Brief report: The influence of childhood trauma on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in persons with opioid use disorder

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Childhood trauma (CT) increases addiction vulnerability. We examined CT's impact on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of oral THC (10, 20 mg) among 25 persons receiving methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD). Results: Greater CT was associated with lower aversive effects from higher THC doses (20 mg) (p =.006). Discussion and Conclusions: CT may reduce the subjective aversive effects of THC, potentially leading to greater cannabis use in individuals with OUD. Scientific Significance: These findings offer insights into THC's risks versus benefits in OUD subgroups and emphasize assessing CT in OUD treatment and research.