Medical Cannabis Advances in 2025 Highlight Opioid Alternatives and Dementia Research
In 2025, medical cannabis research shows promise in reducing opioid use and improving dementia care, with new programs launched in Kentucky and Texas expanding access
Key Points
- 1Medical cannabis research in 2025 focuses on opioid reduction and dementia care
- 2Kentucky launched its medical cannabis program in January 2025
- 3A study highlights the need for better training for physicians on medical cannabis
- 4Texas expands its Compassionate Use Program with new business evaluations
The year 2025 has seen significant developments in medical cannabis research, focusing on its potential to reduce opioid reliance and improve cognitive function in dementia patients. According to Cannabis Science Tech, Dr. Ruth Fisher's research highlights cannabis's promise in decreasing opioid use, which could lead to fewer overdose deaths. However, she notes that while cannabis's impact on chronic pain and opioid reduction is evident, methodological flaws in studies complicate definitive conclusions
January marked the launch of Kentucky's medical cannabis program, as the state began accepting applications for patient and caregiver registrations. Governor Andy Beshear's signing of Senate Bill 47 in March 2023 was a pivotal step in addressing opioid addiction and providing relief for chronic pain sufferers. This move aligns with broader trends in the United States, where medical cannabis is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional pain management techniques
Research published in May 2025 in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids assessed medical professionals' readiness to discuss medical cannabis with patients. The study recommended enhanced training and clear clinical guidelines to boost prescriber confidence. Researchers emphasized the importance of education in reducing stigma and improving patient care, underscoring the need for ongoing research to support informed clinical decisions
In addition to educational advancements, a placebo-controlled study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed promising results for dementia patients treated with cannabis-derived cannabinoids. The study reported significant cognitive improvements in Alzheimer's patients over a six-month period, suggesting cannabis could stabilize disease progression. Meanwhile, Texas is expanding its Compassionate Use Program, with nine businesses selected for further evaluation under Phase I, following Governor Greg Abbott's legalization of medical cannabis in June 2025