Patient Survey: 78% Report Reduced Opioid Use After Cannabis Treatment
A national patient survey has found that 78% of UK medical cannabis patients who were previously using opioid painkillers have been able to reduce their opioid consumption since starting cannabis treatment.
A national survey of over 3,200 UK medical cannabis patients conducted by a patient advocacy coalition has found that 78% of respondents who were taking opioid analgesics prior to commencing cannabis treatment reported a meaningful reduction in opioid use since starting their CBMP prescription. The findings have been submitted as evidence to a parliamentary inquiry into opioid prescribing practices and NHS analgesic guidelines.
Survey Methodology
The survey was distributed through patient networks, clinic mailing lists, and advocacy group channels. Respondents were required to confirm they held a current UK medical cannabis prescription before being eligible to complete the questionnaire. The data are self-reported and have not been independently validated against prescription records.
Key Findings
- 78% of opioid users at baseline reported at least some reduction in opioid consumption
- Of those, 31% reported having discontinued opioids entirely
- Pain management was cited as the primary reason for opioid reduction by 84% of respondents in this group
- Improved sleep and reduced anxiety were cited as secondary benefits contributing to reduced opioid reliance
Context: UK Opioid Prescribing
The UK has experienced a significant rise in opioid prescribing over the past two decades. NHS England data show over 5 million people receiving opioid prescriptions annually, with associated concerns about dependence, overdose risk, and long-term health consequences.
"If even a fraction of the UK opioid-dependent population could safely transition to or supplement with cannabis-based treatment, the public health benefit would be substantial."
