Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jun 2016
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The Buffalo News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/GXIzebQL
Website: http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Jamie Leaver

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM WOULD HELP EASE OPIOID ABUSE

The clear conclusion of The News' ongoing reporting and opinion on 
the opiate crisis is there is no single solution.

One proven approach to reducing deaths has been missing from the 
discussion. Studies have shown that in states with effective medical 
marijuana programs including chronic pain as a qualifying condition, 
opioid deaths are 25 percent to one-third less than those, like New 
York, without.

Cannabis is not a treatment for opioid addiction, but a proven 
treatment for many pain conditions. Many patients are able to reduce 
or cease use of addictive and potentially fatal drugs, including 
opioids, anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications, most commonly 
prescribed for pain.

Meanwhile, cannabis has less frequency of addiction than any of those 
drugs, tobacco, alcohol or caffeine. Cannabis was the most prescribed 
drug in the United States for two centuries prior to prohibition. 
Where are the legends of addiction?

Thanks to the State Legislature and, even more, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 
New York has the most restrictive, most expensive, medical cannabis 
program in the nation. With opioid deaths spiraling, it is past time 
for them to act to create a comprehensive medical cannabis program 
with robust distribution.

Jamie Leaver

Kenmore
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