General hospital psychiatry
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · Jan 2018
Comparative StudyPatterns and correlates of medical cannabis use for pain among patients prescribed long-term opioid therapy.
Little is known about co-occurring long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) and medical cannabis use. We compared characteristics of patients prescribed LTOT who endorsed using medical cannabis for pain to patients who did not report cannabis use. ⋯ There are potential risks associated with co-occurring LTOT and medical cannabis for pain. Study findings highlight the need for further clinical evaluation in this population. Future research is needed to examine the longitudinal impact of medical cannabis use on pain-related and substance use outcomes.