Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-3-2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this qualitative study was to better understand the experiences of individuals living with opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain using medical cannabis (MC) for 12 months.

METHODS: Perspectives were captured via 10 key informant interviews conducted after 12 months of treatment with MC RESULTS: Key themes identified regarding the reasons for initially pursuing MC included: (1) cannabis supply safety; (2) a desire to reduce or eliminate prescription medication usage for pain, OUD and mood; (3) to induce feelings of calm or relaxation; and (4) to improve levels of chronic pain. At 12 months, key themes identified surrounding their lived experiences with MC use were: (1) reductions in pain levels; (2) positive changes in emotional regulation and mood; (3) improvements in sleep quality and duration; and (4) reductions in cravings to use illicit drugs. The primary concerns expressed by interviewees surrounding MC use at 12 months related to changes in weight and appetite, and the cost of MC products.

CONCLUSIONS: These qualitative data provide targets for future quantitative investigations of the potential mechanisms by which MC can impact recovery in the context of OUD.

Publication Title

Harm Reduction Journal

Volume

22

Issue

1

PubMed ID

41044588

Comments

This article was published in Harm Reduction Journal, Volume 22, Issue 1.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01306-9.

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). CC BY 4.0.

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