Exploring the Role of Marijuana in Medication- Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs


Authors : Jindra Samuels

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ymez39kw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun980

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The opioid crisis continues to challenge public health systems, necessitating effective and innovative treatment strategies. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs are critical in managing opioid use disorder (OUD) but are not without limitations. This research investigates the potential benefits of incorporating marijuana (Cannabis sativa) into MAT as a complementary or alternative treatment option. Active compounds in marijuana, notably THC and CBD, may offer therapeutic benefits in managing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and mental health issues associated with addiction. This thesis reviews existing studies on marijuana’s effectiveness and safety within MAT programs, exploring its potential role in enhancing treatment outcomes and providing a harm-reduction strategy.

Keywords : Marijuana, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Addiction Recovery, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD, Opioid Use Disorder, Treatment Alternatives.

References :

  1. American Journal of Psychiatry. (2019). *The role of cannabinoids in opioid withdrawal management*. *American Journal of Psychiatry, 176*(3), 194-202. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010002
  2. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. (2020). *Cannabis use as a tool for reducing opioid dependence: A review of clinical trials*. *Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 213*, 108161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108161
  3. Gordon, M. T., & Lee, S. (2017). *Cannabinoids and addiction recovery: A therapeutic review*. *Journal of Addiction Medicine, 11*(4), 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000316
  4. Smith, J. P., & Roberts, K. (2021). *Opioid use disorder and MAT: Understanding the limitations of traditional medications*. *Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 16*(1), 23-34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00332-4
  5. Miller, L. M., & Zimmerman, A. (2018). *The endocannabinoid system and its role in addiction treatment*. *Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9*, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00705
  6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). *Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder*. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/medication-assisted-treatment-opioid-use-disorder
  7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). *Cannabis as an adjunct in addiction treatment: A clinical perspective*. *SAMHSA Report, 4*(2), 12-19. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/publications

The opioid crisis continues to challenge public health systems, necessitating effective and innovative treatment strategies. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs are critical in managing opioid use disorder (OUD) but are not without limitations. This research investigates the potential benefits of incorporating marijuana (Cannabis sativa) into MAT as a complementary or alternative treatment option. Active compounds in marijuana, notably THC and CBD, may offer therapeutic benefits in managing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and mental health issues associated with addiction. This thesis reviews existing studies on marijuana’s effectiveness and safety within MAT programs, exploring its potential role in enhancing treatment outcomes and providing a harm-reduction strategy.

Keywords : Marijuana, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Addiction Recovery, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD, Opioid Use Disorder, Treatment Alternatives.

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