Opioid treatment patients who lived closer to cannabis retail outlets missed more methadone doses during the first six months of treatment, while living closer to the treatment center reduced missed doses.
Addiction treatment providers, urban planners, and cannabis retail regulators.
Cannabis outlet proximity increased missed methadone doses
What the researchers found
Shorter distance from home to the opioid treatment program decreased missed methadone doses during the first 90 days. Shorter distance to the nearest cannabis retail outlet increased missed doses during the first and second 90 days. Shorter distance to the closest off-premise alcohol outlet increased missed doses during the third 90 days. The proximity effects shifted over time as patients progressed through treatment.
Why it matters
The location of cannabis retail outlets relative to addiction treatment centers may affect treatment outcomes, a finding relevant to zoning and licensing decisions for cannabis retailers.
The numbers in context
752 clients at 3 months, 689 at 6 months, 584 at 9 months. 50% female. Cannabis outlet proximity increased missed doses in months 1-6. Alcohol outlet proximity increased missed doses in months 7-9.
How the study worked
Retrospective analysis of 752, 689, and 584 clients retained in treatment for at least 3, 6, and 9 months respectively (50% female). Distance between home, OTP, and alcohol/cannabis outlets was measured. Generalized linear models were used.
What this study cannot tell us
Single treatment program. Observational design cannot prove causation. Proximity does not necessarily mean exposure or use. Other neighborhood factors may confound the relationship.
How to read the evidence
Cohort study with spatial analysis, but observational design and single-site data.
When this study was published
2020 study.
The bigger picture
As cannabis legalization expands, the spatial relationship between cannabis retail and addiction treatment infrastructure may need consideration in land use planning.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis retail proximity affect treatment outcomes for other substance use disorders? Would buffer zones around treatment centers improve outcomes?
Common questions
Do cannabis stores affect addiction treatment?
Does location of treatment centers matter?
Read the original research
Spatial access to opioid treatment program and alcohol and cannabis outlets: analysis of missed doses of methadone during the first, second, and third 90 days of treatment.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 46(1), 78-87
Citation
Amiri, Solmaz; Lutz, Robert B; McDonell, Michael G; Roll, John M; Amram, Ofer. (2020). Spatial access to opioid treatment program and alcohol and cannabis outlets: analysis of missed doses of methadone during the first, second, and third 90 days of treatment.. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 46(1), 78-87. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2019.1620261
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