Brief report: The influence of childhood trauma on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in persons with opioid use disorder

Background and ObjectivesChildhood trauma (CT) increases addiction vulnerability. We examined CT's impact on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects.MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of oral THC (10, 20 mg) among 25 persons receiving methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD).ResultsGreater CT was associated with lower aversive effects from higher THC doses (20 mg) (p = .006).Discussion and ConclusionsCT may reduce the subjective aversive effects of THC, potentially leading to greater cannabis use in individuals with OUD.Scientific SignificanceThese findings offer insights into THC's risks versus benefits in OUD subgroups and emphasize assessing CT in OUD treatment and research.