Medical marijuana can help to decrease the use of opioids. The statistics, studies, and improved lives of chronic pain patients are proof. Cannabis has the potential to be an effective pain reliever, and it can also help to improve sleep. These two factors are essential in helping people to reduce their reliance on opioids.
Cannabis is also non-addictive and has a much lower risk of overdose than opioids which makes it a safer option for people who are struggling with pain. Here’s what you need to know about how medical marijuana and reducing opioid use.
The Negative Effects of Long-Term Use of Opioids
Opioids are a type of drug that is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which helps to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Opioids are very effective at relieving pain, but they also come with several risks.
High doses of opioids can lead to serious health problems such as addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose. In 2021, over 78,000 people died in the U.S. from an opioid overdose.
The most common side effect of opioids is constipation. Other side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness Confusion
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
- Euphoria
Long-term use of opioids can also lead to tolerance, which means you will need to take higher doses to achieve the same pain relief. Higher doses also increase the chances of a fatal overdose. Stopping opioids suddenly can also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and insomnia.
Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Pain
Information regarding medical cannabis for pain dates back several centuries. In modern times, medical cannabis is being used to relieve pain associated with a wide variety of conditions, such as:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
Cannabis relieves pain because it binds to the brain and nervous system receptors. Cannabis helps to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Cannabis is also effective at reducing inflammation, which can help to relieve pain.
Dozens of studies show that medical marijuana may effectively treat chronic pain. One study found that patients treated with medical marijuana experienced a 64% reduction in their use of opioids.
Medical Cannabis is Safe and Non-Addictive
One of the primary concerns people have about medical marijuana is that it is addictive. However, marijuana is not physically addictive like opioids. A non-addictive medicine like cannabis means that people who use medical marijuana are not at risk of developing the same addiction as those who use opioids.
With cannabis, consumers may experience some mild side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Slow reaction time
- Anxiety or paranoia (in high doses)
These side effects are typically not severe, and they go away quickly. They are also much less potent than the side effects associated with opioids.
Medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, and it may even lead to a decrease in using opioids. If you think you might benefit from using medical marijuana to treat your chronic pain, talk to your family doctor about whether it’s right for you. If you don’t have a doctor you can speak to, contact our state-licensed physicians at Palm Coast Cannabis Clinic to answer your questions and determine if it’s right for you. Call us for more information to see if we can get your alternative treatment in place and give you a better quality of life.
