Self-reported cannabis use to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reductions in opioid use among people who use unregulated opioids: a cross-sectional analysis. Journal Abstract - Guideline Central

Self-reported cannabis use to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reductions in opioid use among people who use unregulated opioids: a cross-sectional analysis.

Published: 2026 Jun 24

Authors

, , , , , , ,

Abstract

Opioid withdrawal is a significant challenge for people seeking to reduce or eliminate opioid use, and unmanaged withdrawal increases the risk of relapse and overdose. Using cannabis to manage opioid withdrawal has been reported by people who use opioids, yet it is not clear whether this leads to reductions in opioid use. Moreover, because pain is prevalent among people who use unregulated opioids (PWUO) and may contribute to ongoing opioid use, the effects of cannabis use to manage withdrawal symptoms may differ among individuals experiencing moderate to severe pain. We investigated the relationship between cannabis use to manage unregulated opioid withdrawal and self-reported reductions in opioid use among PWUO.

Keywords: Cannabis, Harm reduction, Opioid withdrawal, Opioids, People who use drugs

Source

Journal of cannabis research

Publication Type

Journal Article

Language

English

PubMed ID

42343486

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