A qualitative study on cannabis use for harm reduction and pain among veterans enrolled in an SUD treatment program
Patients with non-cannabis SUD may choose to use cannabis to alleviate chronic pain, pain-related anxiety and poor sleep quality, and as a harm reducing therapeutic during SUD treatment. VA and other federally employed clinicians, particularly in states where cannabis is legal, should prepare to educate patients on the medical evidence, gaps, policies and laws related to cannabis to help patients make more informed healthcare decisions related to cannabis use.
Authors
- R. Dobbin Chow
- Jessica J. Wyse (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4789-4390)
- Traben Pleasant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5623-8999)
- Travis I. Lovejoy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7298-6567)
- Sarah Ono (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2857-1668)
- Jennette Lovejoy
Institutions
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs (US)
- Oregon Health & Science University (US)
- Veterans Health Administration (US)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (AU)
- University of Portland (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Harm Reduction Journal
- Published
- 2026-02-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-026-01412-2
- Primary Topic
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00