Cannabis Might Offer an Exit Route from Drug Addiction

Recent studies reveal that regular consumers of crystal methamphetamine who integrated cannabis into their routine to curb cravings tended to decrease their usage of the stimulant, particularly among female users. These findings indicate the potential for a novel harm-reduction approach among individuals engaged in illicit drug use.

The debate persists among researchers regarding whether cannabis acts as a ‘gateway drug,’ facilitating the transition to more hazardous substances. To address this, a study conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, investigated the impact of using cannabis to mitigate cravings on an individual’s consumption of illicit stimulants.

Cannabis as a Harm Reduction Tool for Managing Stimulant Use

“Our findings, while not definitive, contribute to the mounting scientific evidence suggesting that cannabis could offer benefits for individuals seeking better control over their unregulated stimulant consumption, particularly those using crystal meth,” remarked Hudson Reddon, the lead and corresponding author of the study.

The term ‘unregulated drugs’ encompasses medications legally produced but diverted from authorized distribution channels, as well as illicitly manufactured and sold substances like crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

The study recruited 297 adult users of unregulated drugs who had reported both cannabis and stimulant usage in the preceding six months. Participants had a median age of 44 years, with females constituting 31.3% of the sample. Nearly half (48.8%) reported daily cannabis usage, with 45.1% using cannabis to alleviate stimulant cravings. Other common motives for cannabis usage included managing cravings for unregulated opioids (25.6%) and pain management (17.8%). Smoking was the predominant method of cannabis consumption (97.3%), followed by edibles (43.8%) and concentrates (21.9%).

Impact of Cannabis Usage on Stimulant Consumption

Cannabis use to alleviate stimulant cravings and daily cannabis consumption significantly correlated with decreased stimulant intake during cannabis use periods. The use of cannabis to manage cravings was notably correlated with reduced crystal meth usage among daily users but not with a decrease in crack cocaine usage. Additionally, females were significantly more inclined to report decreased crystal meth usage during cannabis use periods.

“This implies a fresh approach to harm reduction strategies among drug users,” Reddon concluded.

However, the study’s outcomes necessitate further exploration, particularly given the lack of established pharmacological interventions for treating stimulant use disorders.

“While these results show promise, they highlight the necessity for more extensive research to fully grasp the potential of cannabis within the context of the overdose crisis,” remarked Zach Walsh, a co-author of the study.

According to a report published in the esteemed medical journal The Lancet in 2022, nearly 600,000 individuals have succumbed to opioid overdoses in the United States and Canada over the past two decades. Projections indicate that by 2029, this number could surge to 1.2 million deaths in these two countries alone, underscoring the global impact of the opioid crisis.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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