Can Legal Cannabis Help Slow the Opioid Epidemic in the U.S.?

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High Times –

June 10, 2018 – Imagine stopping 115 needless deaths in the U.S. every day. It’s not a guarantee, but with recent developments in cannabis research, experts believe it could be on the horizon. Opioid drug overdoses claim those 115 lives every day in this country. About 60% of opioid addictions are rooted in prescription drug use for a number of ailments, ranging from chronic pain to sports-related injuries to personality disorders. That’s where many see cannabis products coming in to help.

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“One-hundred fifteen people die every day as a result of opiates nationwide. So from our vantage point, we think cannabis is a sensible solve to a lot of issues,” said Acreage Holdings CEO Kevin Murphy. “I believe it’s going to be the silver bullet over the next 20 to 30 years as it relates to medical.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 21% to 29% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. Between 8% and 12% develop an opioid use disorder. Opioid overdoses increased 30% from July 2016 through September 2017.