45% of People Who Use Both Cannabis and Stimulants Report Using Cannabis to Manage Stimulant Cravings | Research

The takeaway

Among 297 people who use both cannabis and unregulated stimulants in Vancouver, 45% reported using cannabis specifically to manage stimulant cravings, and 78% of those reported subsequently reducing their stimulant use.

Harm reduction practitioners, addiction researchers, stimulant use disorder specialists

76% lower odds of continued stimulant use among those using cannabis for cravings

What the researchers found

Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings was reported by 134 of 297 participants (45.1%). Of those, 77.6% reported decreasing stimulant use. In multivariable analysis, cannabis for craving management was associated with 76% lower odds of continued stimulant use (aOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.56). The association was strongest among daily crystal methamphetamine users (aOR = 0.08) but not significant for daily crack/cocaine users.

Why it matters

With no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder, people who use drugs are developing their own harm reduction strategies. This study documents cannabis substitution as a common, self-directed approach.

The numbers in context

297 participants; 45.1% used cannabis to manage stimulant cravings; 77.6% of those reported decreased stimulant use; aOR 0.24 for reduced stimulant use; aOR 0.08 for daily meth users.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional questionnaire administered to 297 people who concurrently use cannabis and unregulated stimulants in Vancouver, Canada. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and substance use variables.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Self-reported outcomes. Vancouver PWUD population may not generalize.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional self-report design in a specific population limits causal inference and generalizability.

When this study was published

2024 publication

The bigger picture

Cannabis substitution for harder drugs is an emerging harm reduction concept. This study suggests it may be particularly relevant for methamphetamine, which has no approved pharmacotherapy.

Questions still open

Would structured cannabis-assisted reduction programs for stimulant use be more effective than naturalistic use?
Why does the association appear stronger for methamphetamine than crack/cocaine?

Common questions

Can cannabis help reduce stimulant use?

In this Vancouver study, 45% of people who use both cannabis and stimulants reported using cannabis to manage stimulant cravings. Among daily methamphetamine users, this was associated with 92% lower odds of continued stimulant use, though causation cannot be proven.

Is cannabis substitution a real harm reduction strategy?

This study documents it as a common self-directed strategy. Nearly half of participants reported using cannabis to manage stimulant cravings, and most reported reducing their stimulant use. Clinical trials are needed.

Read the original research

Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings among people who use unregulated drugs.

Addictive behaviors, 148, 107867

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Reddon, Hudson; Socias, Maria Eugenia; DeBeck, Kora; Hayashi, Kanna; Walsh, Zach; Milloy, M-J. (2024). Cannabis use to manage stimulant cravings among people who use unregulated drugs.. Addictive behaviors, 148, 107867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107867