Nearly Half of Medical Cannabis Users Cease Using Opioids for Pain After Twelve Months

According to a recently published scientific journal Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia, Patients with medical marijuana have shown that opioid use has been significantly reduced or eliminated over time. Research on the medical benefits of cannabis has been delayed in the United States, but with the ongoing legalization of marijuana, more empirical evidence is being shared by the medical community with the general public.

Undoubtedly, the United States is facing an opioid crisis. Health officials have acknowledged this as far back as 2016. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “2018 data show that 128 people die daily in the United States after overdose of opioids. Of opioids, including prescription painkillers, synthetic opioids such as heroine and fentanyl. Abuse and addiction are serious national crises affecting public health and social and economic welfare. “

It’s no wonder medical professionals are looking for alternatives to the treatment of chronic pain. As legalization efforts are currently underway across the United States, marijuana is being considered as an alternative to the standard opioid prescription of pain management professionals.

The observational study was conducted between September 2015 and July 2018 at a community-based cannabis clinic in Ontario, Canada.Like many others the study Researchers conducted in recent years have focused on a group of patients who are allowed to use medical marijuana to treat long-term pain problems. A team of Canadian researchers found that “the proportion of individuals who reported opioid use was cut in half” over the course of 12 months.

The author concludes that: “In this longitudinal study, individuals who continued to take cannabis reported lower pain severity and pain interference scores, and improved quality of life and general health symptoms scores … [T]The proportion of patients using opioids at each follow-up decreased … suggesting an opioid-saving effect from cannabis use. … Our data illustrates the need for strong clinical trials, given the overall increase in opioid discontinuation in those who remain in cannabis. “

The findings were published within a few weeks of a similar medical study conducted by researchers in Canadian soil: The role of harm reduction in the crisis of overdose has the potential to improve the quality of life and overall public health of patients. ”

Medical professionals have articulated the need to explore the health benefits of cannabis and can only expect the US government to listen to their call.

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