New Australian study confirms cannabis as a game-changing tool for managing pain, reducing reliance on addictive opioids
In a major boost to the case for medical cannabis, a new study from Australia has found that chronic pain patients significantly reduced their use of prescription opioids after being prescribed cannabis-based medicine. The research, conducted by Murdoch University and the Perth Pain Management Centre, provides real-world evidence that cannabis may serve as a safer alternative for people living with long-term, non-cancer-related pain.
The findings were published this week in the journal Pain Management and track the experiences of 155 chronic pain patients over a 12-month period.
Cannabis helps cut opioid use by over 90%
Two groups of patients were monitored: one received both opioids and medical cannabis, while the other was treated with opioids alone. At the start of the study, both groups were taking an average of around 40 milligrams of opioids per day. After a year, the cannabis group had slashed their opioid intake to just 2.7 mg per day — a staggering reduction of over 90%. Meanwhile, the group that did not receive cannabis actually saw a slight increase in their opioid dosage.
Patients in the cannabis group were given medical formulations containing 15 mg of delta-9 THC and 15 mg of CBD daily — the two most studied compounds in cannabis. In addition to needing fewer opioids, these patients also reported better sleep and greater physical activity, two key indicators of improved quality of life.
A shift in pain medicine: cannabis shows promise, but isn’t for everyone
The researchers emphasized that while the benefits were clear for many patients, not all tolerated the treatment well. “The introduction of cannabinoids can produce useful reductions in opioid consumption in real-world settings, with additional benefits for disability and insomnia,” the authors wrote. “However, this treatment is tolerated by only a subgroup of patients.”
Part of a growing trend in science and policy
This latest study is far from an outlier. Earlier this year, the Drug and Alcohol Review published findings showing that daily cannabis use among chronic pain patients was linked to an increased likelihood of quitting opioids altogether — especially among male users.
Other studies have pointed to even wider societal impacts. One paper found that U.S. states that legalized medical or recreational cannabis saw a drop in fatal opioid overdoses. Legalization was associated with up to 3.5 fewer deaths per 100,000 people. Another study revealed that doctors received fewer payments from opioid manufacturers after cannabis became a legal treatment option, suggesting a potential shift in prescription patterns.
Expanding the conversation: cannabis and broader health impacts
This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting cannabis may play a broader role in modern medicine. A recent study linked psychedelic use and cannabis consumption to improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic (read more). Meanwhile, Japan is grappling with the ongoing debate over whether cannabis truly acts as a gateway drug, as another study casts doubt on that long-held belief (more here). And as cannabis edibles become more popular, scientists in the U.S. are racing to develop accurate THC breath tests to help regulators and law enforcement respond to shifting consumption patterns (explore the study). Together, these findings reflect the evolving landscape of cannabis science across different fields and cultures.
