Historic Win: Cannabis Eases Opioid Use in Cancer

A major national study has revealed a compelling link between legal cannabis access and reduced opioid use among cancer patients. When cannabis dispensaries open, prescriptions for opioids among cancer patients tend to decline—suggesting that cannabis availability may be reshaping pain management practices in the U.S.

The research, published in JAMA Health Forum and led by the University of Georgia, examined data from more than three million adults with cancer between 2007 and 2020. Researchers compared opioid use trends before and after dispensaries opened in states with either medical or recreational cannabis laws. They found that the opening of dispensaries corresponded with a noticeable reduction in three key measures: fewer patients receiving opioid prescriptions, fewer prescriptions per person, and shorter prescription durations.

These decreases in opioid use were most significant in states with medical cannabis programs. Lead researcher and nurse scientist Victoria Bethel explained that the findings suggest a potential substitution effect, as some cancer patients may be choosing cannabis over opioids for pain management. Opioids remain standard for severe pain, but they come with serious risks such as dependency, tolerance, and side effects like nausea or confusion. For certain cancer patients, cannabis may provide partial relief with fewer long-term complications.

While opioid use has been a cornerstone of pain care for cancer patients, it also poses challenges such as addiction, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. The possibility that cannabis could safely reduce opioid use is attracting growing interest from both researchers and clinicians.

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