Medical Cannabis + Opioid Tapering for Chronic Pain
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, any medications that may interact with cannabinoids will be discussed with a study clinician before enrollment or continued participation.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that any medications that may interact with cannabinoids will be discussed with a study clinician. It's best to talk to the study team about your specific medications.
What data supports the idea that Medical Cannabis + Opioid Tapering for Chronic Pain is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that using medical cannabis alongside opioid tapering can help manage chronic pain and reduce opioid use. One study developed recommendations for safely using cannabis with opioids, suggesting it can be a helpful addition to opioid tapering. Another study found that tapering opioids with support, including cannabis, led to improvements in how patients managed their pain and reduced problems related to opioid use. While other treatments like physiotherapy also show positive outcomes, the evidence for cannabis as part of opioid tapering is promising, especially in helping patients reduce their reliance on opioids.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Medical Cannabis + Opioid Tapering for Chronic Pain?
Research suggests that using medical cannabis may help support opioid tapering and chronic pain control, as there are consensus-based recommendations on safely combining these treatments. Additionally, a study on opioid taper support showed improvements in pain management skills and reduced opioid-related problems, indicating potential benefits of such combined approaches.12345
What safety data exists for using medical cannabis with opioid tapering for chronic pain?
The safety data for using medical cannabis with opioid tapering for chronic pain is still emerging. A consensus-based recommendation study outlines how to safely initiate and titrate cannabinoids alongside opioids and how to taper opioids in the presence of cannabinoids, emphasizing patient monitoring and outcome evaluation. A randomized trial protocol aims to assess the effect of cannabis on opioid reduction and pain management. However, evidence supporting opioid tapering strategies, including the use of cannabis, is limited, and there are high drop-out rates in tapering programs. The complexity of persistent opioid dependence and the use of buprenorphine in tapering programs highlight the need for further research and policy development.13678
Is it safe to use medical cannabis with opioid tapering for chronic pain?
Research suggests that using medical cannabis to help reduce opioid use for chronic pain is being explored, but safety guidelines are still being developed. Experts are working on recommendations for safely starting and adjusting cannabis use while reducing opioids, and monitoring patients during this process.13678
Is the treatment Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) promising for helping with chronic pain?
Yes, Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) is promising for helping with chronic pain. It can help reduce the use of opioids, which are strong painkillers, and may work well when combined with other treatments like medical cannabis. This approach can help manage pain better and reduce the risk of problems related to opioid use.12368
How is the treatment Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) unique for chronic pain management?
The Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) treatment is unique because it combines medical cannabis with opioid tapering to manage chronic pain, aiming to reduce opioid use while controlling pain. This approach leverages the potential pain-relieving properties of cannabis to support the reduction of opioid doses, which is different from traditional methods that often rely solely on opioids or non-drug therapies.12368
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will use a randomized controlled design to test whether medical marijuana use by adults on high-dose chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic non-cancer pain is associated with reduced opioid dose and improved pain intensity and interference when added to a 24-week behavioral intervention (POTS).
Research Team
Jodi M Gilman, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
A. Eden Evins, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
Adults aged 18-75 with chronic non-cancer pain, on stable opioid doses for over 90 days, who plan to use medical cannabis to manage pain or reduce opioids. Must not be heavy cannabis users, pregnant, or have severe health issues like cancer or major psychiatric disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive medical marijuana and participate in the POTS behavioral intervention for 24 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Medical Marijuana
- Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS)
Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:
- Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Management
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Chronic Pain Management
- Opioid Dependence Treatment
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Chronic Pain Management
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
Cambridge Health Alliance
Collaborator
MaineHealth
Collaborator