Cannabis could help overcome dependence on more harmful drugs

A Canadian study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy shows that cannabis use can serve as a substitute for tobacco and alcohol, and in some cases for the anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants available at our pharmacies.

Recently, the DEA admitted that cannabis was not a a gateway drug to other substances. Recent theories on addiction tend to view cannabis as a “de-escalation” drug—a substance that replaces a more harmful one. Scientists have therefore sought to determine whether using this plant can help drug addicts and alcoholics reduce their consumption of addictive substances.

Study Protocol

The study was conducted on 271 people with authorization to purchase medical cannabis. It is one of the first studies to examine the relationship between cannabis use and addiction to other substances. «This study is the first to examine cannabis as a substitute for legal drugs. Cannabis is viewed as an effective treatment for mental and physical health,» say Phillipe Lucas and Zach Walsh, both Canadian university researchers.

First, participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of 107 questions to assess their drug and cannabis use, as well as their personal circumstances. 63 % of them reported using cannabis instead of prescription medications. 30 % of these patients use cannabis instead of opioid medications. Of the 63% who reported using cannabis as a substitute, 16 % use it as a sleep aid instead of traditional benzodiazepines, and 12 % use it to replace antidepressants. 25 % of the total population use cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, 12 % for tobacco, and 3% for other illicit drugs. In Maine, people with substance use disorders have access to medical cannabis to combat their addiction. In Switzerland, Anyone can also purchase CBD cannabis—containing less than 1% of THC—for example, as a substitute for tobacco.

There are still some unexplored aspects of this study. For example, the researchers did not investigate why 42% of these individuals still obtain cannabis on the black market even though they have a medical prescription. Nor does the study specify the frequency or method of cannabis use.

Furthermore, cannabis is still a drug. While it does not cause physical dependence, increased use of marijuana can lead to a long-term addiction.

Théo Caillart