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Study Finds: Proximity to Cannabis Dispensaries Linked to Lower Opioid Prescription Rates
A recent study has revealed that having cannabis dispensaries nearby can lead to a decrease in opioid prescription rates within a community. The study, titled “Recreational cannabis dispensary access effects on prescription opioid use and mortality,” was published online in June and will be featured in the September 2024 issue of Regional Science and Urban Economics.
Researchers Analyze Oregon Data to Uncover the Impact of Cannabis Dispensaries on Opioid Prescriptions
The study was conducted by Steven J. Dundas of Oregon State University and Jason W. Beasley of Western Michigan University, who was a former student of Dundas. They used Oregon as a case study to examine the relationship between opioid prescriptions and mortality rates and the availability of cannabis dispensaries in the area. The data used was collected from the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division from January 2014 to December 2017, which the researchers noted “captures nearly two years of data pre- and post-RCL [recreational cannabis legalization] in Oregon.”
Results Show a Decrease in Opioid Prescriptions in Communities Near Cannabis Dispensaries
The study aimed to answer the question of whether access to recreational cannabis has an impact on the demand for prescription opioids within a community. By combining neighborhood-scale opioid prescription data and recreational cannabis dispensary locations in Oregon, the researchers found that communities within one mile of a licensed dispensary had lower prescription opioid rates compared to areas without nearby dispensaries. They also noted that the further individuals had to travel to a dispensary, the higher the rates of prescription opioids per capita.
Dispensary Proximity and Opioid Prescription Rates: A Non-Linear Relationship
The study also revealed a non-linear relationship between dispensary proximity and opioid prescription rates. Communities with a dispensary located within one to four miles had higher prescription opioid rates, while those with a dispensary located four to 10 miles away had even higher rates. However, as the distance increased to 10 miles or more, the prescription rates began to decrease.
Implications for Opioid Treatment and Mortality Rates
The findings suggest that having close alternatives to opioid prescriptions, such as cannabis products from dispensaries, can lead to a decrease in opioid use. However, the researchers also noted that while opioid-related mortality rates have increased significantly in recent years, the results of this study did not show a significant impact on opioid-related mortality.
Previous Studies Have Explored the Relationship Between Cannabis and Opioid Mortality Rates
This study adds to a growing body of research that has examined the potential benefits of cannabis in reducing opioid use and mortality rates. While more research is needed, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential role of cannabis in addressing the opioid crisis.
