In the world of substance use, most of them are associated with the potential for harm and death due to overdose. But what about cannabis? In this study a comparative risk assessment of alcohol, tobacco, heroin, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine type stimulants, benzodiazepines, ecstasy, and marijuana was conducted using the margin of exposure approach. Margin of […]
opioids
Why Some Use Marijuana Instead Of Opioids
Even though there is little evidence that they are effective for the long term, chronic pain patients are commonly treated with opioids. The purpose of this study was to determine if using medical cannabis (marijuana) for chronic pain changed individual patterns of opioid use. A survey of 244 medical marijuana patients with chronic pain was […]
Medical Marijuana May Enhance Brain Function
Although medical marijuana is derived from the same plant species as recreational marijuana, those seeking medical relief often choose strains with unique chemical ratios not often sought by the recreational user. For example, medical users are more likely to choose profiles with significant CBD ratios present instead of seeking the highest level of THC possible. […]
Marijuana And Your Thyroid
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2012 was used to assess the effects of marijuana on thyroid function and autoimmunity in users. Information from 5280 adults ages 18 to 69 years, who responded to questions related to marijuana use and had laboratory results related to thyroid parameters […]
Medical Marijuana May Decrease Prescription Use
In this Canadian study of 271 medical marijuana patients, results were similar to that found for dispensary patients in New England, where many were able to reduce prescription medication. Cannabis (marijuana) is perceived to be an effective treatment for many diverse conditions, including pain and mental health, and 63% of these patients substituted marijuana for […]
Medical Marijuana Often Substituted For Other Medicines
Previous studies have demonstrated that opioid deaths have reduced in states that have legalized medical cannabis (marijuana). One explanation is that patients simply substitute marijuana for opioids. This study evaluated whether substituting marijuana was true for other psychoactive medications. 1,513 dispensary members in New England completed an online survey regarding their marijuana usage and substitution […]
Medical Marijuana: Less Depression Than Opioid User
Significant rates of depression and anxiety are consistently reported among patients with chronic pain. Since medical marijuana (cannabis) has become more prevalent for treatment of chronic pain, this cross sectional study compared depression among opioid users, marijuana users, and those who used both. Depression rates in opioid users was 57%, for marijuana users 22%, and […]
Medical Marijuana Users Substitute For Medical Drugs
The use of medical marijuana (cannabis) is continually increasing and it is most commonly used for pain, anxiety and depression. New information suggests that use and abuse of prescription drugs is decreasing where marijuana laws have been enacted. In this study, 2,774 individuals who reported using marijuana at least once in the previous 90 days, […]
Medical Marijuana Use In The Elderly
Medical marijuana has slowly become increasingly utilized by all segments of the population, including among the elderly. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of elderly people using medical cannabis and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment. From January 2015 to October 2017, 2,736 patients greater than 65 years of age began […]
Medical Marijuana: Save $ And Reduce Pain
Medical cannabis (marijuana) is commonly stated to be effective in reducing chronic pain. In this small retrospective, mirror-image study, 29 patients with a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in the state of New York were evaluated via a quality of life questionnaire. Following 3 months of medical cannabis therapy, quality of life improved, pain and […]