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When it comes to decreasing opioid-related deaths, is medical marijuana the better suitor? Supporters say yes! So, who are these supporters and why do they believe this statement to be true?
As of late March, there has been a record high percentage of American’s for marijuana legalization. With now a 61% for, it is hard to think of who is against marijuana, especially regarding medical use. Everyone from doctors who are now medical cannabis advocates for their patients (my grandmother’s doctor and dietician was advocates and explained all of the positive aspects cannabis would have for her and the potential side effects she may experience) to mayors, and even running presidential candidates like Hillary Clinton are pro medical marijuana. These supporters and advocates believe that medical marijuana is a safe option to turn to to help fix the opioid epidemic. Although the scheduling on cannabis technically restricts any research, President Obama has made it so some can be conducted. By this taking place, we have been able to see the real medical properties that marijuana has.
Marijuana can help ease pain, even chronic pain, and it does not have the toxicity like opioids do as well as it is impossible to overdose on. In the human brain, we have little receptors throughout it that correlate with pain. For example, if you place your hand on a hot stove, you do not feel any pain until the information has registered in your brain telling you that the burn on your hand does indeed hurt. Just like these pain receptors, we have cannabinoid receptors as well. So, when marijuana is placed into our system either by smoking, consumption, or via on skin (lotions, joint ointment, etc.), the parts in cannabis, THC (the part that gives the “high” feelings) accurately known as Tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD (the chemical that heals pain) known as Cannabidiol connects to the cannabinoid receptors in our brains. This reacts like a blockage to pain, just like how opioids work, but without the toxic man-made medication being pumped into our brains. These receptors are what make it impossible for us to overdose on cannabis. The chemicals react correctly in our minds allowing the needed help to take place in our bodies, opposed to feeling like a brainless zombie while on opioids. This feeling happens while high on painkillers because the chemicals released only block the pain receptors making our brains not feel pain at all, creating a numb and zoned out mentality. Unlike opioids, cannabis does not block the pain receptors but rather coats it causing pain relief but still allows you to function normally.
Illinois recently launched its medical marijuana program, providing patients with the option to choose cannabis over addictive, expensive and sometimes deadly prescription drugs. But it is not just Illinois that is reaping the medicinal benefits of marijuana. According to a study published in the prestigious journal JAMA Internal Medicine, states where medical cannabis is legal, report fewer deaths associated with pharmaceutical drugs. If you take a look at my previous posts, you will see that the numbers related to opioid death are atrocious. In 2013, more than 16,000 people died from overdosing on prescription painkillers. There has been about a 24.8% drop rate in deaths from opioids in the states that have legalized medical marijuana.
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With now 24 states (Pennsylvania won just this week) having legalized medical marijuana there are more conversations striking up everywhere. More states are looking into the medical benefits of cannabis, including other countries. Enrique Peña Nieto, the president of Mexico, has announced that he plans to introduce laws to make medical marijuana legal in his country. This is a huge step forward, not only in Mexico but the world. With legalization happening in countries such as Mexico, we can bet to see a lot less crime around the “drug.” This would be beneficial to all. Decriminalization means weed will become easier to obtain legally, therefore cutting out the need for cartels to move drugs into the United States. That would also mean a mass release from jails and prisons countrywide. Taxpayers would no longer have to fund the government keeping people in jail over some small amount of marijuana in their car or pocket, etc. This would allow more room in the prison and jail systems for real criminals, which would be better for all.
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Although 24 states have legalized medical marijuana, not all of these states have medical dispensaries. Hawaii, for example, has had legalized medical marijuana for years but still does not have any marijuana doctors nor dispensaries on the island. These portions of the business are the most important. Without a doctor or place to purchase the medicine, it is still technically illegal to have cannabis in your possession. That being said, researchers are finding that the legalization laws alone are not enough to dramatically solve the opioid addiction and death problems. It is the availability of the medical cannabis that makes all the difference.
Regarding medical marijuana being a better alternative to safe spaces, there is one central apparent reason. Medical marijuana is a naturally grown medication that has been around for thousands of years and use has never resulted in an overdose. Safe spaces allow people to get high on whatever drug they choose, including opioids. Because safe spaces create a welcoming environment for addicts and users alike, they may be sending the wrong message. Even Dr. Julie Holland from New York states, “Prescription opiates often end up being a gateway drug to heroin; when the pills become harder to obtain, many discover a cheaper alternative. They are then more likely to begin injecting, putting themselves and our community at risk for hepatitis or HIV.” So not only are opioids more of a gateway drug than marijuana, but safe spaces provide needles, making it acceptable and accessible to do more drugs. More people may see it as a safe outlet to use drugs and know that if they need medical attention, they will receive it at the cost of taxpayers. This reduces the opioid death rate because medical assistants are reviving them after they have overdosed. But how much is that fixing the opioid epidemic compared to cannabis being able to treat pain in a more efficient way?
