Opioid Use Disorder & Medical Cannabis

Opioid Use Disorder as a Qualifying Condition

New Jersey is one of a small number of states to explicitly recognize opioid use disorder (OUD) as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. This reflects growing recognition that cannabis — as part of a comprehensive harm reduction and treatment strategy — may help some patients reduce or eliminate opioid use.

This is not a replacement for evidence-based OUD treatment. Cannabis is used alongside — or for patients who are tapering off — opioids, working to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, anxiety, and pain that often drive continued opioid use.

The Evidence for Cannabis in Opioid Use Disorder

Multiple observational studies have found associations between medical cannabis availability and reduced opioid prescribing, opioid-related overdose deaths, and opioid use disorder diagnoses. A growing body of research suggests cannabis may help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, though randomized controlled trials remain limited.

This is a rapidly evolving area of research, and our providers stay current with the literature to provide evidence-informed recommendations.

Our Approach — Judgment-Free

Patients with opioid use disorder sometimes fear judgment from healthcare providers. At PremierMD, you will not be treated as a problem to manage or a statistic. You will be treated as a patient who is trying to reclaim your health, and we will support you with the same care and attention we give every patient. We also work with our broader PremierMD practice for patients who need addiction medicine support beyond cannabis certification.