What does cannabis research say about opioid use disorder? We've analyzed 1 peer-reviewed studies to give you an honest, evidence-based overview.
Some clinical evidence supports potential benefits.
Study found evidence of effectiveness
* Outcomes are based on our curated selection of research reviews. Individual study quality varies.
About This Research Summary: The information below aggregates findings from multiple peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and opioid use disorder. This is for educational purposes only.
Research summaries are our interpretations of published studies. Individual responses to cannabis vary significantly. These findings do not guarantee similar results for any individual.
Study data sourced from PubMed®. Not evaluated by the FDA. See our Research Content Policy.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) affects approximately 2.7 million Americans and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives through overdose. It's characterized by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences, tolerance, and physical dependence with severe withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. The opioid crisis has driven urgent interest in any intervention that might reduce opioid use, prevent overdose, or support recovery. Standard treatments include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone, combined with counseling. While effective, MAT is underutilized and some patients don't respond. Cannabis has emerged as a controversial but increasingly studied option—not as a treatment for OUD itself, but as a potential tool for reducing opioid use in chronic pain patients and possibly supporting recovery.
The relationship between cannabis and opioids is complex. Several potential mechanisms may explain why some opioid users find cannabis helpful: For chronic pain patients, cannabis may provide alternative or additive pain relief, allowing lower opioid doses. The endocannabinoid and opioid systems interact, and some research suggests cannabinoids can enhance opioid analgesia. For withdrawal management, cannabis may ease some symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and muscle aches—though it doesn't address the core opioid withdrawal syndrome the way MAT medications do. For harm reduction, if cannabis substitutes for some opioid use, it carries far less overdose risk. Observational data suggests states with medical cannabis have lower opioid overdose rates, though causation isn't proven. Importantly, cannabis is NOT an evidence-based treatment for OUD and shouldn't replace proven treatments like buprenorphine or methadone.
Note: This information summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical condition.
Based on our analysis of peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and opioid use disorder:
Based on research, these cannabinoids show the most promise for opioid use disorder:
Combination products may work best for chronic pain patients trying to reduce opioids—providing pain relief from both cannabinoids. Evidence doesn't clearly favor one cannabinoid over another for opioid reduction.
THC has the strongest pain-relieving effects if the goal is opioid reduction for pain management. However, replacing one substance dependence with another is a concern to discuss with providers.
Early research suggests CBD may help reduce cue-induced cravings in recovery. CBD doesn't have abuse potential and may have anti-anxiety effects helpful in recovery. More research is needed.
Individual responses vary. Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
If you're a chronic pain patient trying to reduce opioids, work with your prescribing physician. Don't abruptly stop opioids—this is dangerous and can trigger severe withdrawal. For opioid reduction, add cannabis while maintaining your opioid dose initially. As pain control allows, work with your doctor to gradually taper opioids. The 2017 survey found patients successfully reduced opioids, but this should be medically supervised. If you're in recovery from OUD, cannabis use is controversial. Some people find it helps manage cravings and anxiety; others find it leads back to opioid use. Discuss with your addiction treatment provider. Do NOT use cannabis as your primary OUD treatment. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone have strong evidence for reducing overdose death and supporting recovery. Cannabis does not.
Dosing information is based on clinical research and is for educational purposes only. Optimal dosing varies by individual, product formulation, and administration method. Always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly under medical supervision.
When considering cannabis for opioid use disorder, be aware of these potential concerns:
Discuss these considerations with your healthcare provider before starting cannabis therapy.
A 2017 survey of 2,897 chronic pain patients found 97% were able to reduce their opioid use when adding medical cannabis. 81% found cannabis alone more effective than cannabis with opioids. This should be done under medical supervision.
Source: Reiman et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2017 (PMID: 28861516)
Cannabis is NOT an evidence-based treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are proven to reduce overdose death. Cannabis may help some people reduce opioid use for pain, but it's a harm reduction tool, not addiction treatment.
Source: Current clinical guidelines and evidence base
Research found states with medical cannabis laws had 24.8% lower opioid overdose mortality rates. A 2021 analysis also found reduced opioid prescriptions in cannabis-legal states. However, correlation doesn't prove causation.
Source: Bachhuber et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014 (PMID: 25154332)
A preliminary study found CBD reduced cue-induced cravings and anxiety in people with heroin use disorder. This suggests CBD might help in recovery, but research is early and CBD is not an approved OUD treatment.
Source: Hurd et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 2019 (PMID: 31109198)
Common questions about cannabis for opioid use disorder:
97% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that cannabis helped them decrease the amount of opioids they use, with 92% preferring cannabis over opioids for pain management.
Our reviews are just a starting point. Browse thousands more studies on PubMed for opioid use disorder.
Opioid Use Disorder is a qualifying condition in a few states, though this is controversial. Some states include it to support harm reduction; others explicitly exclude substance use disorders. Requirements vary—some states require concurrent chronic pain or other qualifying conditions.
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
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Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
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