Harm Reduction Journal · 17 authors, 14 centres
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This narrative review examines the opioid epidemic and proposes an evidence-based clinical framework for utilizing cannabinoids to treat patients with chronic pain who are dependent on opioids, seeking alternatives, or tapering. The authors conclude that cannabinoids represent a potentially safe and accessible tool for opioid risk reduction.
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the opioid epidemic and the role of cannabinoids as harm-reduction tools for patients with chronic pain who are opioid-dependent, tapering, or seeking alternatives. The authors describe shifting policy landscapes, review research on cannabinoid safety and efficacy, and highlight prescriber knowledge gaps. The paper notes that side effects of cannabis when misused are mild compared to most drugs for pain or psychiatric disorders, and that deaths secondary to CBD and THC have not been reported. However, a survey of 400 oncologists found only 30% felt sufficiently informed to recommend medical cannabis. The authors present an evidence-based clinical framework for cannabinoid utilization in opioid-related contexts.
