Living closer to cannabis outlets linked to more missed methadone doses
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 Bigger Picture
As cannabis legalization expands, the spatial relationship between cannabis retail and addiction treatment infrastructure may need consideration in land use planning.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis retail proximity affect treatment outcomes for other substance use disorders?
- ?Would buffer zones around treatment centers improve outcomes?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis outlet proximity increased missed methadone doses
- Evidence Grade:
- Cohort study with spatial analysis, but observational design and single-site data.
- Study Age:
- 2020 study.
- Original Title:
- 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.
- Published In:
- The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 46(1), 78-87 (2020)
- Authors:
- Amiri, Solmaz, Lutz, Robert B, McDonell, Michael G(4), Roll, John M, Amram, Ofer
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02383
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Do cannabis stores affect addiction treatment?
This study found that opioid treatment patients living closer to cannabis retail outlets missed more methadone doses during the first six months of treatment, suggesting proximity to cannabis may affect treatment adherence.
Does location of treatment centers matter?
Yes, patients living closer to their opioid treatment program missed fewer doses, especially during the first 90 days when daily attendance is required.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02383APA
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
MLA
Amiri, Solmaz, et al. "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, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2019.1620261
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Spatial access to opioid treatment program and alcohol and c..." RTHC-02383. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/amiri-2020-spatial-access-to-opioid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.