In recent years, there’s been growing interest in the idea of going “California sober” by using marijuana to treat addiction. Weed-friendly rehab facilities help people break free from addiction to other drugs and get back to a healthier lifestyle. Some proponents believe marijuana isn’t addictive and has many positive qualities to help fight withdrawal symptoms.
However, the notion of weed-friendly rehab is controversial, and many experts dispute the idea. Read on to learn why more recent marijuana addiction studies dispute the practice of weed use by those in recovery.
Medical Marijuana vs. Marijuana for Rehab
Medicinal marijuana is used to treat various issues, including chronic pain, insomnia, nausea, glaucoma and some types of seizures. The cannabinoids found in marijuana can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation without the risk of addiction found with opioids.
However, marijuana isn’t 100% safe. Its use is contraindicated in teenagers due to concerns about how marijuana can impact brain development. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to avoid marijuana due to the potential effects on the fetus or baby. Marijuana can also be dangerous for people with a family history of psychosis, as regular cannabis use is thought to trigger certain conditions in those who are genetically at risk.
Given these issues, researchers question the wisdom of going California sober, especially given the lack of peer-reviewed studies backing up its efficacy.
What Does the Research Say About Weed-Friendly Rehab?
Proponents of weed-friendly rehab believe marijuana is unfairly demonized as a gateway drug. The substance isn’t addictive and therefore using it as a part of rehab makes sense. There’s some research to back this up.
A study published in the Harm Reduction Journal surveyed more than 4,100 people and found that medical cannabis users are less likely to use more potent drugs. Compare it to methadone — a drug used to treat heroin addiction. According to the CDC, 30% of opioid-associated deaths involved methadone. Finding a safer alternative is appealing; however, it’s unclear if marijuana is a less risky substitute.
Some believe marijuana isn’t a good option because it’s simply adding another habit. Modern marijuana strains contain far higher concentrations of THC than in the past, making people more likely to become dependent on the substance. In addition, higher THC concentrations can increase unwanted side effects, heightening the risk of mood disorders and schizophrenia in some individuals.
Many feel abstinence is a better option, believing it’s better to resolve the issues that led to an addiction rather than simply replacing one crutch with another. Using marijuana to treat addiction may be helpful as a form of harm reduction, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying issues.
If someone uses marijuana as an alternative to other drugs, they could become dependent, and while they’re unlikely to overdose or experience significant health consequences, there may still be undesirable effects. A chronic marijuana user may lose all drive, spend a lot of money pursuing new highs and hurt their professional and personal relationships.
Cali Sober Could Be Wishful Thinking
While some individuals believe the binary approach of AA and 12-step programs is too rigid, others feel using weed as a part of successful rehab is wishful thinking. The risk of someone transitioning from marijuana to other drugs is too high. Taking a more long-term, holistic approach to treating substance abuse offers a greater chance of lasting recovery.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, half of Americans aged 12 or older have used illicit drugs in their lifetime. The NIDA IC Fact Sheet 2024 reports that, as of 2020, there were more than 40 million people in the United States with substance use disorder.
If you’re struggling with substance abuse and seeking support, contact FHE Health today. Our helplines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you address addiction and substance abuse. Get in touch to learn about how our lifesaving treatments can help put you on the path to a healthier, happier life.
