Cannabis could help curb opioid addiction, new research shows

The coronavirus pandemic has brought out the worst in some of us, despite our best efforts. Dealing with the loss of jobs, family, friends, and everyday activities has led to an increase in unhealthy behaviors in all populations, including Alcohol consumption, illegal drug use and mental emergencies.

Of the substances that many Americans (and Canadians!) cannabis and Opioids were two of the most common. Although there has never been a reported death that could be attributed to cannabis, deaths are from opioid overdose increased across the country; Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show Almost 70,000 people had an opioid overdose in 2020, many of them with fentanyl.

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Fentanyl, like many opioids, is addicting, and the development of addiction can be fatal. Fortunately, two recent studies indicate that cannabis, which is not an opioid and cannot cause hypoxia, can provide users and addicts with relief from both their pain and opioid use.

Research published in journals Cannabis and cannabinoid research and PLOS medicine observed an “independent negative association between frequent cannabis use and frequent illicit opioid use,” with up to 50% of those who used opioids for back pain able to quit and 31% of those who continued to use opioids were able to reduce their use.

RELATED: Science Still Is Confused About Whether Marijuana Can Tame The Opioid Epidemic

Studying in Cannabis and cannabinoid research observed 61 patients out of a group of 180 who had taken opioids to treat low back pain, who are often prescribed opioids. The majority of them were able to gradually cease their opioid use or decrease their dependence on opioids over an average period of 6 years, although some users among those who did not quit actually increased their use.

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Both THC and CBD have been lauded for theirs analgesic properties, but generally work better together (the “entourage effect”). Based on how the two cannabinoids interact with different receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, it is recommended that a combination of the two be used by either inhalation or ingestion for maximum effectiveness.

RELATED: Why Cannabis Is Better Than Opioids

The PLOS medical study reported that illicit drug use or pain prescription abuse in some participants was due to a lack of access and education about alternative drugs, not an affinity for a particular substance. Those who consumed cannabis on a daily basis were more likely to report using it for medicinal purposes themselves, and higher rates of cannabis use coincided with lower opioid addiction, suggesting that cannabis may be a positive addition or substitute for chronic pain relief and the negative Side effects of. could be opioids.

RELATED: Marijuana Won’t Solve the Opioid Crisis, It Could Be Part of the Solution

Despite advances in legalization and destigmatization, many Americans have still perceive cannabis as a gateway drug to harder, more dangerous substances. While both studies are promising, both indicate a need for additional research and funding to determine the long-term effects of cannabis use on opioid users.

As more states and countries decriminalize cannabis, making it more accessible for both procurement and study, we are only scratching the surface of its full potential.