The most common reason given for beginning medical marijuana (MMJ) is for the alleviation of pain in the body, regardless of the specific disease condition. Why do people choose MMJ, and how effective is it, are acceptable questions to ask yourself before working with your doctor to gain access to natures medicine. The answers are surprising to many.
In 2017 over 40,000 individuals in the United States overdosed and died from opioid use. That’s more than 130 friends, family, neighbors and loved ones dying every day from just this one class of synthetic medication. For obvious reasons it has been stated that we have a national crisis on our hands regarding opoid use. Is there an alternative?
In April 2017, the Journal of Psychopharmacology published an article regarding the substitution of medical cannabis (same as medical marijuana; same as MMJ) which referenced a prior study. This study noted that in states which had legalized MMJ there was a reduction in opioid overdose deaths. One obvious theory to explain this is that patients in pain simply substituted medical marijuana for opioids.
More than 1,500 New England dispensary members completed an online survey regarding their medical history and experience with MMJ. Among those who used opioids, 76% said they were able to reduce their use since they had begun a regimen which included MMJ!
But the apparent benefits didn’t end there. More than 70% were able to decrease their use of anti-anxiety medication. More than 66% were able to reduce their use of migraine medication. More than 65% were able to reduce their use of sleep medication. More than 40% reduced their use of alcohol. And even more than 37% were able to reduce their use of antidepressant medication. WOW!
Of course this is a self-reported, retrospective study but the implications could be huge for individuals who suffer from these types of medical conditions as well as the loved ones who surround them, and even for the nation as a whole.
This study can be found here.
