Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore have conducted a survey of 200 people who used opioids and cannabis in the past four weeks

The results show that 125 people (62.5%) benefited from cannabis in opioid withdrawal symptoms. Women reported a greater positive effect than in men. In particular, symptoms such as sleep disturbance, trembling and anxiety were improved by the use of cannabis.

In contrast, 12 people (6%) reported that opioid withdrawal had worsened as a result of cannabis use. They reported an increase in symptoms such as watery eyes and a runny nose.

According to the researchers, the results of the study suggest that cannabis can improve opioid withdrawal symptoms and that the effect is clinically significant. The researchers further explain that cannabis only worsened the symptoms in the minority. This justifies prospective studies that investigate the effects of cannabis in opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Source:

Bergeria CL, Chicken AS, Dunn KE. The impact of naturalistic cannabis use on self-reported opioid withdrawal. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020;113:108005