“There is the potential to reduce harm related to alcohol and drug use through replacement with cannabis."
This was confirmed by researchers from RTI International, Rutgers University's School of Social Work, and San Francisco General Hospital in one study published onHarm Reduction Journal.
“This case study is the first to document cannabis donation as a practice damage reduction in the United States and suggests the potential for sustainability that depends on state laws."
According to the Michigan Regulatory and Taxation of Marihuana Act, in fact, give Up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis (about 70 grams) or up to 15 grams of concentrate is legal, as long as the recipient is over 21 and “the transfer is not advertised or promoted to the public.”
Replacing alcohol and drugs with cannabis: improves quality of life
Conducted between September 2021 and May 2023, the harm reduction program involved 10 participants, who were "cannabis experts" and received donations every week.
“While policies surrounding the regulation and distribution of cannabis may still arise barriers towards this practice, harm reduction staff working in the field see the potential benefits of cannabis, which include reducing premature death, improving quality of life, pain moderation, greater recovery outcomes, and increased safety for clients and the community,” the researchers highlighted.
To support this, the study included the case of a pregnant woman aged around 20 who at the beginning of the program was a "employee from methamphetamine and opioid injections".
Woman who "Reported that with the use of products donated in this program, she used methamphetamines and opioids less frequently and worked actively with agency staff on harm reduction during pregnancy."
“Research suggests there is potential for reduce damage linked to the use of alcohol and drugs of more dangerous substances through replacement with cannabis", concluded the scholars".
| For further information: "Cannabis reduces the damage of alcohol: scientific studies"
"The results of this case study provide a starting point for an investigation into cannabis donation as a harm reduction strategy in the United States,” they continue, “Future research is needed to fully understand individual-level outcomes, public health impacts, necessary legal regulations, and best practices for cannabis donation programs through harm reduction organizations.”
