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Rationale for cannabis-based interventions in the opioid overdose crisis
Philippe Lucas1,2,3
1Graduate Researcher, Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, V8N 5M8, Canada. plucas@uvic.ca.
Harm Reduction Journal
|August 20, 2017
Summary
Cannabis may help reduce opioid use and overdose deaths. Research suggests medical cannabis can be used before, during, or alongside opioid treatment to mitigate risks and improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Opioid overdose crisis in North America necessitates novel interventions.
- Cannabis use may reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality via substitution effect.
- Evidence supports cannabis as a public health and safety tool.
Discussion:
- Proposes three therapeutic opportunities for cannabis in the opioid crisis: pre-opioid pain management, opioid reduction, and adjunct therapy for opioid use disorder treatment.
- Addresses potential obstacles and limitations for cannabis-based interventions.
- Highlights the need for monitoring public health and safety impacts.
Key Insights:
- Cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP) can play a role in reducing opioid use.
- CTP can interrupt the cycle towards opioid use disorder.
- Evidence supports cannabis as an adjunct or substitute for opioids.
Outlook:
- Governments, healthcare providers, and researchers should consider cannabis-based interventions for the opioid crisis.
- Further assessment of cannabis interventions is warranted.
- Implementation and evaluation are key to addressing the opioid crisis.
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