Can Medical Marijuana Help People Quit Tobacco and Hard Drugs? New Study Says…
- OMNI Medical
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Medical cannabis has long been discussed for its potential to relieve pain, ease anxiety, and improve quality of life.
But could it also help reduce the use of more dangerous substances — like tobacco or amphetamines?
A new 2025 peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research offers powerful insight into this question, suggesting that medical cannabis may actually help patients cut back on or replace more harmful drugs — including cigarettes and methamphetamine.
Let’s break down what the study found, why it matters, and what this could mean for medical cannabis programs across the United States.
📚 The Study: Who, What, and Where?
The international study titled “Do medical cannabis patients substitute cannabis for tobacco or amphetamine-type stimulants?” gathered data from more than 4,000 medical cannabis patients across 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, and Germany. David Koyle, CEO OMNI Medical Services
📖 Read the full study here:
Key facts:
Participants: Over 4,000 people enrolled in legal medical cannabis programs
Method: Voluntary survey asking whether cannabis replaced tobacco or stimulants in their lives
Goal: To explore whether cannabis patients use less of other addictive or harmful substances
🚬 What About Tobacco Use?
One of the most significant findings was that a majority of cannabis patients who smoked cigarettes reported using less tobacco after beginning medical cannabis treatment.
✅ Approximately 50% said they reduced their tobacco use
✅ Many reported a complete switch, using cannabis instead of nicotine
✅ Some cited fewer cravings and improved lung function
This adds to a growing body of evidence that cannabis, especially when vaporized or used in non-smoking formats (like tinctures or edibles), may play a harm-reduction role in addressing tobacco dependence.
💊 And Hard Drugs Like Methamphetamine?
Another eye-opening outcome: Over 40% of participants who had used amphetamine-type stimulants (like Adderall or meth) reported reducing or eliminating their use after starting medical marijuana.
This substitution was especially notable among:
Chronic pain patients
Individuals with ADHD or PTSD
People managing stimulant side effects with cannabis instead
While more research is needed, these early findings raise important public health questions about how cannabis might help reduce dependence on more harmful or addictive substances.
🧠 How Does Cannabis Help Reduce Other Drug Use?
Researchers believe several mechanisms could be at work:
Endocannabinoid system support: Cannabis interacts with the brain’s ECS, helping balance dopamine and serotonin — similar to how other stimulants act on the brain
Symptom relief: Cannabis may reduce the need for cigarettes or stimulants by relieving anxiety, stress, or pain
Behavioral substitution: Some users report replacing smoking habits with vaping or edible cannabis rituals
🚨 It’s important to note: Cannabis is not an FDA-approved treatment for addiction, and self-medication comes with risks. Always consult a licensed medical provider.
🌍 Why This Study Matters for Public Health
This research supports a trend already observed in states like Florida and California — when cannabis becomes legal and accessible, people begin making different choices for their health.
Implications:
Fewer opioid prescriptions have been documented in medical cannabis states
Smoking rates may decline among cannabis patients
Cannabis may reduce the social burden of stimulant misuse
But the study authors caution that more controlled research is needed, especially to separate correlation from causation. Still, this global survey offers promising signals.
📝 Where Does the U.S. Stand on Cannabis Access in 2025?
As of September 2025:
38 U.S. states allow some form of medical cannabis
24 states have legalized recreational cannabis
The DEA is considering rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III
👉 Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-dea-proposed-cannabis-rescheduling
Florida, in particular, remains one of the largest medical-only cannabis markets in the country. Nearly 900,000 patients are registered statewide.
🧠 Final Thoughts
While cannabis isn’t a magic cure, studies like this one provide compelling evidence that it can play a meaningful role in harm reduction — helping people lower their reliance on more dangerous substances.
As public awareness and access grow, the need for accurate, science-based patient education has never been more urgent.
💡 Want to Learn More About Medical Marijuana?
🩺 OMNI Medical Services connects qualified patients with licensed cannabis doctors via telehealth and in-person options across Florida.
📅 Book your appointment now:
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🛑 Legal and Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always speak with a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health needs. The legality and availability of cannabis vary by state and country. Be sure to check your local laws.
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