Marijuana legalization is happening in many states, but can it assist with opioid addiction?
The legalization of both recreational and medicinal marijuana remains a significant political priority for many in the United States. Currently, 38 out of 50 states permit the use of cannabis for medical purposes, while 24 states have legalized recreational use. Nonetheless, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.
Cannabis is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. That indicates its designation as having a high potential for abuse and lacking any acknowledged medical application. Despite compelling medical marijuana research, the federal government has no plans to change its stance on the matter.
Still, as state laws regarding marijuana become more lenient, some patients in MAT treatment wonder how it could affect their recovery.
- How does cannabis interact with buprenorphine and naloxone?
- Can medical marijuana assist with opioid treatment?
- Is recreational cannabis compatible with substance use disorder recovery?
Our guide will answer these questions and more. Keep reading to learn about the effects of combining cannabis and Suboxone and how it can impact your recovery journey.
What is Suboxone?
Many patients undergoing MAT utilize Suboxone, a brand name for a compound medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine addresses the brain’s demand for opioids, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on their recovery. Additionally, naloxone is included to deter misuse and can trigger withdrawal effects. Suboxone is a tool for those with opioid addiction to remain dedicated to treatment and experience a smoother recovery process.
What is Cannabis?
Marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant and contains two main compounds, THC and CBD. When used recreationally, it induces a “high” along with various psychoactive effects. Some studies support the medical use of marijuana; however, experts continue to debate the legitimacy of these claims. Researchers remain divided on whether the risks of marijuana outweigh its medical benefits.
What are the Effects of Combining Cannabis and Suboxone?
Research on the interaction between Suboxone and marijuana is limited. This topic sparks considerable debate in the medical field due to evolving perspectives on cannabis. Previously, people viewed cannabis as other addictive illicit substances like crack and heroin. Today, many consider it a low-risk substance that may even offer substantial medicinal benefits.
Still, there are some risks that experts think are important to note, such as:
- Respiratory depression risks: Suboxone and cannabis are both depressant drugs, which means combining them slows down the central nervous system. When a person’s breathing slows down dramatically, it can lead to coma or even death.
- Increased risk of substance use disorder: Certain studies found that cannabis use could increase a person’s chance of having an opioid addiction. Scientists believe that this trend could have a connection to the way the brain processes dopamine. Both substances impact dopamine levels, meaning cannabis use could lead to increased opioid use.
- Potential for relapse: Because cannabis alters dopamine processing, it could lead to eventual relapse. The high from marijuana can make people feel invincible and impair their judgment. This could eventually lead to relapse with illicit opioids.
Combining substances in recovery will always carry the potential for complications. If you decide to use cannabis and Suboxone together, you may want to speak with your medical provider. They can explain the effects of combining cannabis and Suboxone more thoroughly. Depending on your overall health or co-occurring diagnosis, they may have greater insight into your unique risk factors.
Medical Marijuana for Opioid Addiction
Some states that allow medical marijuana also authorize its use for opioid use disorder treatment. Under a doctor’s supervision, it may provide positive effects for someone recovering from an addiction. Many marijuana enthusiasts even believe cannabis is one of the best alternatives to opioids for medicinal purposes.
Potential benefits of cannabis for OUD treatment include:
- Reduced severity of withdrawal symptoms: Some report that cannabis helps them manage opioid cravings and alleviate symptoms like nausea and insomnia.
- Stress and anxiety relief: Cannabis can help some people combat chronic anxiety by slowing them down.
- Improved overall health: Cannabis can help people stabilize their appetites and stay away from other substances such as alcohol and nicotine.
However, scientists lack sufficient evidence to support the notion of cannabis as a treatment for OUD entirely. Meanwhile, medications like Suboxone with MAT program support have demonstrated results with plenty of data supporting their effectiveness.
Some potential side effects of marijuana include:
- Short-term memory loss
- Temporarily impaired judgment and motor skills
- Disrupted sleep
- Short-term drug-induced psychosis or paranoia
- Mouth, throat and lung damage if smoked
Make sure the doctors involved in your Suboxone and medical marijuana treatment know that you take both of these substances. They can provide guidance on Suboxone safety and medical cannabis risks.
Marijuana Use During MAT Treatment
The use of marijuana in recovery is currently a hotly debated topic. As the “California sober” approach to recovery gains popularity, many former illicit drug users face challenging decisions. Some believe marijuana is acceptable to use in recovery because it may not be as damaging as other substances.
While this may be true, there is no evidence showing that cannabis reduces chronic opioid use. In fact, some people who used this approach admit that it eventually led to relapse down the line. If you are contemplating using this approach, please speak with your substance use counselor.
Learn More about the Effects of Combining Cannabis and Suboxone with HCRC
If you are looking for help with opioid addiction and are curious about medicinal marijuana, we can help. Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) offers judgment-free medication-assisted treatment for people with opioid use disorder. We welcome all patients who want to get on the road to recovery to visit one of our treatment centers. You can also contact us for a referral to one of our affiliated centers nationwide.
Looking for more information on opioid use disorder and MAT? You can visit our blog for more guides on opioids and addiction recovery. Our team can also help after you complete our online contact form. Make the decision to change your life today and get in touch today.
