A major national study has revealed a compelling link between legal cannabis access and reduced opioid use among cancer patients. When cannabis dispensaries open, prescriptions for opioids among cancer patients tend to decline—suggesting that cannabis availability may be reshaping pain management practices in the U.S.
The research, published in JAMA Health Forum and led by the University of Georgia, examined data from more than three million adults with cancer between 2007 and 2020. Researchers compared opioid use trends before and after dispensaries opened in states with either medical or recreational cannabis laws. They found that the opening of dispensaries corresponded with a noticeable reduction in three key measures: fewer patients receiving opioid prescriptions, fewer prescriptions per person, and shorter prescription durations.
These decreases in opioid use were most significant in states with medical cannabis programs. Lead researcher and nurse scientist Victoria Bethel explained that the findings suggest a potential substitution effect, as some cancer patients may be choosing cannabis over opioids for pain management. Opioids remain standard for severe pain, but they come with serious risks such as dependency, tolerance, and side effects like nausea or confusion. For certain cancer patients, cannabis may provide partial relief with fewer long-term complications.
While opioid use has been a cornerstone of pain care for cancer patients, it also poses challenges such as addiction, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. The possibility that cannabis could safely reduce opioid use is attracting growing interest from both researchers and clinicians.
Currently, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical cannabis, while nearly half allow recreational sales. Cannabis and cannabinoid-based products have long been used to address chemotherapy-related nausea and appetite loss, yet their role in pain relief for cancer patients remains under investigation. Bethel’s study fills a critical gap by linking real-world data on legalization to measurable reductions in opioid use.
Still, researchers caution that their findings have limits. The data focused on commercially insured cancer patients, so results might not apply to those on Medicaid or Medicare. Other legislative changes could also have affected opioid use patterns. Nonetheless, the observed connection between cannabis access and reduced opioid use remains strong enough to influence policy discussions.
The same team found that the opening of medical dispensaries led to more pediatric cannabis exposure calls, underscoring the need for secure packaging and education as cannabis access expands.
Experts emphasize that open communication between doctors and cancer patients is essential. By discussing cannabis use without stigma, healthcare providers can better understand its role in reducing opioid use and promote safe, informed pain management as the landscape of medicine continues to evolve.