Myth: Legalization of cannabis is linked to an increase in opioid deaths
Cannabis & The Opioid Epidemic
Fact:
Some observational research has shown that the presence of medical and recreational dispensaries, and the implementation of a legal medical cannabis market, in a state are associated with a lower rate of death due to opioid overdose. However, other studies have indicated that cannabis users are more likely to abuse opioids and experience overdoses at a higher rate. We require more controlled studies to determine if the lower number of deaths can be attributed to the presence of cannabis in the state. The available evidence shows that this is neither fact nor myth at this point.
Source:
National Library of Medicine: Is There Less Opioid Abuse in States Where Marijuana Has Been Decriminalized, Either for Medicinal or Recreational Use? A Clin-IQ
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America: Association between medical cannabis laws and opioid overdose mortality has reversed over time
The Use of Cannabis in Response to the Opioid Crisis: A Review of the Literature
JAMA International Medicine: Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1999-2010
Myth: Legalization of marijuana is contributing to the recent opioid epidemic
Fact:
The recent opioid epidemic has orgins in the 1990s, when widespread overprescription of opioids to treat pain led to the crisis. Neither the CDC nor NIDA cite the legal cannabis market as a cause, or significant contributor, to the current opioid epidemic. In fact, some studies suggest that the presence of legal cannabis in a state can be associated with fewer opioid prescriptions by doctors. There is, however, evidence that cannabis may help people dealing with opioid addiction, as cannabis can help with opioid withdrawal. A final consideration is that organizations who oppose the legal cannabis industry by promoting this myth may receive funding from sources who have vested interest in pharmaceutical solutions to the opioid epidemic. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), founded by Patrick Kennedy, a former legislator who now profits from equity in substance treatment centers, is a good example. SAM has repeatedly used the opioid myth in attacking the cannabis industry, but has not spent any resources on examining solutions to the opioid epidemic.
Sources:
The brain opioid theory of social attachment
National Library of Medicine: The Opioid Epidemic: It’s Time to Place Blame Where It Belongs
The Use of Cannabis in Response to the Opioid Crisis
CDC: Understanding the Epidemic
Attorney General Balderas Files Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers…
Self-reported cannabis use is not associated with greater opioid use in elective hand surgery patients
Cannabis & Mental Health
Cannabis & Mental Health
We’re breaking down some of the most persistent myths about cannabis use and its impact on mental health, and giving you the real facts backed by peer-reviewed studies and educational information.
Cannabis & Social Equity
Cannabis & Social Equity
We’re breaking down some of the most persistent myths about cannabis and its association with social equity, and giving you the real facts backed by peer-reviewed studies and educational information.