential benefit in saving lives.
In order to fully understand the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment for opioid use disorder, large-scale clinical trials would be necessary. However, federal restrictions have hindered research in this area, although there is potential for change in the future. Previous studies have explored the use of synthetic THC in easing withdrawal symptoms and supporting detoxification treatments, pointing to the potential benefits of cannabis in addiction recovery.
Ultimately, the key takeaway from Ganesh’s research is the need for improved access to harm reduction tools for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. This includes not only traditional treatments like methadone and suboxone but also alternative options like cannabis. As attitudes towards cannabis evolve, there is a growing recognition of its potential as a valuable tool in addiction treatment, offering hope for a future where it is embraced as part of comprehensive care for individuals battling opioid addiction.