Cannabis users needed nearly twice as many opioids after spinal fusion surgery
Opioid-naive cannabis users consumed significantly more prescription opioids after posterior lumbar spinal fusion surgery than non-users, despite having fewer comorbidities.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 220 opioid-naive patients, 29 cannabis users consumed significantly more postoperative prescription opioids (2,545 vs 1,380 morphine equivalent doses, p=.019) than 191 non-users. Cannabis users were younger (56 vs 65, p<.001), had more depression (31% vs 14%, p=.017), and lower comorbidity (1.38 vs 2.49, p=.002).
Key Numbers
220 opioid-naive patients. 29 (13%) cannabis users. Post-discharge opioids: 2,545 vs 1,380 morphine equivalent doses (p=.019). Cannabis users younger (56 vs 65), more depression (31% vs 14%), lower comorbidity (1.38 vs 2.49).
How They Did This
Retrospective review of 220 opioid-naive patients who underwent one- or two-level posterior lumbar fusion surgery, categorized by preoperative cannabis use diagnosis.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis is often promoted as an opioid alternative for pain, but this study found the opposite in surgical patients: cannabis users needed more opioids postoperatively.
The Bigger Picture
Cross-tolerance between cannabinoid and opioid systems may explain why regular cannabis use raises rather than lowers postoperative opioid requirements.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small cannabis user group (n=29). Retrospective design. Cannabis use identified by diagnosis codes, not objective testing. Single surgical procedure type.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does preoperative cannabis cessation normalize opioid requirements after surgery?
- ?Is the increased opioid need due to pharmacological cross-tolerance or differences in pain perception?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- morphine equivalent doses used post-discharge by cannabis users versus non-users after spinal fusion
- Evidence Grade:
- Retrospective cohort from a single center with small cannabis user group, but the magnitude of the opioid difference is clinically meaningful.
- Study Age:
- 2024 publication.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Use of Prescription Opioids Following Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.
- Published In:
- Global spine journal, 14(1), 204-210 (2024)
- Authors:
- Moon, Andrew S, LeRoy, Taryn E, Yacoubian, Vahe, Gedman, Marissa, Aidlen, Jessica P, Rogerson, Ashley
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05565
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis reduce the need for opioids after surgery?
This study found the opposite: cannabis users who were opioid-naive needed significantly more opioids after spinal fusion surgery.
Why would cannabis users need more opioids?
Possible explanations include cross-tolerance between cannabinoid and opioid receptor systems, differences in pain processing, or the higher depression rates seen in the cannabis group.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05565APA
Moon, Andrew S; LeRoy, Taryn E; Yacoubian, Vahe; Gedman, Marissa; Aidlen, Jessica P; Rogerson, Ashley. (2024). Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Use of Prescription Opioids Following Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.. Global spine journal, 14(1), 204-210. https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682221099857
MLA
Moon, Andrew S, et al. "Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Use of Prescription Opioids Following Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.." Global spine journal, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682221099857
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Use of Prescriptio..." RTHC-05565. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/moon-2024-cannabis-use-is-associated
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.