Medical Cannabis Use Reduces Opioid Prescriptions in Patients With Chronic Back Pain

Abstract

Background This study investigates whether the use of medical cannabis (MC) in patients with chronic back pain is associated with a decreased opioid prescription. Methods The study included 186 patients with chronic back pain who were certified for MC use. The average morphine milligram equivalent (MME)/day of opioid prescriptions filled within the six months prior to MC certification was compared to that of six months after. Pain and disability questionnaires were distributed at three, six, and nine months post-certification. Results Patients who started at less than 15 MME/day and patients who started at greater than 15 MME/day decreased from 15.1 to 11.0 (n = 186, p < 0.01), 3.5 to 2---.1 (n = 134, p < 0.01), and 44.9 to 33.9 (n = 52, p < 0.01), respectively. Pain and disability scores were improved at follow-up as well. Conclusion MC use reduces opioid prescription for patients with chronic back pain and improves pain and disability scores.