Recent research suggests that marijuana may play a role in mitigating the opioid crisis in the United States. Two studies indicate that states with less restrictive medical marijuana laws have experienced a decline in opioid usage.
Opioids, which encompass drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, are frequently prescribed for pain relief. However, many individuals become addicted to these substances, leading to a significant public health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 115 Americans die each day from opioid overdoses. In contrast, marijuana has established itself as an effective pain management option, with no recorded fatalities from its use. While excessive consumption may lead to excessive snacking on chips, it is not life-threatening.
As societal attitudes toward marijuana shift, state regulations have evolved accordingly. Currently, at least 24 states permit marijuana use in some capacity, whether for medical or recreational purposes. This change may contribute to a growing number of individuals opting for marijuana over opioids. Professor W. David Harper from the University of Georgia highlighted this trend, stating, “Cannabis presents a much lower risk of dependency compared to opioids, with no associated mortality risk.” His team investigated populations with greater access to medical marijuana and discovered that these individuals were less likely to receive prescriptions for opioids. Their findings were published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal.
The research identified “significant declines” in opioid prescriptions among Medicare beneficiaries, with a recorded 14 percent reduction in opioid prescriptions. This analysis, however, did not encompass those using illegal opioids or individuals outside the Medicare demographic. Notably, medical marijuana dispensaries were associated with a decrease of 3.7 million opioid doses prescribed daily. In states where home cultivation of medical marijuana is permitted, opioid prescriptions dropped by 1.8 million doses each day.
Despite the alarming rise in opioid usage during the study period, these findings suggest a deceleration rather than an outright decrease. It is essential to note that the researchers could only establish correlation and advocate for further investigation to conclusively determine the impact of marijuana on opioid usage. Another study published concurrently in the same journal supported these conclusions.
Researchers Hefei Wen from the University of Kentucky and Jason Hockenberry from Emory University examined Medicaid data to assess marijuana’s influence on opioid prescriptions. They noted that access to medical and recreational marijuana could significantly reduce opioid prescriptions among Medicaid recipients, who often face higher risks of chronic pain and opioid addiction. However, they cautioned that marijuana alone cannot resolve the opioid epidemic.
While both studies provide promising evidence regarding marijuana laws, it is crucial to approach these findings with caution. Professor Harper warned, “Cannabis, like any substance in our FDA-approved pharmacopeia, can be misused.” He urges readers not to misconstrue the studies as a simple solution to the opioid crisis.
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In summary, research indicates that states with more lenient marijuana laws are witnessing a decrease in opioid prescriptions, particularly among Medicare recipients. While these findings are promising, further studies are necessary to establish a definitive causal relationship.