CANNABIS VERSUS OTHER ILLICIT DRUG-USE AMONG METHADONE-MAINTENANCE PATIENTS

Few data exist on the prevalence and consequences of cannabis use amon g methadone maintenance patients. Weekly urine toxicology data hom 70 patients in a methadone program were analyzed for evidence of cannabis as well as cocaine and benzodiazepines, anti the relationship between use of these drugs and opiate use was examined. Patients who were pos itive for both cocaine and benzodiazepine, but not those positive for cannabis, were more likely also to test positive for opiates. Related literature is reviewed, and the issue of illicit drug use among such p atients is discussed in the context of harm reduction.