Cannabis dispensaries linked to drop in opioid prescriptions
Cannabis dispensaries linked to 16% drop in opioid prescriptions, studies show.
Why it matters
- Cannabis may serve as a substitute for pain management, reducing opioid prescriptions.
- This could help address the opioid crisis by providing an alternative pain management strategy.
By the numbers
- 16% reduction in opioid prescriptions in states with legalized medical cannabis.
- Study data included 15-20 million commercially insured patients annually from 2007 to 2020.
- Findings extend beyond cancer patients, the primary focus of the study.
The big picture
- Cannabis dispensaries are associated with reduced opioid prescriptions, suggesting a shift towards non-opioid pain management.
- This has potential implications for public health and addressing the opioid crisis.
What they're saying
- Personal anecdotes highlight the effectiveness of synthetic cannabis for chronic pain.
- Some express frustration with doctors' reluctance to prescribe pain medication.
- There's support for natural remedies and their historical use in medicine.
Caveats
- Studies are among the first to suggest a causal relationship between cannabis dispensaries and reduced opioid prescriptions.
- Findings are based on cancer patients but suggest broader applicability.
What’s next
- Further research needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
- Explore the potential of cannabis as an alternative to opioids for pain management.