New Study Between Marijuana and Opioids Association
Marijuana and opioids are both substances that have different effects on people. Also these two drugs are taken for many various reasons. In fact, there has recently been a new study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy that shows the relationship between both of them. This research shows how the intake of marijuana can actually benefit and reduce the intake of opioids.
In fact, 58% of people consume marijuana for the reason to treat chronic pain. There are people that depend on these strong drug substances. Reasons can be medically and the need of them for their well being or by prescription.
On the other side there are also people that take them regardless even if they don’t need them, more specifically and more commonly the use of marijuana. Nonetheless, the use of opioids is similar as well, where people consume them even if there is no medical reason. Unfortunately, the high amount of both of these drugs consumption is high because they are both highly addictive.
Reasons for Intake of these Two Drugs
Marijuana is a drug that for many years was not legal until 2020 in the state of Illinois. However, they were and still are many people that consume it without any specific medical reason. People consume marijuana mainly because it relaxes. Some of the main reasons are because of curiosity, peer pressure, to cope with anxiety, stress, and even depression.
For opioids people take them for reasons like to treat chronic pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is also consumed because it also makes people feel relaxed and “high.” It’s one of the strongest pain relieves. They activate centers in the brain to block pain, which is one of the main reasons for consumption.
The Side Effects of Opioids
Opioids have different side effects. Which it is one of the main reasons why people try to avoid it using other methods like marijuana. Some side effects of opioids can range from mild to extreme like:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Dry mouth.
- Very small pupils of the eyes.
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness.
- Slow, shallow breathing.
- Limp body.
- Faint heartbeat.
- Purple lips and fingernails.
The Side Effects of Marijuana
Usually people take marijuana to control the unregulated use of opioids, being the reason that people take opioids to control chronic pain. However, if marijuana is taken in high amounts it can definitely mostly affect people’s brains unlike opioids it affects people mostly physically. Some of these effects can be:
- Altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors).
- Changes in mood.
- Impaired body movement.
- Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving.
- Impaired memory.
- Hallucinations.
- Delusions.
Why is the Intake of Marijuana a Better Pain Treatment Option than Opioids?
According to the new study it was shown that people seek for options to treat chronic pain. Since chronic pain seriously interferes with individuals life. Which is why opioids are one of the most prescribed medicines to relieve pain. However the long term use of opioids can cause immunity and because of that the dosage can increase and with that the side effects.
This is why a lot of people that consume drugs for pain are now considering the option of marijuana. Since marijuana directly blocks the pain signals from the brain and decreases the side effects that no one wants. And according to the study it has been shown that consuming medical marijuana does decrease or completely removes the use of opioids.
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
Marijuana Moment: Study Shows Marijuana Is “Significantly Associated” With Reduced Use Of Unregulated Opioids
The Dales Report: Study: Cannabis Can Hep Reduce Unregulated Opioid Use And Manage Cravings
Marijuana Moment: Medical Marijuana Linked To Lower Pain And Reduced Dependency On Opioids And Psychiatric Prescriptions, Another Study Shows
Shatterproof: Substance Types and Effects: Opioids
National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is the scope of cannabis (marijuana) use in the United States?
Featured Image Courtesy of Guilhem Vellut Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of DraconianRain Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
