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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMarijuana May Alleviate America’s Opioid Crisis, New Study Suggests
Marijuana May Alleviate Americas Opioid Crisis, New Study SuggestsIn 2014, more than 14,000 people ― nearly 40 per day ― died from overdoses of prescribed opiates.
09/17/2016 04:34 pm ET Chris DAngelo 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=&
greymattermom
(5,751 posts)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)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).
beveeheart
(1,364 posts)There was discussion about it, but no, hasn't happened.
Warpy
(110,909 posts)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)Not Listening Not Listening Not Listening NANANANANANANANANANANAANAAAAA
AllyCat
(16,035 posts)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.
SammyWinstonJack
(44,129 posts)Crunchy Frog
(26,548 posts)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.
AllyCat
(16,035 posts)Of course they don't want this.
Crunchy Frog
(26,548 posts)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)That's the last block to legalization. There is no medical explanation, it's all about the Benjamins.
Orrex
(63,085 posts)It leads to wild dancing and crazed piano playing, and who will protect the children?
FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)Crunchy Frog
(26,548 posts)Are_grits_groceries
(17,111 posts)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.