Medical cannabis linked to reduced opioid use in cancer patients

Medical cannabis is associated with lower levels of opioid use among cancer patients, according to recently-published data.

The use of medical cannabis products was linked to improved pain control and lower levels of opioid consumption, say those behind a US clinical trial.

Researchers at the Cancer Research Center in Minnesota and with the Minnesota Department of Health assessed the relationship between the consumption of state-licensed cannabis products and opioid use in 30 patients with stage IV cancer. 

Participants in the study were all cannabis naive and consumed plant-derived cannabis extract products over the course of the trial.

Patients were split into groups of early cannabis use, versus delayed start cannabis use.

The early group obtained three months of medical cannabis through a state program at no charge, while those in the delayed start group received standard oncology care without cannabis for the first three months. 

A higher proportion of patients who began treatment with medical cannabis achieved a reduction in opioid use and improved pain control than the second group. 

Authors concluded: “The addition of MC to standard oncology care was well-tolerated and may lead to improved pain control and lower opioid requirements. Conducting larger RCTs with MC in state-sponsored programs may guide oncology providers on how to safely and effectively incorporate MC for interested patients.”

It follows data published at the end of last year, which found that the majority of gynecologic oncology patients reported medical cannabis products were either as effective or more effective than prescription medications at mitigating symptoms of cancer and cancer-related treatments.

Earlier studies have also found that medical cannabis has been “well tolerated” and “effective” in helping patients cope with cancer-related symptoms.