Smoke Weed Instead: Opiates Proven to Cause Chronic Pain

A recent study at Colorado University, Boulder demonstrated two significant findings. The first finding is that rats are still tortured incessantly for the sake of science. The second being that even brief treatment with a narcotic painkillers, like morphine, oxycodone, and methadone can double the duration and exacerbate chronic pain. Instead of turning to addictive, chemical prescription medications, people could smoke weed to alleviate pain.

Opioid addiction is real

This is a huge deal considering the epidemic of opioid addiction worldwide. In fact, it is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the U.S. suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers and an estimated 467,000 addicted to heroine. Worse yet, opiates are prescribed by doctors like candy at Halloween and are directly linked with heroine addiction.

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Medical marijuana can help

Here’s where cannabis comes in and saves the day, yet again. Many patients use medical marijuana to get them off opiate painkillers, and once they begin using medicinal marijuana they are in significantly less pain. Specifically, there are many types of kush, like Afghani Kush that are known for alleviating pain. Basically, in states where medicinal marijuana is an option to treat chronic pain, people can address their pain in a way that is natural and sustainable, in that it isn’t addictive. In the next couple of months the FDA and DEA will consider whether they will reschedule marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule II drug. This would be admission by the federal government that marijuana has medicinal benefits that should be accessible to people nationwide. In light of the overwhelming opiate addiction throughout the country, we need medical marijuana more than ever. This study proved that opiates are not only addictive, but they actually worsen chronic pain over time. Medical marijuana should be an option for people who want a natural way of dealing with chronic pain and weaning themselves off opiates.

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