Marijuana (cannabis) has recently been suggested as a potential treatment for addiction (aka substance use disorder). People in favor of its use point to its potential pain-relieving properties and lack of fatal overdose risk. But while it may have some health benefits, more research needs to be done to confirm whether its advisable to use medical marijuana for addiction treatment. In any case, it should never be the only treatment for SUD.
Need more information on medical marijuana? Read our comprehensive guide here.
Research suggests that cannabis has the potential to help treat opioid use disorder. While it should not take the place of medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD), which are the gold standard for treatment, it might be helpful if used as a supplement.
For some, cannabis can help relieve very painful and even fatal opioid and/or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.1 This can be helpful during a period of detox before starting MOUD, as some medications require a period of abstinence before starting.
Though chronic cannabis use can lead to dependence and result in its own withdrawal symptoms, cannabis withdrawal symptoms are far less severe than opioid or alcohol withdrawal symptoms and not deadly. This could help reduce opioid cravings and the risk of relapse.
Cannabis can also be an effective harm reduction method for those with opioid use disorder. For example, some individuals might be open to stopping opioid use and/or receiving treatment but continue to use cannabis, which has a significantly reduced overdose risk compared to opioids. While it is possible to overdose on cannabis, which can lead to serious health issues, it is also highly unlikely to be fatal, unlike an opioid or alcohol overdose.
Additionally, some research indicates that, for some people, medical cannabis can be effective in taking the place of addictive opioid pain medications. This might reduce the likelihood of developing an opioid use disorder in the first place.2
Despite its potential benefits, it’s important to note that cannabis use also comes with risks. One study found that while medical cannabis can relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms, a minority of participants found that it made their withdrawal symptoms worse.3 So, while cannabis might work for some people with a substance use disorder, it may be harmful for others.
Another study found that participants who received a medical marijuana card to treat issues like anxiety and pain were more likely to experience increased symptoms of cannabis use disorder (CUD) than relief for the disorders they were attempting to treat.4 CUD affects the brain’s reward system, and the likelihood of addiction increases considerably for those who start using cannabis at a younger age.
Additionally, marijuana can have other long- and short-term health effects, impacting reaction times, memory and learning, and mental health. It can also lead to chronic health conditions like asthma and potentially serious mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.
Cannabis can have a particularly negative effect on young people. One large review examined trials involving medical cannabis use for adolescents with conditions such as chemotherapy-related nausea or epilepsy, finding that it was typically associated with an increased risk of negative health effects.5 As a result, medical marijuana may not be an appropriate option for adolescents with opioid use disorder.
Finally, it’s important to note that much of the research supporting the use of medical cannabis for SUD relies on self-reports. Only limited research has been conducted, and, in general, only a handful of conditions have been studied thoroughly enough to determine whether cannabis can be used as a treatment option.
Most importantly, cannabis should not be relied on as the only treatment for opioid use disorder when there are medications proven to work. Learn more about medications for opioid use disorder here.