New York State Medical Cannabis Program Linked to Reduced Opioid Usage
A study in New York suggests medical cannabis reduces opioid use among chronic pain patients, offering a potential tool in combating the opioid crisis
Key Points
- 1Study shows medical cannabis reduces opioid use in NY patients
- 2204 adults monitored over 18 months in NYS Medical Cannabis Program
- 3Participants saw a 22% reduction in opioid usage
- 4Research supports a pharmacist-supervised cannabis dispensation model
- 5Findings may influence future policies on chronic pain management
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has highlighted the potential of medical cannabis in reducing opioid dependency among chronic pain patients in New York State. Conducted by researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, the study involved participants from the New York State Medical Cannabis Program. The findings suggest that medical cannabis, when dispensed through a pharmacist-supervised system, can significantly alleviate chronic pain while reducing reliance on opioids
The study monitored 204 adults who were prescribed opioids for chronic pain and had recently been certified for medical cannabis from September 2018 to July 2023. Over an 18-month period, data collected through the New York State Monitoring Program showed a notable decrease in opioid usage among these patients. Initially, participants reported high pain levels and an average daily opioid dose equivalent to 73.3 mg of morphine, which was reduced by 22% to 57 mg by the end of the study
Dr. Deepika E. Slawek, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of gradual reductions in opioid use for chronic pain management. "Our findings indicate that medical cannabis can relieve chronic pain while also meaningfully reducing patients' reliance on prescription opioids," she stated. The study also found that participants receiving a 30-day supply of medical cannabis used 3.5 mg less morphine daily than those without cannabis access
The study's results contribute to the growing evidence supporting a medicalized model of cannabis use, where pharmacists play a key role in its dispensation. Julia Arnsten, the study's senior author, noted that such a model could encourage effective chronic pain management through regulated substances. "We hope these findings will lead to new policies," Arnsten said, advocating for a structured approach to cannabis use similar to other prescription drugs
The broader implications of this study are significant as they align with ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the United States. With chronic pain and opioid addiction being major health challenges, the potential role of medical cannabis in providing a safer alternative is gaining attention. As New York continues to develop its cannabis market, these findings could influence future regulatory frameworks and policy decisions aimed at improving patient outcomes and public health