Canada: Study shows that using cannabis reduces methamphetamine consumption

Polydrug users, individuals who consume several substances, often turn to cannabis as a way to reduce their consumption of stimulants, such as methamphetamines, reveals a study from the University of British Columbia (UBC), in Canada, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors. The research findings revealed that around 78% of respondents reported a notable decrease in the consumption of stimulants during the periods in which they consumed cannabis.

Hudson Reddon, along with Zach Walsh of UBC Okanagan and MJ Milloy of UBC Vancouver, noted that cannabis use is associated with decreased crystal methamphetamine use among people at higher risk of overdose in Vancouver. This research involved a diverse group of 297 polydrug users and revealed a significant trend: almost half of the participants, that is, 45%, reported using cannabis specifically to control their cravings for stimulants.

Remarkably, 78% of respondents also reported a notable decrease in the consumption of stimulants during the periods in which they used cannabis. The correlation between cannabis use and the reduction in methamphetamine consumption was particularly notable, although a similar decrease was not observed among daily cocaine users.

The researchers concluded that using cannabis to manage stimulant cravings represents a prevailing harm reduction strategy. This finding not only highlights the commonality of this approach among people who use unregulated drugs, but also highlights its potential effectiveness in reducing stimulant use. Given the lack of established pharmacotherapies for the treatment of disorders related to stimulant use, further exploration of the therapeutic and harm reduction applications of cannabis is crucial. This avenue of investigation is promising in addressing the adverse effects associated with the consumption of stimulants.

In addition to its role in managing stimulant cravings, cannabis has been identified as a substitute for several substances, including alcohol, tobacco and prescription opioids. The versatility of cannabis in harm reduction strategies is a testament to its potential to mitigate the impact of substance abuse.

In short, the study's findings reveal the significant role that cannabis plays in the lives of polydrug users, constituting a sign of hope in harm reduction efforts. As more research focuses on the therapeutic applications of cannabis, there is optimism that it may offer viable solutions to reduce the harm associated with stimulant use. This not only highlights the importance of harm reduction strategies, but also highlights the need to continue exploring cannabis as a potential tool to address the complex challenges posed by polydrug use.

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João Xabregas

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With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.

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