Exploring the effects of medical cannabis on opioid use in chronic pain patients
The Effect of Medical Cannabis on Opioid Use for Individuals with Chronic Pain
This study is testing if using medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain reduce their use of opioid medications and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Thomas Jefferson University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06206252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate how medical cannabis affects pain levels and the use of opioid medications among individuals with chronic pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: those who opt to use medical cannabis and those who do not. Over a three-month period, participants will complete various assessments, including daily surveys on pain severity and opioid use, as well as monthly evaluations of their overall health and well-being. The study will also explore secondary outcomes such as side effects, sleep quality, and mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with chronic pain who have been using prescription opioids for more than 90 days and are either certified to use medical cannabis or willing to obtain certification.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with cannabis use disorder, or individuals currently in opioid treatment programs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into alternative pain management strategies that reduce reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring cannabis use for pain management, this specific observational approach focusing on opioid use is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of chronic, intractable pain * Use of prescription opioids for longer than 90 days * Have a smartphone or agree to use one provided * English fluency * Medical cannabis group only: Willing to get certified by a physician to use medical cannabis in PA OR already certified but have not been using medical cannabis products regularly (daily or weekly) for longer than 30 days * Medical cannabis group only: Willing to accept a temporary restriction on medical cannabis products * Control group: Agree to continue not using cannabis for the duration of the study (3 months) Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years old * Being under conservatorship * Self-reported pregnant or breastfeeding * Cannabis Use Disorder * Active treatment in methadone or buprenorphine program for Opioid Use Disorder * Diabetic neuropathy or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy alone * Medical cannabis group: Cannabis use (daily/weekly) for more than 30 days * Control group: Cannabis Use
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brooke Worster, MD — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Allison Herens, LSW
- Email: mmjstudy@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 215-531-4971
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.