Cannabis and Opioid / Substance Dependence

How can plant-based cannabinoids offer benefits for Opioid / Substance Dependence? Read Bonni Goldstein MD's summary of the research on cannabis and Opioid / Substance Dependence.

Various cannabinoids are being studied to help people reduce or manage dependence on opioids and other substances. Many people report that cannabinoid compounds help to relieve withdrawal symptoms and support recovery, and modern research is beginning to provide scientific backing for this use. The 2017 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report notes moderate evidence that cannabinoids can help people reduce opioid use in chronic pain treatment. More recent studies report cannabinoids may reduce opioid cravings, decrease withdrawal symptoms, and improve retention in treatment programs. For some, cannabinoid-based treatment offers a safer and non-addictive alternative to help manage dependence and support recovery, especially when working with a knowledgeable practitioner.

Sources

National Academies of Sciences, et al. "The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: the current state of evidence and recommendations for research." (2017.; Shafie, Mahan, et al. "The Potential Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review." Addiction biology 30.52025: e70047.)

With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Goldstein is the CEO and co-founder of Goldstein Wellness and serves as the Medical Director/Owner of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. Her patient roster, numbering over 20,000 individuals, includes more than two thousand children who have benefited from medical cannabis under her care.
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