It is well known there is a relationship between opiate users and the use of cannabis (marijuana), but some opiate users consume specifically for pain control, and others are using them for medically assisted opiate use disorder. This study, published in American Society for Pain Management Nursing, was performed to determine if there was truly any difference in underlying motivation for marijuana use between the two groups.
Participants included 104 patients who had been prescribed opioids for persistent pain, and 139 patients who had been prescribed opioids for opiate use disorder. Data comparison from surveys were performed using validated measures of the Marijuana Motives Measure scale.
More than 50% of the patients (122) reported current daily cannabis use, and 63% of those reported pain as the motivation. Those patients with opiate use disorder were more likely to report enhancement and relief of drug withdrawal symptoms. Those with chronic pain were less likely to use cannabis for euphoric purposes. The most common reasons among both groups for cannabis use included pain relief.
The authors concluded that both types of opiate users have unmet health needs which motivate them to use marijuana. Interestingly, it was found that those with persistent pain were more likely to be older females with higher levels of education.
