Participants selected for the study are offered a weekly, 24-session Prescription Opioid Taper Support (POTS) group behavioral pain management intervention and at baseline, express a future interest in using cannabis to help manage pain. The POTS intervention uses principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing strategies, and strategies to invoke the relaxation response. Participants are randomized 1:1 to either begin using cannabis products of their choice without delay, or to wait 24 weeks before beginning to use cannabis.

Participants complete baseline, 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-, and 24-week assessments to evaluate prescription opioid dose change, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder symptoms. They also complete daily surveys to evaluate pain intensity and interference, as well as self-reported opioid dose.

To date, 82 participants have completed baseline assessments and 57 have completed six-month assessments. Data analysis is anticipated to begin in 2025.