As more states legalize CBD (cannabidiol) and medical marijuana, many people in opioid addiction treatment wonder: Can I use cannabis while taking Suboxone? Will it help with cravings or withdrawal? Could it interfere with my medication?
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage opioid withdrawal and cravings. Meanwhile, CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)—the two main compounds in cannabis—affect the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain relief, mood regulation, and addiction.
Some people believe cannabis can help with anxiety, pain, and opioid withdrawal, while others worry it could increase relapse risk or interfere with Suboxone’s effects. So, what does the research say? Let’s break it down.
How Suboxone Works in the Body
Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but only partially activates them. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a full opioid high.
For Suboxone to work effectively, the brain’s opioid receptors need to be stabilized. Introducing other substances—like THC or CBD—could potentially interfere with how Suboxone interacts with the brain.
Does CBD Interact with Suboxone?
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that does not produce a “high” like THC. Many people use CBD for:
- Pain relief
- Anxiety and stress reduction
- Sleep improvement
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Does CBD Interfere with Suboxone?
CBD does not directly act on opioid receptors, but it does interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver, which is responsible for breaking down medications, including Suboxone.
- CBD may slow down Suboxone metabolism, potentially leading to higher levels of buprenorphine in the bloodstream. This could increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea.
- On the other hand, some research suggests CBD may reduce cravings and anxiety, which could be beneficial for people in recovery.
Current Research on CBD and Opioid Recovery
A 2022 study found that CBD reduced cue-induced cravings in people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Researchers tested this by giving participants CBD and measuring their cravings before and after treatment.
How the Study Worked
- Who participated? 5 people who had been taking buprenorphine for opioid addiction (anywhere from 1 month to 10 years).
- What did they take? 600 mg of CBD (Epidiolex®) once a day for 3 days.
- How were cravings measured? Participants were shown drug-related cues (such as images or reminders of opioid use) and asked how strong their cravings were before and after taking CBD.
What the Study Found
- CBD reduced opioid cravings after three days of use.
- Before CBD: Participants rated their cravings as 3.2 out of 10.
- After CBD: Cravings dropped to 0.4 out of 10, showing a noticeable improvement.
- No change in anxiety, depression, pain, or withdrawal symptoms.
- Side effects were minimal—only one person felt mildly sleepy.
What This Means
- CBD might help people on buprenorphine feel fewer cravings when exposed to opioid triggers.
- More research is needed because this study was small (only 5 people) and did not include a control group.
- A larger study is necessary to confirm whether CBD can reliably reduce opioid cravings for people on MAT.
Is CBD Safe to Use with Suboxone?
While there is no strong evidence that CBD negatively affects Suboxone treatment, it’s always best to talk to a doctor before adding CBD to your regimen. This guidance from a healthcare provider can help ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Can You Use Medical Marijuana While on Suboxone?
Unlike CBD, medical marijuana contains THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for producing a high. While some states allow medical marijuana use for pain, PTSD, and other conditions, its effects on Suboxone users are more complex.
Potential Benefits of Medical Marijuana in Recovery
- May help with pain relief – Some people in recovery use THC for chronic pain instead of opioids.
- May improve appetite and sleep – THC has been shown to stimulate appetite and help with sleep disorders.
- Legal medical use in some states – In certain states, medical marijuana is prescribed for opioid addiction recovery under a doctor’s supervision.
Risks of Using Medical Marijuana While on Suboxone
- THC may trigger cravings or relapse – Because THC produces a high, it may activate the brain’s reward system, increasing the risk of returning to opioid use.
- May interact with Suboxone – Both THC and Suboxone depress the central nervous system, potentially leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, or cognitive impairment.
- Legal and employment concerns – Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, some workplaces prohibit THC use, and it can show up on drug tests.
Should You Use Medical Marijuana While on Suboxone?
If you are in recovery for opioid addiction, using THC could be risky. While some people report benefits, others find that it increases cravings, reduces motivation, or leads to relapse. A healthcare provider can help weigh the risks and benefits based on your individual situation.
What Does the Research Say About Cannabis for Opioid Use Disorder?
A 2022 review by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) examined whether cannabis could help treat opioid use disorder (OUD) by reducing cravings, improving treatment retention, or lowering opioid use.
Key Takeaways from the Study
- No strong evidence supports cannabis as an effective treatment for OUD.
- Studies showed mixed results—some found cannabis helped, others found no effect, and some suggested it could worsen treatment outcomes.
- Cannabis had no proven impact on relapse rates, hospitalizations, overdoses, or overall quality of life for people in addiction treatment.
- A Canadian clinical guideline strongly advises against using cannabis for OUD due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
Why This Matters
Despite growing interest in cannabis as a possible tool for addiction recovery, this review found no clear benefit. Experts recommend sticking with proven treatments like Suboxone (buprenorphine) and methadone until more high-quality research is available.
CBD vs. THC: Which Is Safer for People on Suboxone?
| Factor | CBD | THC (Medical Marijuana) |
| Psychoactive Effects | No (does not cause a high) | Yes (causes a high) |
| Addiction Potential | Low | Moderate |
| Craving Reduction | Possible, but more research needed | May increase cravings for some people |
| Legal Status | Legal in most states | Legal only in some states |
| Interaction with Suboxone | May slow metabolism, increasing effects | May worsen drowsiness or cognitive impairment |
| Risk of Relapse | Low | Higher, as THC affects the brain’s reward system |
Which One Is Safer?
- CBD is generally considered the safer option for those in recovery because it does not produce a high or trigger cravings.
- THC carries a higher risk, as it can affect motivation, impair thinking, and potentially increase the risk of opioid relapse.
The Bottom Line: Should You Use CBD or THC While on Suboxone?
- CBD may have some benefits, such as reducing cravings and anxiety, but more research is needed.
- THC (medical marijuana) poses greater risks, as it can trigger cravings, impair thinking, and increase the likelihood of relapse.
- Both substances can interact with Suboxone, so it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare provider before using them.
For those in opioid addiction treatment, Suboxone alone is often enough to manage withdrawal and cravings. If additional relief is needed, safer alternatives like therapy, non-opioid medications, or lifestyle changes may be better options.
Get Expert Guidance on Suboxone and Recovery with QuickMD
If you have questions about CBD, medical marijuana, or alternative treatments while taking Suboxone, QuickMD’s online doctors can provide expert guidance.
Why Choose QuickMD?
- Same-day online Suboxone prescriptions sent to your pharmacy
- Licensed addiction specialists available 7 days a week
- Private, judgment-free virtual appointments
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your recovery needs
Whether you’re looking for MAT support, Suboxone prescriptions, or answers about medication interactions, QuickMD can help.
