Suboxone and Medical Cannabis: A Safe Combination for Addiction Treatment?
Taking a hard-line position against marijuana use when a person is in active addiction to opioids is not the best way to address the addiction problem.
Can medical cannabis and Suboxone work together in addiction treatment? Dr. Mark Leeds dives into this complex topic, shedding light on the benefits and risks involved. He starts by addressing the confusion surrounding the safety of using medical cannabis with buprenorphine, a key component of Suboxone used to treat opioid use disorder. The episode navigates through the controversy of defining recovery when prescribed medications are involved. Dr.
Leeds emphasizes the importance of healthcare practitioners being well-versed in drug interactions and supplements to ensure safe treatment practices. He also discusses the dangers of street drug contamination, particularly with substances like fentanyl or carfentanil, which can trigger opioid withdrawal if present in street-purchased weed. For those using marijuana therapeutically, he advises consulting a medical marijuana doctor to explore safer, legal alternatives. Dr.
Leeds advocates for a more flexible approach to addiction treatment, recognizing that rigid stances against all drug use may not be the most effective strategy for everyone. He highlights the potential medical uses of cannabis in easing opioid withdrawal symptoms and encourages healthcare providers to stay informed about drug interactions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of addiction treatment, offering practical advice and thoughtful insights on integrating medical cannabis with traditional therapies.