Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been a topic of debate for decades due to its potential medicinal properties and recreational use. However, new research published in the Harm Reduction Journal suggests that giving out free cannabis through harm reduction organizations could have a significant impact on reducing drug overdose deaths and improving users’ quality of life.
The case study focused on a marijuana donation program in rural Michigan, which is the first of its kind in the United States. The study concluded that this harm reduction approach has the potential for sustainability depending on state laws surrounding cannabis regulation and distribution.
The observation period of the study spanned from September 2021 to May 2023 and included ten “cannabis-experienced harm reduction clients” who received weekly marijuana donations through pickups or deliveries, with clinical staff determining client interest and eligibility.
The findings from the study showed several benefits observed by the harm reduction staff when interacting with clients. One participant, described as being 50 years or older, had undergone spinal fusion neck surgery during the study period. This individual reported complete abstinence from alcohol while recovering from surgery and expressed gratitude for the pain relief provided by cannabis products donated through the program.
Another participant in her 20s, who was pregnant, homeless, and dependent on methamphetamine and opioids at the beginning of the study, reported using methamphetamine and opioids less frequently after receiving products donated through the program. She also actively worked with harm reduction agency staff to receive medications for opioid use disorder during her pregnancy.
The researchers also analyzed data from a cannabis company that provided marijuana donations for the program. The data revealed that while flower products constituted most adult and medical sales, edible, oil, and topical products were predominant among donations. Additionally, cost analysis suggested that donations represented only 1% of total gross sales for the company.
The five-author team behind the paper included researchers from RTI International, Rutgers University School of Social Work, and San Francisco General Hospital. They described their findings as a starting point for further research into cannabis donation as a harm reduction strategy.
While this study did not draw conclusions about overall outcomes associated with such harm reduction efforts, it highlighted the feasibility of these programs. The data showed that donations from commercial marijuana companies accounted for only a small portion of their overall product sales.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence linking cannabis use to reductions in opioid prescriptions and overdoses. Previous studies have shown associations between marijuana legalization and declines in alcohol consumption as well. Given these findings, harm reduction practitioners may continue to support client self-determination and mutual aid by providing safe access to psychoactive substances like cannabis for individuals who use drugs.
In conclusion, offering free cannabis through harm reduction organizations could play a crucial role in curbing the drug overdose crisis while improving health outcomes for users. Further research is needed to fully understand the individual-level impacts, public health effects, legal regulations, and best practices surrounding cannabis donation programs. Nonetheless, this study sheds light on the potential benefits of integrating cannabis into harm reduction strategies to address substance use issues effectively.
