Use of Cannabis for Harm Reduction Among People at High Risk for Overdose in Vancouver, Canada (2016-2018).
Am J Public Health
; 111(5): 969-972, 2021 05.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33734849
ABSTRACT
Objectives. To characterize the prevalence and reasons for the use of cannabis as a strategy to reduce the harms arising from other substances.Methods. We drew data about recent cannabis use and intentions from 3 prospective cohort studies of marginalized people who use drugs based in Vancouver, Canada, from June 2016 to May 2018. The primary outcome was "use of cannabis for harm reduction," defined as using cannabis for substitution for licit or illicit substances such as heroin or other opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, or alcohol; treating withdrawal; or coming down off other drugs.Results. Approximately 1 in 4 participants reported using cannabis for harm reduction at least once during the study period. The most frequent reasons included substituting for stimulants (50%) and substituting for illicit opioids (31%).Conclusions. The use of cannabis for harm reduction is a common strategy among people who use drugs in our setting. Further research into the factors associated with this strategy is needed. Better characterization of the risks and benefits of substitution strategies, including for opioids and stimulants, may prompt new treatment options for PWUD.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Cannabis
/
Substance-Related Disorders
/
Harm Reduction
/
Drug Overdose
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Public Health
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canadá