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workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 08:13 AM Sep 2016

Marijuana May Alleviate America’s Opioid Crisis, New Study Suggests

Marijuana May Alleviate America’s Opioid Crisis, New Study Suggests
In 2014, more than 14,000 people ― nearly 40 per day ― died from overdoses of prescribed opiates.
09/17/2016 04:34 pm ET Chris D’Angelo Associate Editor, HuffPost Hawaii

The United States is currently facing an epidemic of opioid painkiller abuse. Since 1999, opioid prescriptions and sales have quadrupled in the United States, a boom that the CDC said has “helped create and fuel” the current opioid abuse crisis. In 2014 alone, more than 14,000 people ― nearly 40 per day ― died from overdoses of prescribed opiates.

The Columbia study adds to a growing body of evidence showing cannabis can be an effective, alternative treatment for pain relief.

A 2014 study, for example, found that states with medical marijuana had fewer prescription painkiller overdose deaths than those without. And in July, researchers documented that states with medical marijuana saw a drop in prescription drugs, saving an estimated $165.2 million in Medicare costs.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/medical-marijuana-curb-opioid-use_us_57dc610ce4b0071a6e0799f8?section=&
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Marijuana May Alleviate America’s Opioid Crisis, New Study Suggests (Original Post) workinclasszero Sep 2016 OP
People forget greymattermom Sep 2016 #1
I read that in CO, overdose deaths have declined dramatically. wildeyed Sep 2016 #2
No, we haven't gotten any money back. beveeheart Sep 2016 #3
Colorado's legalization has been an astonishing success Warpy Sep 2016 #7
LA LA LA LA LA LA LA WE CANT HEAR YOUUUUUUUUUUUU Warren DeMontague Sep 2016 #9
All the researchers can study is crash results AllyCat Sep 2016 #4
No disagreement. 100% AGREEMENT! SammyWinstonJack Sep 2016 #6
There's big rehab as well. Crunchy Frog Sep 2016 #12
Methadone is a racket AllyCat Sep 2016 #14
So is Suboxone. Crunchy Frog Sep 2016 #15
Big Pharma won't like that idea.... Wounded Bear Sep 2016 #5
But marijuana is evil! Orrex Sep 2016 #8
These 5 saviors of American decency and morality FrodosPet Sep 2016 #11
The 2005 musical version is really good too. Crunchy Frog Sep 2016 #13
The NFL needs to ok it immediately. Are_grits_groceries Sep 2016 #10

greymattermom

(5,751 posts)
1. People forget
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 08:26 AM
Sep 2016

that both are plant compounds, but one is controlled by Pharma. The anandamide system is finally being studied, but as soon as cannabis is taken off schedule 1, there will be real progress. The experience in Colorado will be valuable to all of us.

wildeyed

(11,240 posts)
2. I read that in CO, overdose deaths have declined dramatically.
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 09:33 AM
Sep 2016

Also, tax revenues exceed their expectations by so much, they gave money back to taxpayers. ALL the win.

I would love to see my state, NC, become a marijuana production state. Our urban areas are popping economically, but the rural areas are suffering. A valuable agricultural crop like marijuana to replace tobacco would be great (if we could keep some of the jobs and revenue in-state).

Warpy

(110,909 posts)
7. Colorado's legalization has been an astonishing success
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 02:56 PM
Sep 2016

They're making the black market unprofitable, cutting into drug gang income, as well as all the other benefits cited here.

I wish the NM lege would catch a fucking clue, but it's full of pucker butts who are drug warriors.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
9. LA LA LA LA LA LA LA WE CANT HEAR YOUUUUUUUUUUUU
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 05:40 PM
Sep 2016

Not Listening Not Listening Not Listening NANANANANANANANANANANAANAAAAA

AllyCat

(16,035 posts)
4. All the researchers can study is crash results
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 10:28 AM
Sep 2016

Because studying the actual benefits and risks of MM is still $&@€#! illegal!!!!! WTF is wrong with our leaders? Oh yeah, Big Pharma, corporate prisons, and police unions. That's what is wrong.

If you disagree with my last sentence, please explain the linked article's reference to kratom, another herb found to reduce opioid use. Really give it a good try.

Crunchy Frog

(26,548 posts)
12. There's big rehab as well.
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 09:18 PM
Sep 2016

Lots of people use kratom to get off of addictions to things like heroin, alcohol, and prescription opioids. They want you going to their rehabs and getting hooked on Suboxone and methadone. In Arkansas it was actually made illegal based on one complaint by a doctor who owned a methadone clinic and apparently didn't want the competition.

Crunchy Frog

(26,548 posts)
15. So is Suboxone.
Tue Sep 20, 2016, 03:04 AM
Sep 2016

My nephew got addicted to it. Also got totally fucked over by a doctor prescribing it, and fucked over even worse when the doctor got arrested. He's been sick for months because he was basically forced to go on a really high dose, and then forced to quit cold turkey.

Wounded Bear

(58,440 posts)
5. Big Pharma won't like that idea....
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 10:37 AM
Sep 2016


That's the last block to legalization. There is no medical explanation, it's all about the Benjamins.

Orrex

(63,085 posts)
8. But marijuana is evil!
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 03:09 PM
Sep 2016

It leads to wild dancing and crazed piano playing, and who will protect the children?

Are_grits_groceries

(17,111 posts)
10. The NFL needs to ok it immediately.
Sun Sep 18, 2016, 05:44 PM
Sep 2016

Those guys are in constant pain of varying degrees. They get hooked on opiods to add to their troubles.
There are many who refuse to believe it helps. "Well I never got hooked" or "They just want to get high." They need to STFU. It's much less dangerous than opiods and alcohol.
AND yes, it should be okayed for the general public for pain relief.

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