Cannabis Use Among Individuals Treated with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Correlates, Patterns, and Motivations for Use.
| Journal | Substance use & addiction journal |
| Study Type | Randomized Trial |
| Population | Human participants |
Nearly half of patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder are using cannabis, with over a quarter using it frequently. Understanding these usage patterns and motivations is essential for clinicians managing complex patients with co-occurring substance use disorders.
This randomized trial analyzed 303 participants receiving MOUD, finding 47.5% used cannabis and 27% used it frequently (≥3 days/week). Frequent cannabis use correlated with anxiety disorders and specific demographic factors. The study examined motivations, usage patterns, and THC/CBD preferences through telephone surveys, providing insight into concurrent substance use in this vulnerable population. However, the study appears incomplete in the provided abstract, limiting full assessment of findings and clinical implications.
“This reinforces what I observe clinically – patients on MOUD often turn to cannabis for anxiety management and other symptoms. The key question isn’t whether they’re using cannabis, but how we can optimize their overall treatment plan with this reality in mind.”
💬 Join the Conversation
Have a question about how this applies to your situation? Ask Dr. Caplan →
Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? Join the forum discussion →
Have thoughts on this? Share it:
FAQ
How common is cannabis use among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)?
Cannabis use is highly prevalent in this population, with 47.5% of patients on MOUD reporting cannabis use. Additionally, 27% of patients used cannabis frequently, defined as three or more days per week.
What factors are associated with frequent cannabis use in patients on MOUD?
Frequent cannabis use (≥3 days/week) was significantly associated with anxiety disorders in patients receiving MOUD. This suggests that patients may be using cannabis to self-medicate anxiety symptoms that co-occur with opioid use disorder.
Should clinicians be concerned about cannabis use in patients on MOUD?
Clinicians should assess and monitor cannabis use patterns in MOUD patients, particularly frequent use which may indicate underlying anxiety or other conditions requiring treatment. Understanding motivations for use can help inform comprehensive treatment planning rather than viewing cannabis use as automatically problematic.
What should clinicians ask patients about their cannabis use while on MOUD?
Clinicians should inquire about frequency of use, motivations for cannabis use (such as symptom management), and screen for cannabis use disorder. It’s also important to assess for co-occurring anxiety and other mental health conditions that may be driving cannabis use.
Does cannabis use interfere with opioid use disorder treatment?
The study does not indicate that cannabis use inherently interferes with MOUD effectiveness. However, frequent cannabis use may signal untreated comorbid conditions like anxiety that require clinical attention to optimize overall treatment outcomes.
