The possibility that cannabis reduces the risk of opioid-related morbidity has sparked speculation about possible mechanisms. One leading hypothesis is that cannabis use reduces opioid use and the risk of opioid use disorder by improving pain control. But a recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that cannabinoids can help with some types of chronic pain.
Significant reductions in opioid prescribing have also been reported following the passage of medical marijuana laws; however, such ecological analyses provide no information on whether individual cannabis users are at a lower or higher risk of developing opioid use disorders.
Over half of the adults in registered cannabis programs receive pain medication prescriptions, indicating that medical marijuana is frequently used for pain control. Cannabis use is associated with decreased opioid use in a small population. Cannabis use has also been linked to increased analgesia in opioid-treated chronic pain patients, implying that cannabis may enhance the antinociceptive effects of opioids, allowing for lower and presumably safer opioid dosing to achieve comparable analgesia.
The initial location for opioid recovery activities has been West Virginia. Access to cannabis is linked to lower rates of opioid use and misuse, hospitalizations due to opioids, fatal traffic accidents related to opioids, admissions to drug treatment centers related to opioids, and overdose deaths related to opioids.
Why Marijuana for Substance Abuse Disorders and Addictions?
Marijuana may have the opposite effect because it may operate as a gateway drug, promoting the discontinued use of opioids, narcotics, and alcoholic substances.
While marijuana, or cannabis, continues to be the illicit substance most frequently used in the United States, it is progressively becoming legalized for medical and recreational uses in places like West Virginia.
Marijuana as medicine may cure epileptic seizures, pain, inflammation, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. In some circumstances, medicinal marijuana users and followers who say medicine can cure mental health issues and substance use problems may be correct. Medical cannabis can be beneficial and improve your quality of life if you struggle with substance misuse and addiction, particularly to opioids and narcotics.
Although warnings about acute marijuana intoxication and recent use of medical marijuana may impact short-term memory and other cognitive processes, medical marijuana does not increase the risk of self-harm or harm to others. Also, every person reacts differently to various drugs and chemicals. So, it is essential to consult a doctor before consuming medicinal cannabis for the first time or while taking drugs from a big pharma company.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Cannabis?
A plant-based medicine called medical cannabis has been used for many years to treat various medical ailments. It has several qualities that can lessen inflammation, muscle spasms, insulin resistance, cancer side effects, fight cancer or at least certain types of it, relieve pain in people with chronic illnesses, treat depression, halt seizures, control blood sugar, lessen the pain of neuropathy, prevent or lessen nerve inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Due to its apparent connection to drugs like heroin and marijuana, some people are still reluctant to use them.
Cannabis vs. Opioids, Alcohol and Narcotics
While opioids are typically used to treat pain symptoms, they can also have side effects, including sleepiness and physical dependence. Because they can promote the release of endorphins, which relieve pain in the brain, opioids are very addictive.
While opioids can provide euphoria, the body can become accustomed to them and create withdrawal symptoms when a person reduces their use, which can result in opioid use disorder. Opioids can have side effects, such as sleepiness and physical dependence. Opioids are very addictive because they can cause the release of endorphins, which relieve pain in the brain.
Because opioids can provide euphoria and the body can tolerate them and experience withdrawal symptoms when a user reduces their dosage, people occasionally misuse them, resulting in opioid use disorder. Although incorrect in legal and medical contexts, some people use "narcotics" to refer to all illegal drugs.
Alcohol vs. Marijuana
While marijuana and alcohol have different effects on the body, alcohol has been more closely associated with health issues than marijuana. After alcohol enters the body, and impacts various organs, including the brain, liver, stomach, and small intestine. Both how frequently alcohol is consumed and how much alcohol is consumed make a difference.
Short-term effects of alcohol include playfulness, irritability, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting, while natural material marijuana is a combination of the cannabis plant's dried flowers and leaves. Unlike alcohol, it can be ingested in various ways, and how it is consumed might influence how a person responds to it. Smoking it with a cigarette or a pipe is the most common method. Users of marijuana may encounter drowsiness, nausea, and headaches.
Substance Misuse Disorder Treatment
Over time, using substances less and less is a choice. Long-term exposure alters brain function, rendering the subject unconscious. It has an impact on the regions affected. The brain is responsible for motivation, learning, and behavior regulation. Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) have traveled a different route.
Several people use drugs or alcohol as self-medication for conditions like sadness, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Patients may benefit greatly from the synergistic effects produced by combining these medications because they can get pain relief with lower doses of opioids, which lowers the risk of prescription opioid addiction and overdose.
Cannabis Can Help People With Substance Abuse Issues?
Cannabis and CBD help people deal with unpleasant emotions and some withdrawal symptoms. To minimize its harmful effects, cannabis should only be used sparingly and with awareness.
It might be a beneficial complement to their rehabilitation strategy for others.
In either case, it serves as a reminder that everyone's road to recovery is a little bit different, so anyone interested in using medicinal cannabis to treat their alcohol and drug use issues should seek out expert assistance from a pro-cannabis mental health or substance addiction counselor or provider as soon as possible to get started on the road to recovery.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Medical marijuana is legal in the State of West Virginia, and you can apply for your very own medical card today! You need your medical card to visit any dispensary in the state.
If you think you may benefit from medical cannabis, there is a good chance you will qualify for a card. It is now easier than ever to get your card with telemedicine, right from the comfort of your own home!
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to establish your own personalized treatment plan. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way!
Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.