Adrianne Wilson-Poe, instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
What’s it going to take for us to recognize the value of cannabis in combating the opioid epidemic?
Two recent studies published in the American Medical Association’s peer-reviewed journal demonstrate that opioid use is lower in states where doctors can recommend medical cannabis. The findings back up previous studies showing these same states have seen a 25 percent reduction in opioid overdose deaths, and 23 percent fewer non-fatal opioid hospitalizations.
When patients have access to cannabis, they fill fewer opioid prescriptions, consume fewer opioids, overdose less and stay alive. No other policy, clinical intervention, law or pharmaceutical therapy has the kind of impact that cannabis does when it comes to opioid use.
To read the full piece, visit the Las Cruces Sun News.
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