Study Shows Reduced Opioid Prescriptions Near Cannabis Dispensaries

LOS ANGELES- A recent study has found that communities in Oregon with cannabis dispensaries nearby have lower rates of opioid prescriptions. The research, titled “Recreational cannabis dispensary access effects on prescription opioid use and mortality,” will be published in Regional Science and Urban Economics in September 2024.

Researchers Steven J. Dundas of Oregon State University and Jason W. Beasley of Western Michigan University analyzed data from the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, covering the period from January 2014 to December 2017. This timeframe allowed them to assess the impact of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) in Oregon.

The study revealed that areas within one mile of a cannabis dispensary experienced a decrease in opioid prescriptions by 1.0–3.9% per capita. In contrast, opioid prescription rates were higher in communities located one to four miles away from a dispensary. This trend continued, with even higher prescription rates in areas four to ten miles away.

The findings suggest that easier access to cannabis products may encourage residents to use cannabis as an alternative to opioids. However, the study also noted that despite the reduction in opioid prescriptions, there was no significant impact on opioid-related mortality rates.

Previous studies have explored the relationship between cannabis use and opioid mortality. For example, a study published in JAMA Network Open examined why 175,734 patients consumed cannabis over three months, finding that most used it to manage health symptoms like pain, stress, and sleep issues. Another study in BMJ Open reviewed 22,028 patient profiles and found that cannabis provided similar pain relief to opioids without the negative side effects.

Further research in the Harm Reduction Journal and the journal Pain has highlighted the potential of cannabis and its compounds, such as terpenes, in managing chronic pain and reducing the reliance on opioids. These studies emphasize the need for continued exploration into cannabis as a safer alternative for pain management.