Motivation and experiences of individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain using medical cannabis for 12 months.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this qualitative study was to better understand the experiences of individuals living with opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain using medical cannabis (MC) for 12 months.

METHODS

Perspectives were captured via 10 key informant interviews conducted after 12 months of treatment with MC

RESULTS

Key themes identified regarding the reasons for initially pursuing MC included: (1) cannabis supply safety; (2) a desire to reduce or eliminate prescription medication usage for pain, OUD and mood; (3) to induce feelings of calm or relaxation; and (4) to improve levels of chronic pain. At 12 months, key themes identified surrounding their lived experiences with MC use were: (1) reductions in pain levels; (2) positive changes in emotional regulation and mood; (3) improvements in sleep quality and duration; and (4) reductions in cravings to use illicit drugs. The primary concerns expressed by interviewees surrounding MC use at 12 months related to changes in weight and appetite, and the cost of MC products.

CONCLUSIONS

These qualitative data provide targets for future quantitative investigations of the potential mechanisms by which MC can impact recovery in the context of OUD.