# Cannabis Use Among Individuals Treated with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Correlates, Patterns, and Motivations for Use. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-patterns-opioid-disorder/ > **Published:** 2026-03-26T04:08:55-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:08:27-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis use patterns opioid disorder patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder, focusing on correlates and motivations for use. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #94High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic Opioid Use DisorderMoudAnxietySubstance Use[Cannabis Use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) Patterns Journal Substance use & addiction journal Study Type Randomized Trial Population Human participants Why This Matters 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. Clinical Summary This randomized trial analyzed 303 participants receiving MOUD, finding 47.5% used cannabis and 27% used it frequently (≥3 days/week). Frequent [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) correlated with [anxiety disorders](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) 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. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This reinforces what I observe clinically – patients on MOUD often turn to cannabis for [anxiety management](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-and-ptsd-treatment-memory-loss-benefits/) 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.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should routinely assess cannabis use patterns in MOUD patients without judgment, focusing on [harm reduction](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) and symptom management. Consider how cannabis use might complement or complicate opioid recovery, and address underlying [anxiety disorders](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) that may be driving frequent use. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Cannabis%20Use%20Among%20Individuals%20Treated%20with%20Medication%20for%20Opioid%20Use%20Disorder%3A%20...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Cannabis%20Use%20Among%20Individuals%20Treated%20with%20Medication%20for%20Opioid%20Use%20Disorder%3A%20...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[How common is cannabis use among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)?](#How_common_is_cannabis_use_among_patients_receiving_medication_for_opioid_use_disorder_MOUD) - [What factors are associated with frequent cannabis use in patients on MOUD?](#What_factors_are_associated_with_frequent_cannabis_use_in_patients_on_MOUD) - [Should clinicians be concerned about cannabis use in patients on MOUD?](#Should_clinicians_be_concerned_about_cannabis_use_in_patients_on_MOUD) - [What should clinicians ask patients about their cannabis use while on MOUD?](#What_should_clinicians_ask_patients_about_their_cannabis_use_while_on_MOUD) - [Does cannabis use interfere with opioid use disorder treatment?](#Does_cannabis_use_interfere_with_opioid_use_disorder_treatment) - [Related](#Related) ## 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](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/). 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. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Cannabis Use Among Individuals Treated with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Correlates, Patterns, and Motivations for Use.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41689843/”, “about”: “substance use addiction journal randomized trial”, “isPartOf”: “Substance use & addiction journal”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Elevated Cannabis Use Tied to Higher Anxiety and Symptom Burden in Opioid Use Disorder Patients](https://cedclinic.com/elevated-cannabis-use-tied-to-higher-anxiety-and-symptom-burden-in-opioid-use-disorder-patients/) This article explores the link between elevated cannabis use and increased anxiety symptoms in patients with opioid use disorder. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/elevated-cannabis-use-tied-to-higher-anxiety-and-symptom-burden-in-opioid-use-disorder-patients/) [Effects of cannabis use on PTSD were examined in a small study. "A trial of abstinence is a …](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-withdrawal-symptoms-ptsd-study-insights/) Examines the effects of cannabis use on PTSD symptoms and the outcomes of abstinence trials. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-withdrawal-symptoms-ptsd-study-insights/) [Study Sheds Light on Genetic Addiction Risk for Cannabis, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Opioid …](https://cedclinic.com/genetic-addiction-risk-cannabis-study-insights/) A study investigating genetic factors influencing addiction risks across multiple substances including cannabis and opioids. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/genetic-addiction-risk-cannabis-study-insights/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).