Opioid Prescribing in Canada following the Legalization of Cannabis: A Clinical and Economic Time-Series Analysis

George Dranitsaris (), Carlo DeAngelis, Blake Pearson, Laura McDermott and Bernd Pohlmann-Eden
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George Dranitsaris: Augmentium Pharma Consulting Inc.
Carlo DeAngelis: Odette Cancer Centre
Blake Pearson: Erie St. Clair
Laura McDermott: Scientus Pharma Inc.
Bernd Pohlmann-Eden: Scientus Pharma Inc.

Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 2021, vol. 19, issue 4, No 7, 537-544

Abstract: Abstract Purpose On 17 October 2018 recreational cannabis became legal in Canada, thereby increasing access and reducing the stigma associated with its use for pain management. This study assessed total opioid prescribing volumes and expenditures prior to and following cannabis legalization. Methods National monthly claims data for public and private payers were obtained from January 2016 to June 2019. The drugs evaluated consisted of morphine, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, oxycodone, tramadol, and the non-opioids gabapentin and pregabalin. All opioid volumes were converted to a mean morphine equivalent dose (MED)/claim, which is analogous to a prescription from a physician. Gabapentin and pregabalin claims data were analyzed separately from the opioids. Time-series regression modelling was undertaken with dependent variables being mean MED/claim and total monthly spending. The slopes of the time-series curves were then compared pre- versus post-cannabis legalization. Results Over the 42-month period, the mean MED/claim declined within public plans (p

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s40258-021-00638-4

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