Unaerp Medicine Student’s Study Gains Global Recognition for Cannabis-Opioid Relationship

Gabriel Costa, a standout student in Unaerp’s Medicine program, has taken the lead in publishing an article titled “The Impact of Cannabis on Non-Medical Opioid Use Among Individuals Receiving Pharmacotherapies for Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies.” This article has garnered significant attention in the American press, finding placement in esteemed medical publications like Medscape, Medical Press, Yale School of Medicine, and U.S. News.

Under the mentorship of Professor and Researcher João P. de Aquino from Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry, Costa collaborated with researchers from the University of São Paulo and Cleveland University Hospital to develop this scientific project.

The study delves into the pressing issue of opioid use disorder, a challenge the United States has faced in recent years. Opioid dependency, characterized by substances like morphine with potent analgesic effects, can severely impact a patient’s daily functionality.

Given the link between pain management and opioids, there’s considerable interest in the United States regarding the association between Cannabis sativa and individuals with opioid use disorder. Costa notes, “It’s believed to possess analgesic properties akin to opioids. As global cannabis legalization progresses, this topic holds significant interest for researchers, particularly in the U.S.”

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Costa explains that the project arose due to his interest in the area of psychiatry, specifically substance use

Highlighting the study’s relevance to the scientific community and society at large, Costa stresses that despite global discourse, medical cannabis usage remains stigmatized.
“In patients with opioid use disorder, physicians mustn’t stigmatize cannabis usage to the detriment of treatment. Emphasizing life-saving medications and tailored treatment is crucial. Nonetheless, as a drug, it’s imperative to assess whether patients are open to reducing usage and understand their motivations—some seek pain relief, while others aim to address insomnia,” Costa explains.
According to Professor Reinaldo Bulgarelli Bestetti, the Medicine program coordinator, the research’s international media coverage “paves the way and forms a vital part of internationalization. This aligns with our university’s research ethos, addressing the community’s needs.”
The complete article, authored by Gabriel Costa in collaboration with researchers Julio Nunes, Daniel Heringer, Akhil Anand, and João de Aquino, can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

Unaerp Medicine Student’s Study Gains Global Recognition for Cannabis-Opioid Relationship

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