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Medical Cannabis as an Opiate Alternative: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Franklin E Caldera1, Zachary Caldera1, Frances Shofer2
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
Cureus
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Medical cannabis significantly reduced daily opioid use and chronic pain scores in patients. This study suggests cannabis may improve quality of life when cost is not a barrier.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioid use for chronic pain has led to an epidemic of overdoses and deaths in the U.S.
- Medical cannabis shows potential for pain relief and improved quality of life.
- Patient access to medical cannabis can be limited by cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids.
- To assess the impact of medical cannabis on pain and quality of life.
- To conduct the first prospective observational study removing cost as a barrier.
Main Methods:
- 29 patients from a university outpatient chronic pain clinic were recruited.
- Monthly pain assessments using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS).
- Daily opioid use (MMEs) and SF-36 Health Survey for quality of life were monitored over five months.
Main Results:
- Opioid use decreased by 65% from baseline to one month, maintained through five months.
- Mean NRS pain scores decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) and were sustained.
- SF-36 Physical Functioning scores improved significantly (p < 0.03) and were maintained.
Conclusions:
- Medical cannabis may serve as an effective adjunct therapy for chronic pain.
- Cannabis use can lead to significant reductions in opioid dependence.
- Improved health-related quality of life was observed in patients using medical cannabis.
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