# A qualitative study on cannabis use for harm reduction and pain among veterans enrolled in an SUD treatment program. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/veterans-cannabis-harm-reduction-sud-treatment/ > **Published:** 2026-03-27T09:01:16-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:36:56-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore veterans cannabis harm reduction in SUD treatment programs for pain management and substance use disorder support. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #78Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic PainSudVeteransHarm ReductionQualitative Journal Harm reduction journal Study Type Clinical Study Population Human participants Why This Matters This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how veterans with substance use disorders view cannabis as both [pain management](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-cbg-topicals-for-eczema/) and harm reduction within treatment programs. The findings could inform more nuanced, patient-centered approaches to SUD treatment that acknowledge the complex relationship between pain, addiction, and [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) in veteran populations. Clinical Summary This qualitative study interviewed 33 U.S. military veterans with [chronic pain](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pain-management-opioid-alternative/) enrolled in a VA substance use disorder treatment program that permits continued [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) as harm reduction. The research explored veteran perspectives on using cannabis to manage [chronic pain](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pain-management-opioid-alternative/), pain-related anxiety, and sleep disturbances while receiving treatment for non-cannabis substance use disorders. The study design allows for polysubstance use as long as patients commit to abstaining from their primary problematic substance. Key findings characterize how veterans conceptualize cannabis use within their broader recovery and [pain management](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-cbg-topicals-for-eczema/) strategies. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This study illuminates an important clinical reality many providers face but rarely discuss openly—patients using cannabis as substitution therapy within traditional SUD treatment frameworks. The veteran population’s unique pain burden and substance use patterns make this particularly relevant for understanding real-world treatment approaches.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians working with veterans should recognize that cannabis may serve dual roles as both pain medication and harm reduction tool in complex addiction scenarios. Treatment programs may benefit from explicit policies addressing cannabis use rather than leaving it in clinical gray areas. These findings suggest the need for more individualized, flexible approaches to SUD treatment that account for comorbid chronic pain conditions. 💬 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%20A%20qualitative%20study%20on%20cannabis%20use%20for%20harm%20reduction%20and%20pain%20among%20veterans%20e...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715102/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715102/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20A%20qualitative%20study%20on%20cannabis%20use%20for%20harm%20reduction%20and%20pain%20among%20veterans%20e...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715102/)[📷 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/41715102/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715102/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[Can cannabis be safely used during substance use disorder treatment?](#Can_cannabis_be_safely_used_during_substance_use_disorder_treatment) - [Is cannabis effective for chronic pain management in veterans?](#Is_cannabis_effective_for_chronic_pain_management_in_veterans) - [How does harm reduction differ from traditional abstinence-based SUD treatment?](#How_does_harm_reduction_differ_from_traditional_abstinence-based_SUD_treatment) - [What are the clinical considerations for cannabis use in veterans with SUD?](#What_are_the_clinical_considerations_for_cannabis_use_in_veterans_with_SUD) - [Should clinicians consider cannabis as part of comprehensive pain management in SUD treatment?](#Should_clinicians_consider_cannabis_as_part_of_comprehensive_pain_management_in_SUD_treatment) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### Can cannabis be safely used during substance use disorder treatment? This study examined a harm reduction SUD treatment model that allows continued cannabis use while patients work toward abstaining from their primary substance of abuse. The approach recognizes that cannabis may serve as a less harmful substitute and therapeutic tool for managing chronic pain and related symptoms in veterans with polysubstance use disorders. #### Is cannabis effective for chronic pain management in veterans? Evidence supports cannabis as an effective treatment for pain, and this study specifically explored veteran perspectives on using cannabis to manage chronic pain during SUD treatment. Veterans reported using cannabis not only for pain relief but also for associated symptoms like pain-related anxiety and poor sleep quality. #### How does harm reduction differ from traditional abstinence-based SUD treatment? Unlike traditional SUD treatment models that require complete abstinence from all substances, harm reduction approaches allow continued use of less harmful substances as a therapeutic strategy. This study examined a program where veterans could continue cannabis use while committing to abstain from their primary substance of abuse. #### What are the clinical considerations for cannabis use in veterans with SUD? Veterans with SUD represent a unique population with high rates of chronic pain and complex trauma histories. This study suggests that cannabis may serve multiple therapeutic functions in this population, addressing pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances while potentially reducing reliance on more harmful substances. #### Should clinicians consider cannabis as part of comprehensive pain management in SUD treatment? With two-thirds of U.S. adults finding cannabis use acceptable and growing evidence of its therapeutic benefits, clinicians should consider individualized approaches that may include [cannabis for pain management](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-patient-benefits/). This study provides insight into patient perspectives that can inform more personalized, harm reduction-oriented treatment strategies for veterans with co-occurring chronic pain and SUD. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “A qualitative study on cannabis use for harm reduction and pain among veterans enrolled in an SUD treatment program.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715102/”, “about”: “harm reduction journal clinical study qualitative”, “isPartOf”: “Harm reduction 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 [A qualitative study on cannabis use for harm reduction and pain among veterans enrolled in an SUD treatment program.](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-veteran-chronic-pain-management-perspectives-study/) In-depth exploration of veteran experiences using cannabis for pain and harm reduction within substance use disorder treatment. [Read the full study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-veteran-chronic-pain-management-perspectives-study/) [Medical Cannabis Linked to Meaningful Pain-Related Improvements in Large Minnesota Study](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-linked-to-meaningful-pain-related-improvements-in-large-minnesota-study/) Evidence from a large study showing significant pain relief benefits of [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) use. [Discover study findings](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-linked-to-meaningful-pain-related-improvements-in-large-minnesota-study/) [Using cannabis to cut back on alcohol? Your working memory might dictate if it works](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-substitution-cognitive-function-alcohol-reduction/) Research on how cognitive factors influence cannabis effectiveness in reducing alcohol use. [Learn about cognitive impacts](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-substitution-cognitive-function-alcohol-reduction/) ### 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).