4 in 10 Opioid Treatment Patients Also Used Cannabis
Among 128 patients in opioid maintenance therapy, 41% used cannabis, with most citing recreational motives and craving reduction as reasons, and cannabis dependence was more common in those on buprenorphine.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis use was reported by 41% of opioid maintenance patients. Of cannabis users, 73% met criteria for dependence. Cannabis dependence was significantly more common in patients receiving buprenorphine than methadone. Higher methadone doses were also associated with increased cannabis use. Common reasons for use included mood enhancement and reduction of cravings for other substances.
Key Numbers
41% used cannabis. 73% of users met dependence criteria. 30% of the full sample had cannabis dependence. 85% of patients reported cannabis-related legal issues. Cannabis dependence was significantly more common with buprenorphine vs methadone.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 128 patients (96 male, 32 female) receiving opioid maintenance therapy at a single center. Assessment used the Marijuana Smoking History Questionnaire, Cannabis Problems Questionnaire, and Severity of Dependence Scale.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use among opioid treatment patients is common but understudied. Whether cannabis helps or hinders opioid recovery is debated, and the finding that medication type influences cannabis use patterns adds important clinical context.
The Bigger Picture
The interaction between cannabis and opioid treatment is complex. Patients report using cannabis to manage cravings, which some view as harm reduction. But high rates of dependence complicate that narrative.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample (n=128) from a single center. Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported cannabis use may be underreported. Legal status of cannabis may influence reporting.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis use actually reduce opioid cravings, or do patients just perceive it that way?
- ?Why is cannabis dependence more common with buprenorphine than methadone?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 41% cannabis use prevalence in opioid maintenance patients
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: small single-center cross-sectional study with self-reported measures
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use in Opioid Maintenance Therapy: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates and Reasons for Use.
- Published In:
- Brain sciences, 15(7) (2025)
- Authors:
- Backmund, Markus, Zámbó, Greta G, Schöfl, Susanne, Soyka, Michael
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05991
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why did patients use cannabis during opioid treatment?
The most common reasons were recreational (mood change and enhancement) and reducing cravings for other substances. Patients reported cannabis helped them cope, though the study could not verify whether it actually reduced cravings.
Why was cannabis dependence more common with buprenorphine?
The study found this association but did not determine the mechanism. It may relate to differences in how buprenorphine and methadone affect the brain's reward system, or to differences in the patient populations prescribed each medication.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05991APA
Backmund, Markus; Zámbó, Greta G; Schöfl, Susanne; Soyka, Michael. (2025). Cannabis Use in Opioid Maintenance Therapy: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates and Reasons for Use.. Brain sciences, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070699
MLA
Backmund, Markus, et al. "Cannabis Use in Opioid Maintenance Therapy: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates and Reasons for Use.." Brain sciences, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070699
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use in Opioid Maintenance Therapy: Prevalence, Clin..." RTHC-05991. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/backmund-2025-cannabis-use-in-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.