Patients Are Turning to Medical Cannabis to Get off Opioids
The opioid epidemic in North America is a growing public health crisis, causing devastating effects on communities across Canada and the U.S.
Canada is the world’s second biggest consumer of pharmaceutical opioids, and in 2016, there were approximately 2,458 apparent opioid-related deaths in the country.
What’s being done to counter this deadly health crisis? Learn why more doctors and patients are turning to medical cannabis.
The Problem with Opioids
Many patients taking opioids for pain relief are trapped in a vicious cycle. Doctors prescribe patients opioids for pain relief, but then often need to prescribe more medication to deal with the negative side effects these opioids cause.
In fact, opioids rarely help chronic pain sufferers. While they may provide some immediate …show more content…
Are there any other options?
Medical Cannabis Can Help Alleviate the Epidemic
When used in the right way, medical cannabis can help counter the opioid crisis.
Studies suggest it’s a much safer solution that’s far less addictive and presents fewer negative side effects. The International Journal of Drug Policy released a study in 2017 that explored the use of medical cannabis as a substitute for many prescription drugs, including opioids. Many patients involved reported the natural substance to be highly effective.
Medical marijuana can be used as an adjunct treatment for patients currently taking opioids. It can help patients maintain a lower dose of opioids, while still getting pain relief.
It may also be used to treat opioid addiction. Medical cannabis can reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase the effectiveness of replacement therapy like methadone or suboxone. The CBD in cannabis may help patients reduce opioid cravings by interacting with the brain’s serotonin system, which plays a role in
The opioid epidemic in North America is a growing public health crisis, causing devastating effects on communities across Canada and the U.S.
Canada is the world’s second biggest consumer of pharmaceutical opioids, and in 2016, there were approximately 2,458 apparent opioid-related deaths in the country.
What’s being done to counter this deadly health crisis? Learn why more doctors and patients are turning to medical cannabis.
The Problem with Opioids
Many patients taking opioids for pain relief are trapped in a vicious cycle. Doctors prescribe patients opioids for pain relief, but then often need to prescribe more medication to deal with the negative side effects these opioids cause.
In fact, opioids rarely help chronic pain sufferers. While they may provide some immediate …show more content…
Are there any other options?
Medical Cannabis Can Help Alleviate the Epidemic
When used in the right way, medical cannabis can help counter the opioid crisis.
Studies suggest it’s a much safer solution that’s far less addictive and presents fewer negative side effects. The International Journal of Drug Policy released a study in 2017 that explored the use of medical cannabis as a substitute for many prescription drugs, including opioids. Many patients involved reported the natural substance to be highly effective.
Medical marijuana can be used as an adjunct treatment for patients currently taking opioids. It can help patients maintain a lower dose of opioids, while still getting pain relief.
It may also be used to treat opioid addiction. Medical cannabis can reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase the effectiveness of replacement therapy like methadone or suboxone. The CBD in cannabis may help patients reduce opioid cravings by interacting with the brain’s serotonin system, which plays a role in