Medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents over time in patients with chronic pain: a retrospective analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire

Medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents over time in patients with chronic pain: a retrospective analysis

  • By

  • Michelle Sexton

  • Nicholas C Glodosky

  • Michael Cleveland

  • Carrie Cuttler

  • Euyhyun Lee

  • Gregory R Polston

  • Timothy Furnish

  • Imanuel Lerman

  • Nathaniel M Schuster

  • Mark S Wallace

  • August 21, 2025

  • 0 min

Share

  • 1

    The study analyzed associations between medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents in chronic pain patients.

  • 2

    Average opioid milligram equivalents at the final time point were 33.4 mg/day, with a nonsignificant increase over time.

  • 3

    Patients with long-term opioid use had a significantly higher mean opioid milligram equivalent of 85.34 mg/day at the final quarter.

  • 4

    Medical cannabis authorization did not show a statistically significant decrease in opioid milligram equivalents over time.

  • 5

    Future research is needed to determine the potential opioid-sparing effects of cannabis in chronic pain management.

Original Source(s)

Medical cannabis authorization and opioid milligram equivalents over time in patients with chronic pain: a retrospective analysis

  • by Michelle Sexton, Nicholas C Glodosky, Michael Cleveland, Carrie Cuttler, Euyhyun Lee, Gregory R Polston, Timothy Furnish, Imanuel Lerman, Nathaniel M Schuster, Mark S Wallace

  • August 21, 2025

Related Content

GLP-1 RAs in Chronic Migraine

Investigators evaluate health care utilization and treatment patterns vs topiramate in an active-comparator study.

Mandatory Training Modules Deserve a Harder Look

A JAMA Viewpoint argues that 4 million physician-hours spent on compliance modules each year warrants institutional reassessment.

Comorbidities Worsen Carpal Tunnel Outcomes

Patients with systemic diseases had worse symptoms and function before and following surgery, though improvement after release was similar.