The medical world is becoming increasingly aware that when given a choice, many patients choose to utilize the natural cannabis plant (marijuana) instead of synthetic chemicals. This study, published in the Harm Reduction Journal, evaluated 2,032 surveys completed by registered Canadian medical cannabis patients regarding their patterns of use and substitution for opioids and other drugs, as well as for alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.
The 239 question survey gathered detailed demographic data and comprehensive information on patient patterns of marijuana use and the self-reported impact it had on the utilization of the other substances listed above. Participants were 62% male, 91% Caucasian, average age of 40, and 74% reported daily use.
The most common substitution of marijuana was for prescription drugs, reported by 69% of patients. Of those, 35% were for opioids, and 21.5% were for anti-depressants. Out of those substituting for opioids, 59% had been able to quit completely.
Additionally, 44% of the patients reported substituting cannabis for alcohol, 31% for tobacco, and 26% for illicit substances.
This suggests that cannabis use can result in a reduction in the use of and subsequent harms associated with opioids, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.
