In a journal by Drug and Alcohol Dependence, improved outcomes have been associated with cannabis use on opioid-dependent patients receiving outpatient treatment.
The researchers of Columbia University have reported that the administration of oral THC during detoxification process decreased the intensity of withdrawal symptoms as opposed to placebo. The patients who consumed herbal cannabis during the outpatient treatment phase were reported to be less anxious, get more sleep and were more likely to remain in treatment as compared to those who were not using marijuana.
Also, in clinical data and case reports, it has been proven that medical marijuana can be used while simultaneously weaning patients from opiates with high success of pain management. Data collected from a survey for medical marijuana patients in marijuana legalized states suggested that they have traded opiates to cannabis due to its fewer side effects.
In states where medical marijuana is legalized, population data has reported a lower rate of opioid-abuse and mortality as compared to states where medical marijuana remains illegal and frowned upon. In the year of 1999, opioid overdose fatalities were recorded at 4,100. This number greatly differs from the analysis of the US Centers for Disease Control for the year of 2010 which was 16,000 fatalities.