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Is Medical Marijuana the Answer to the Opioid Crisis?

As legalization continues to spread across the nation, medical marijuana grows as an industry. The once-forbidden drug is making strides across the country as states expand their legislation to allow the legal possession of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

In addition to providing potentially effective treatment to many patients – medical marijuana has the potential to replace some other harmful substances. One notorious group of medications under fire are opioids.

What are opioids, and why are they dangerous?

Opioids refer to a class of drugs derived from a poppy plant (or lab-grown through a similar chemical). They often have the effect of making their user “high” and relaxed. While there are illegal varieties – most of the time, you obtain these under a simple prescription.

There are several different commonly prescribed medications you didn’t even know were opioids. These include things such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), and morphine (Kadian, Avinza). While these drugs are highly effective, they come at a price.

They are very easy to misuse and gain a dependency on. There is a misconception that addiction is for “bad people.” It’s very easy to become addicted to things without even realizing it.

As these medications are common – it’s easy for someone to take a little bit too much of it or take it too often. There is also a risk of overdose or fatal drug interactions when taking opioids.

There are several controversial explanations to explain why we still prescribe opioids. One main reason is that they work, and it can be challenging to find an effective alternative. Research looking at opioid prescriptions since medical marijuana demonstrates some exciting findings, though.

How has medical marijuana impacted opioid use?

A study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that states that allowed medical cannabis saw a significant drop in opioid prescriptions by orthopedic surgeons. While more research is needed to explore these findings – these preliminary results are promising. It highlights the importance of offering non-opioid treatment options.

How can I get started with medical marijuana?

First and foremost – you should always consult your primary care physician before using any substance. Even though many CBD products are considered supplements and require no prescription – still remember to talk to a doctor. Using CBD is generally low risk, but it is essential to consult with your doctor to ensure you don’t need to worry about any potential side effects or drug interactions.  Depending on the state you reside in and the product you want to use – you may need a prescription.

Once you have a doctor’s approval – you need to decide how you want to take in marijuana. There is a wide range of products from CBD oil, hemp capsules, and topical ointments to vapes and edibles.

The medical marijuana industry is rapidly expanding, and it can be a little overwhelming for someone to know where to start. Check out Treevana today for assistance. We strive to be a trusted resource for customers entering the legal, medical cannabis industry. We partner with respected physicians to bring you the best of the best across the nation.

About Treevana Wellness  

Treevana Wellness® provides an array of these high-quality products from vetted vendors around the US. These products are available both online at our website and offline at our primary retail headquarters located in Atlanta, Georgia. Our continued vision at Treevana Wellness® is to provide a reliable source for customers in the emerging legal medical cannabis industry. In addition to providing hemp-based products, Treevana Wellness® has partnered with highly respected physicians who advocate the use of hemp-based treatments as an adjuvant to often toxic pharmaceutical medications. Our partnership with leaders in the medical community, and consultants on extraction technologies ensure that customers receive the latest, most scientifically accurate information in order to help you decide what treatments may be best for the body and the mind.   

For more information visit TreevanaWellness.com or to speak with a Treevana representative call 1-833-Got-Treevana. 

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