{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/opioids/5","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2434-markdown","title":"Why My Surgical Patients Prefer Cannabis Over Opioids","slug":"why-my-surgical-patients-prefer-cannabis-over-opioids","content":"My name is Dr. Mark Kimmins. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon; I happily put in countless years of studying conventional medicine, did my surgical residency and then a fellowship in colorectal surgery at the Northwest Colon and Rectal Clinic in Seattle, WA. I’m now a colorectal surgeon in Anchorage, AK.\n\nAll told, I’ve been a doctor for 23 years. But I've been pro-marijuana for much longer than that.\n\n### It Started in High School (but not how You Think ...)\n\nGrowing up in British Columbia, I was exposed to marijuana from an early age. Cannabis was effectively, but not officially, decriminalized in western Canada at that time. I knew lawyers, doctors, police and teachers who used it socially and the hypocrisy—particularly with regard to the risks of alcohol vs. marijuana—was already evident to me.\n\nBack in grade eight (in 1981!), I wrote an essay about why marijuana should be legalized. Believe it or not, it started with evidence from the 1972 Nixon Shafer Commission report, which concluded that marijuana posed no significant danger to society and should be decriminalized.\n\nMany years passed before I had any more real exposure to medical cannabis. While I remained pro-marijuana, during medical school and residency, we had no formal teaching related to the potential benefits of cannabis for our patients. And I completed my sub-specialty training (and practiced medicine) in Seattle before Washington state legalized marijuana.\n\nThat said, my father used cannabis during chemotherapy and radiation treatment for brain cancer. He reported improvement in balance, less nausea, better appetite and less pain.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Is Marijuana a Viable Option Instead of Opioids for Post-op Pain?\n\nNow practicing in Alaska, it's evident that the wave of pro-cannabis ballot initiatives has allowed my patients to feel empowered to ask about, and comment on, the benefits of marijuana in their recovery from surgery.\n\nAs a colorectal surgeon, I frequently perform hemorrhoid surgery, a surgery known as one of the most painful to recover from. The acute severe pain typically lasts one to three weeks, during which patients are often kept on continuous oral opiates.\n\n![Dr. Kimmins at work.](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b4d1f8afae7a000f75a4ba/embedded_images/58b616e9079e1000072111df/Screen_Shot_2017-02-28_at_4.32.11_PM.png)\nDr. Kimmins at work.\n\nWhile these medications are partly effective for pain relief, they’re sedating, constipating, and carry risks of respiratory depression and drug tolerance. And they can invoke the beginning of drug dependencies, and in rare cases, bring on drug-related deaths. I’ve personally observed two patients die from the consequences of an opioid addiction that began with elective but very painful anorectal surgery.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nNot long ago, one of my patients returned after hemorrhoid surgery and shared that he hadn’t suffered as much as expected during recovery. He’d only used half of his prescribed opioids and explained that regular cannabis consumption had dulled the pain better than the opiates, yet didn’t cause constipation.\n\nSince seeing that patient, and now that marijuana is legal in Alaska, I regularly ask patients if they’re cannabis consumers. If yes, I suggest how it might help with post-op pain and have found in follow-up that this group takes far fewer opiates and suffers from far less constipation.\n\nThe opiate-sparing benefits of cannabis are now being validated in multiple studies; still I refrain from widespread recommendation of cannabis to my patients mostly due to concerns that it remains illegal federally, and my federal DEA license requires adherence to federal law.\n\n### Cannabis: One of the Widest Therapeutic Index Values Known to Science\n\nAmong the many benefits of cannabis is that it doesn’t suppress respiration or other vital organ functions as opiates do. This makes cannabis one of the widest therapeutic index values (gap between effective and lethal dose of a drug) known to science. Hence, its seemingly unmatched safety record. All effective medicines have potential toxicities, but acute marijuana toxicity is exceedingly rare.\n\nWe stand at the dawn of understanding the benefits of cannabis for the treatment of medical conditions, including acute post-operative pain. I look so forward to research that may validate the anecdotal claims of my patients and better inform us on effective dosing and delivery methods.\n\nMark H. Kimmins, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FASCRS\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/14b42/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/f836f/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/2244e/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 400w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/14b42/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 800w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/47498/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 1200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/3a12e/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/58556/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/61e93/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/1f5c5/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 400w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/58556/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 800w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/99238/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 1200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/b5697/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2286-markdown","title":"The Top 5 Health Trends in Cannabis","slug":"the-top-5-health-trends-in-cannabis","content":"The cannabis industry is always changing and at a rapid pace. Because HelloMD sits at the center of a cannabis community, I see the lifecycle of the industry all around me from many different perspectives. New patterns emerge quickly, and this often signals the birth of a new trend.\nIn many ways, this past year has felt like a roller coaster from the rapid sweep of legalization to the changes made by the new Trump administration, and through it all the marijuana industry continues to grow and prosper as anticipated. Based on my observations from the past year, I give you the top five health trends emerging within the cannabis industry today.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Trend: Cannabis Effectively Replaces Opioids for Chronic Pain Management\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd131005f8b00176972fe/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.04.19_PM.png)\nOpioids are killing 44 Americans a day. \n\nDuring 1990s, the US federal government removed many of the barriers to prescribing opioids for chronic pain. This has been one of the main contributing factors to the opioid epidemic that’s raging across the country and in particular the east coast of the United States. It’s estimated that 44 Americans die every day from opioid overdose.\n\n[A 2014 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1898878) indicated that, in states where marijuana is legal, there was a 24.8% lower rate of opioid deaths. In addition, The [National Bureau of Economic Research](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/1898872?resultClick=3&redirect=true) (NBER) mimics these findings and concluded that “broader access to medical marijuana may have the potential benefit of reducing abuse of highly addictive painkillers.\"\n\nHelloMD recently concluded a study with UC Berkeley entitled “Cannabis as a Substitute for Opiate and Non-Opiate Based Pain Medication.” Dr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, says, “The results of this study, which are to be published shortly, show that 97% of respondents indicated that they reduced opioid pain medication when using cannabis.”\n\nWhat’s missing here is widespread acceptance from the medical community and the education of the general public that cannabis is a viable option that can replace opioids.\n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD & UC BERKELEY CONDUCT STUDY ON CANNABIS, PAIN, & OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57d82d523b39eb000b732ea8/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-to-conduct-largest-study-on-cannabis-pain-and-opioid-abuse)\n\n### Trend: Microdosing Marijuana\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd134005f8b0017697300/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.07.17_PM.png)[Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5874285019303000083745bc/microdosing-the-big-new-trend) is an effective way to consume cannabis without getting high.\n\nA year ago, not many people were talking about microdosing and even fewer products were available to support this method of consumption. Microdosing is the practice of taking smaller, measured amounts of cannabis to produce a particular effect. Microdosing dosages vary from person to person, but a typical microdose might be between 2.5–5 mg of THC and may go as high as 10 mg.\n\nThe benefit of microdosing is the ability to titrate medication in such a way that you might alleviate a condition, such as anxiety or pain, without feeling high. Recent studies indicate that [microdosing may be more beneficial than macrodosing](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/). This is due to the biphasic effect, which means that at lower doses cannabis may be more effective and produce a pleasant experience. At larger doses however, the scale tips and the benefits go away whereby the experience may become negative.\n\nSome of my favorite new microdose products are [Kiva’s Petra Mints (2.5 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5859dafeeafa6f000868509e/petra-mints-moroccan-mint), [Satori’s Wild Chocolate Strawberries (3 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/586593fb159af1000c6d05fc/wild-strawberries-in-organic-milk-chocolate) and Flora’s Probiotic Dark Mint Chocolates (5 mg).\n\n### Trend: Cannabis Genetics & Synthetics\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd132005f8b00176972ff/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.12.05_PM.png) \nDNA color sequencing.\n\nPeople are getting serious about understanding the genetic makeup of cannabis and how to bio-engineer synthetic cannabis and cannabinoids from substances other than cannabis itself. Scientists from a variety of life science backgrounds (and large well-funded companies) are jumping into the game to better understand the plant and how to harness its power from many different angles.\n\nOn the genetics side, [Medicinal Genomics (MG)](https://www.medicinalgenomics.com/) is at the forefront using DNA technology to better understand cannabis genetics. MG is initially serving growers, dispensaries and test labs, but they have a much bigger vision in mind.\n\nMG's Chief Scientist Kevin McKernan worked on the Human Genome Project and was the first scientist to sequence the cannabis genome. Regarding the history of the company and why MG is sequencing cannabis, he says:\n\n* “We can now sequence (the DNA) of patients and know exactly what disease a patient has and target it in a very personalized manner. As opposed to a one size fits all medicine system via the FDA…Everyone is different we really need targeted therapies and the ability to read people’s DNA opened this up. Most of these rare diseases that we were running into were endocannabinoid driven and it made us realize we needed an arm that understood the cannabis plants and to bridge the compounds from this plant.\n\n* The wonderful thing about the cannabis plant is that the compounds are safe and has more chemical diversity than all of Pfizer and Merc and is about to be over the counter and open source. If we can combine this with personalized medicine we see these as two economic tsunamis that are colliding that is going to have a real impact within healthcare and DNA sequencing is the thread through the whole story.”\n\nIf that sounds impressive, that's because it is.\n\nThe world of synthetic cannabinoids is also on fire as biotech companies move to make derivatives of cannabis primed for FDA trials—this is becoming very big business. Whether it’s synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), there are many drugs on the market today, like Marinol, helping patients with a variety of conditions.\n\nFor instance, [Kalytera Therapeutics](https://kalytera.co/) makes CBD drugs and formulations that try to overcome limitations in natural CBD such as poor bio availability. Another company, [Zynerba Pharmaceuticals](http://zynerba.com/), creates a synthetic gel and patch that delivers CBD transdermally for adults with refractory epilepsy.\n\nLast, and what I find the most interesting, are an array of companies looking to extract cannabinoids not from cannabis, but from substances such as yeast. The cannabinoids are the same on a molecular level as those derived from cannabis and in theory would be more quickly reproduced and stable than those derived from the cannabis plant.\n\n\n### Trend: The Powerhouse Cannabinoid THCA\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd62f005f8b0013ecd76d/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.49.01_PM.png)\nTHCA is found in abundance within raw cannabis.\n \nTetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the star of raw cannabis. Non-psychoactive THCA changes into the more well-known psychoactive compound THC when heated. THCA also happens to hold the most COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, which allows it to demonstrate immense therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, neuroprotectant, anti-emetic and antispasmodic.\n\nThere are few studies that definitively prove the medicinal benefit of THCA, but those who consume it swear by its efficacy. THCA can be metabolized in much larger quantities than THC and is most often consumed directly from the raw plant. Perhaps this explains why cannabis juicing is gaining in popularity and anecdotally seems to help with neurodegenerative disorders, chronic immune disorders and conditions such as arthritis. THCA is also commonly consumed via [THCA tinctures](https://www.getsava.com/shop/thca-tincture/).\n\n### Trend: The Marijuana Herbal Supplement\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd796005f8b0007a9c7e0/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.51.24_PM.png)\nSwerve Confections has been ahead of the curve combining herbs and cannabis.\n \nIt used to be that storefront dispensaries made 100% of their sales from raw flower aka “bud.” Now about 50–60% of dispensary sales come from selling flower and the rest comes from the numerous products available on the market: edibles, tinctures, drinks, capsules, vape cartridges and more. In the recent past, when sourcing products other than flower, the ingredient list has been fairly uniform across the board, a percentage or ratio of THC and/or CBD in some sort of carrier liquid. Not anymore.\n\nIn the next year, you’ll start to see the merging of herbal supplements you commonly may see in Whole Foods with your cannabis products. When talking to various brands, it seems that many see this as the obvious evolution to effectively treating a variety of conditions while harnessing and propelling the efficacy and power of the plant itself.\n\nWhat are some examples of combinations you might see? Products that are purported to treat inflammation will incorporate turmeric; products for stress may use the Ayurvedic herb Ashwaganda; and products for insomnia may start mixing in the root of the tall flowering plant called valerian or the calming passionflower. It’s a clear next step in the merging of two separate marketplaces, which in my mind ultimately leads to the rise of the cannabis-based nutraceutical.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/f836f/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/2244e/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/47498/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/54ac5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/61e93/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/1f5c5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/99238/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/5e0b8/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2130-markdown","title":"Chelsea Clinton Knows Nothing About Marijuana","slug":"chelsea-clinton-knows-nothing-about-marijuana","content":"### Chelsea Clinton Speaks Out Against Marijuana\r\n \r\nOn a campaign stop at the end of September, Chelsea Clinton made claim that Colorado coroners are seeing deaths caused by cannabis interacting with other drugs in peoples’ systems. This [statement came as part](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chelsea-clinton-medical-marijuana_us_57ed391ee4b082aad9b9a825) of Clinton’s response to a question asked about her mother’s opinions on rescheduling marijuana at a forum at Youngstown State University in Ohio. \r\n\r\nThe daughter of the first female major party presidential nominee has now claimed that she misspoke during the forum. Campaign spokespeople for the Clinton campaign have also said that Chelsea misspoke and clarified that Clinton is in favor of state by state marijuana legalization and rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance. \r\n\r\n### Zero Deaths from Marijuana\r\n\r\nChelsea Clinton’s assertion that marijuana has led to deaths in Colorado isn’t far off from the Reefer Madness stigma that cannabis has just begun to be able to shake. Clinton’s comments, no matter how regretted they are, harken back to the lies that are often told about marijuana. [Marijuana has caused zero deaths](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/marijuana-deaths_n_3860418.html) in its recorded history, which stretches back thousands of years. There is absolutely no evidence to support the claim that marijuana causes any fatal interactions when mixed with other drugs. \r\n\r\nResearchers estimate that it takes 20,000 to 40,000 times the amount of THC in an average joint to kill someone, levels that are virtually impossible to reach. Despite the bad reputation that once plagued marijuana, medical or otherwise, the tides have turned in the United States. \r\n\r\n61% of adults in the country think that medical marijuana should be legal according to a survey by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago. A majority of the adult population, 52%, even supports recreational marijuana.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis is a Safe Alternative\r\n\r\nMarijuana is now being seen as a natural and safe alternative to the increasing numbers of pharmaceuticals that are being prescribed across the country. From opioids to anti-anxiety medications, our country is becoming increasingly dependent on harsh pharmaceutical drugs, and consequently we are seeing growing numbers of side effects and addictions. \r\n\r\nMarijuana has shown efficacy at treating a variety of medical conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety. A [systematic review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011465/) published in the Journal of Neurology in 2014 looked at the ability of medical marijuana to aid with a variety of medical conditions that are often found in association with MS, epilepsy, and other movement disorders. \r\n\r\nMedical marijuana, which was administered in the form of cannabis extract and Nabiximols, a botanical cannabis extract that is an approved drug in the UK, was found to aid with spasticity, central pain, painful spasms, and even had a high probability of aiding people with tremors. This study is just one example of the wide range of medical conditions that marijuana can help with.\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Helps People \r\n\r\nStudies have also shown marijuana’s ability to help people with asthma, migraines, inflammation, and anxiety, among many other conditions. More importantly, however, is marijuana’s incredible pain relieving properties. Chronic pain is one of the largest medical problems plaguing the United States and it has lead to the increased use of opioids, which have now become an epidemic across the country. \r\n\r\nMedical marijuana has shown to have promise at reducing the number of drug related deaths because of its efficacy as a pain reliever. A [2015 study](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345) concluded that marijuana is an effective alternative to opioids as a pain reliever and that access to medical marijuana greatly reduces the use of highly addictive opioid pain relievers. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Reduces Opioid Deaths\r\n\r\nStates that have passed medical marijuana laws have seen an average of a 25% decrease in opioid overdose related deaths. This number shows that access to medical marijuana greatly reduces the use of opioids, which in turn leads to less addictions and less overdoses. \r\n\r\nChelsea Clinton’s unfortunate remarks have once again served to perpetuate false propaganda about marijuana. Often a lack of education on the benefits of marijuana and lack of knowledge on the numerous medical studies that have been conducted are to blame for comments like Clinton’s. Medical cannabis access has served to better the lives of large numbers of people, and it could benefit even more as more states move into the realm of legalization. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/14b42/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/f836f/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/2244e/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 400w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/14b42/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 800w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/47498/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/54ac5/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/58556/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/61e93/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/1f5c5/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 400w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/58556/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 800w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/99238/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 1200w,\n/static/27d2555db51343355dc27cb1d7f699de/5e0b8/2aa799213f9d07d528bc17e91ae24b7c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2129-markdown","title":"America's Newest Addiction: Anxiety Medication","slug":"americas-newest-addiction-anxiety-medication","content":"### We Are Anxious People\r\n\r\nBenzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications, like Xanax and Valium, that are prescribed to patients to help control various anxiety conditions. 5.2% of adults in the United States take benzodiazepines according to a [2015 JAMA Psychiatry study](http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2019955). \r\n\r\nThough there are adults of all ages who take benzodiazepines, rates of use increase with older age. 8.7% of people between the ages of 65 and 80 years old take benzodiazepines and it is believed the increase in use is linked to more stressful events that occur later in life. This is particularly problematic because benzodiazepine use is often linked to grogginess, which can cause an increase in falls and other accidents. \r\n\r\nThe use of benzodiazepines is also overall twice as prevalent in women than it is in men. A quarter of people taking benzodiazepines reported long term usage, which is not what the medications were designed for. \r\n\r\n### Long Term Risks & Stats\r\n\r\nThe risks of using these medications long term often outweighs the benefits and can lead to an increase in tolerance that requires an inflation in dose. Benzodiazepines are often used in association with opioids, which can lead to even more complications. Between the [years](http://fox13now.com/2016/09/06/rise-in-middle-aged-american-women-deaths-attributed-to-opioid-anti-anxiety-drug-overdoses/) of 1999 and 2004, the number of middle aged caucasian woman who died from overdoses went up by 400%. \r\n\r\nBenzodiazepines were responsible for 1/3 of the 54,000 deaths that were caused by overdoses. Caucasian women were far more likely to be prescribed a mix of opioids and benzodiazepines, which leads to an increase in these statistics. It is also believed that the high number of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions for women has lead to an increase in overall deaths of women. \r\n\r\nMany women who have committed suicide also have either benzodiazepines, opioids, or both, in their system during the time of death and it is believed that the inhibition they both cause leads to an increase in female death rates. Roughly 20% of people with anxiety disorders also have substance abuse disorders, meaning that the prescriptions of benzodiazepines have to be monitored closely, and they often are not.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis as an Alternative\r\n\r\nCannabis can be an effective alternative to benzodiazepines to help with anxiety. Cannabis has been used to treat anxiety and depression for more than 400 years. Though THC can cause some increase in anxiety because of its psychoactive properties, CBD can be extremely effective at reducing anxiety. THC can be balanced with CBD in particular cannabis strains which can work to decrease anxiety, though overall, high CBD and low THC strains are most effective at reducing anxiety. \r\n\r\nA [study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21307846) completed in 2011 provided a breakthrough into how CBD could help patients with Social Anxiety Disorder. 24 patients with SAD, who had never been treated, were either given a placebo or a dose of CBD before a public speaking test. Researchers monitored physiological measures to determine levels of anxiety during the public speaking test and found a significant decrease in anxiety levels among patients who received CBD. The physiological results were consistent with the self-surveys that subjects completed after the test regarding their levels of anxiety. \r\n\r\nAnother 2011 study that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology that monitored the cerebral blood flow of participants after a CBD treatment. The patients in the study all had Social Anxiety Disorder. The study was limited and only included 10 participants, but it showed that patients treated with CBD experienced a decreased level of social anxiety after receiving the treatment, compared to those who took a placebo. \r\n\r\nA Vanderbilt [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/08/11/study-cannabinoid-therapies-may-help-treat-stress-induced-anxiety-disorders/) published in Transitional Psychiatry looked at the role of anandamide in anxiety. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that occurs naturally in the body, and it works to treat stress induced anxiety. \r\n\r\nCannabinoids from cannabis work on the body's endocannabinoid system in a similar way to endocannabinoids like anandamide. CBD can decrease production of fatty acid amide hydrolase, which is an enzyme that degrades naturally occurring anandamide. CBD can work to preserve anandamide, helping the body to decrease anxiety by itself. \r\n\r\nAll of these studies show that CBD has great efficacy at treating anxiety when administered during clinical trials. All of these studies were completed on people and show how marijuana that features high levels of CBD can be self administered by patients could help reduce various anxiety conditions. CBD not only works to decrease anxiety, but also aids the body's natural processes for reducing anxiety. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about anxiety medications and cannabis? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/14b42/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/f836f/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/2244e/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 400w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/14b42/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 800w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/47498/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/54ac5/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/58556/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/61e93/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/1f5c5/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 400w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/58556/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 800w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/99238/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 1200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/5e0b8/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2220-markdown","title":"HelloMD on The Hash Podcast","slug":"hellomd-on-the-hash-podcast","content":"HelloMD is highlighted on this week's [The Hash](http://thehash.org/2016/09/hello-md-blazes-a-trail-for-online-pot-prescriptions/), the popular cannabis-oriented podcast that's 'elevating the discourse around cannabis.' Part I of the two part series is now available for listening. Pamela Hadfield spent a recent Friday morning sipping coffee and chatting to cannabis journalist David Downs, Founder of the Hash. David actively writes for SFGate.com, Legalization Nation and Cannabis Now among other publications. \r\n\r\n[LISTEN TO PODCAST NOW >](http://thehash.org/2016/09/hello-md-blazes-a-trail-for-online-pot-prescriptions/)\r\n\r\nSitting down with David we discussed the medical recommendation process via TeleHealth and the journey to starting HelloMD. They also discussed being one of the fastest growing medical marijuana communities online, the opioid crisis in America and how cannabis may positively impact the bleak statistics and the impending regulations change that is expected due to Prop 64 in California. Oh, and we also discussed the Pharmaceutical lobby and how they try to sway public opinion against cannabis in general.\r\n\r\n[HELLOMD TALKS TO DAVID DOWNS >](http://thehash.org/2016/09/hello-md-blazes-a-trail-for-online-pot-prescriptions/)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/14b42/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/f836f/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg 200w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/2244e/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg 400w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/14b42/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg 800w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/47498/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/54ac5/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/58556/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/61e93/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp 200w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/1f5c5/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp 400w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/58556/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp 800w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/99238/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp 1200w,\n/static/c8c7d669eb1abb6e23c76892bd276321/5e0b8/f477bd93f8e1390f869bc039fb56d09f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2049-markdown","title":"HelloMD & UC Berkeley to Conduct Largest Study on Cannabis, Pain & Opioid Abuse","slug":"hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-to-conduct-largest-study-on-cannabis-pain-and-opioid-abuse","content":"The statistics are staggering: \n\n* Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids quadrupled since 1999. \n* From 1999-2014, more than 165,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses related to prescription opioids. \n* In 2014, 18,893 people died from opioid overdoses.\n\nOpioid abuse touches every corner of this country—the soccer mom who started taking Xanax to help get her through the day, the grandfather next door who had his knee replaced, the high school cheer captain who injured her back and was prescribed Vicodin for the pain, the teen who was warned against drinking and found an alternative in his mother’s medicine cabinet. Opioid abuse is color blind; it knows no race, religion, age, gender or social class. It wears a million faces. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### HelloMD Joins UC Berkeley to Conduct Study\n\nWith the guidance of the University of California, Berkeley, we’re following up on our landmark [Medical Marijuana Patient Survey Results](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b53cff3e9cd700080000ef/download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study) with this—the largest patient survey ever performed concerning cannabis, pain and opioid use. We’ll ask approximately 100,000 patients questions regarding cannabis and how it affects their use of opioids.\n\nThe study will be led by:\n\n* [Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW](http://www.medicalcannabis.com/about/faculty/amanda-reiman/), lecturer in the School of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley and manager of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance\n* [Perry Solomon, MD](https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-solomon-md-2b27a65), HelloMD’s chief medical officer\n* [Mark A. Welty, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, LSW](http://advancedcounselingsolutions.com/aboutus.html#Welty), Kent State University, Adjunct Faculty; Welty Counseling and Consulting CEO; The Village Network, director of research and innovation; The Ohio Patient Network, board of directors\n* [Chris Janson, PhD](https://www.unf.edu/bio/N00607194/), chair, associate professor, Department of Leadership, School Counseling, & Sport Management, University of North Florida.\n\n### How Does Cannabis Affect Opioid Use?\n\nTogether, we hope to better understand how and why increasingly more people are dependent on opioids and how cannabis may affect people’s use of opioids. \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA EFFECTIVELY CONTROLS CHRONIC PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/598f893156ef1d0031b26cb0/new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain)\n\nHelloMD is taking a step to help loosen the grip that opioid addiction holds on our country, while hoping to shatter the stigma and shame that often accompanies this dependence. The results of these findings will be available to the public during the first quarter of 2017.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/7d509/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/f836f/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 200w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2244e/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 400w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/7d509/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 720w","srcWebp":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2aa8d/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/61e93/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 200w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/1f5c5/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 400w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2aa8d/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2199-markdown","title":"Marijuana Takes on Big Pharma on the Opioid Front","slug":"marijuana-takes-on-big-pharma-on-the-opioid-front","content":"A paper released by the [National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/14/how-medical-marijuana-could-literally-save-lives/?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.eebc90c829ec) has shown that state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensaries have been linked to a decrease in painkiller abuse and opioid overdose-related deaths. The new paper by the NBER collected more extensive data than previous studies on the subject. The paper compared the number of admissions into substance abuse treatment programs and the number of opioid overdose-related deaths between states that do and don’t have medical marijuana. The NBER showed a 15–35% decrease in substance abuse treatment facility admissions in states with legal medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### Fewer Opioid Deaths in States With Medical Cannabis\r\n\r\nThe NBER paper parallels a _Journal of the American Medical Association_ (JAMA) study that shows a 24.8% decrease in deaths from opioids in states with medical marijuana. JAMA also reported that a survey of 79 studies found that chronic pain patients experienced a 30% or greater improvement in their pain while using cannabis in comparison to the use of a placebo. This information becomes increasingly important with more than 16,000 opioid overdose deaths in the United States in 2013 alone.\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana already proved its prowess as a viable alternative for opioid painkillers because of its ability to quell pain and decrease the epidemic of opioid-related deaths. At HelloMD, we see an increasing trend in patients using cannabis on a regular basis rather than opioids, providing even more anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of medical marijuana to take the place of, or be used in conjunction with, standard pharmaceuticals.\r\n\r\n### Decreasing Opioid Prescriptions in Legal Cannabis States\r\n\r\nThe _Journal of Health Affairs_ has released an even more compelling study out of the University of Georgia that outlines a [direct correlation between the decrease of pharmaceutical use and the increase of cannabis use](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/07/13/one-striking-chart-shows-why-pharma-companies-are-fighting-legal-marijuana/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=nextdraft&utm_term=.18b4b65df8e1). In the 17 states where legalized medical marijuana was put in place by 2013, prescriptions written for painkillers and other medications decreased dramatically. The study found that the average doctor prescribed per year:\r\n\r\n* 265 fewer doses of antidepressants.\r\n* 486 fewer doses of seizure medications.\r\n* 541 fewer doses of anti-anxiety medications.\r\n* 1,826 fewer doses of opioid painkillers. \r\n\r\nThere were also significantly fewer doses written for prescriptions related to nausea, psychosis, sleep disorders and depression. To corroborate that the prescription decreases were tied to medical marijuana, the changes in prescription amounts for conditions that aren’t typically associated with medical marijuana use were also monitored. There was no change in the number of prescriptions of medications such as antibiotics, anti-viral drugs and blood thinners, showing the connection between increased marijuana use and the decrease in prescriptions for medications such as opioids and antidepressants.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/578e5cb0687e76000700000c/embedded_images/578e5cb2687e76000700000d/Screen_Shot_2016-07-19_at_9.33.42_AM.png)\r\n \r\n### Big Pharma Fights Back Against the Legalization of Marijuana\r\n\r\nPeople are seeking out marijuana more and more for medicinal use, and pharmaceutical companies are taking notice. Big pharmaceutical companies lobbied the federal government to prevent legislation that may reschedule marijuana (it’s currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug, which means the government considers it to have no medical benefits) or provide an avenue to nationwide medical legalization. \r\n\r\nMultiple companies jumped on the new interest in marijuana by formulating synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which could have the same effects as THC derived from cannabis. At least one pharmaceutical company, after developing a synthetic THC product, wrote to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) expressing its opposition to rescheduling cannabis due to the abuse potential of the plant and extensive growing effort needed to produce an adequate supply. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [OBAMA OPIOIDS SOLUTION MISSING CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5704127770f200000800000c/obama-opioids-solution-missing-cannabis)\r\n\r\nIt’s not surprising that the pharmaceutical companies are fighting against medical marijuana legalization: $165 million were saved in the 17 medical marijuana states in 2013 due to the decreased number of traditional pharmaceutical prescriptions. \r\n\r\nLastly, the use of medicinal marijuana in legal states may create an estimated annual savings within Medicare of up to a half billion dollars if all 50 states were to allow for marijuana’s medicinal use. What’s clear is that Big Pharma will now do whatever it takes to prevent declassification of cannabis in the federal system and broader legalization.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/14b42/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/f836f/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg 200w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/2244e/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg 400w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/14b42/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg 800w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/47498/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/54ac5/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/58556/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/61e93/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp 200w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/1f5c5/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp 400w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/58556/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp 800w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/99238/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp 1200w,\n/static/f965286a172465f02d677c3168b9d191/5e0b8/a39cf541a7c8c6ce2b397e76b887c5fe.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2218-markdown","title":"Obama: Opioids Solution Missing Cannabis","slug":"obama-opioids-solution-missing-cannabis","content":"The focal point of President Obama's final State of the Union address --\nthe opiate epidemic -- appeared to highlight the urgency with which the\nadministration regards the problem. Yet when I took a closer look at the\nway the issue was framed, I noticed the discussion was clearly meant to\nfocus my attention on a specific aspect of this complex issue.\n\nIn the end, Obama's solution offers a narrow approach to the larger\nproblem. The proposed solution? Prescribing more synthetic opiates. Yes,\nI'm afraid this new war on drugs involves drugs and more drugs.\nMeanwhile, those suffering from chronic pain are left without effective\nremedies, despite the fact that a safe, natural and effective treatment\nfor chronic pain already exists. Why is the Obama Administration not\nreclassifying cannabis as part of the solution, when it is documented to\nhave [helped thousands of\npeople,](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56f5a323f763e40008000020/new-guidance-on-opiates-for-chronic-pain-but-there-is-a-solution)\nwithout the debilitating side effects and impaired quality of life that\ncomes with prescription opiate use?\n\n**The facts on opioid addiction**\n\nHow did so many Americans become addicted to opiates? The answer boils\ndown to pain relief: These people were in pain, and they sought relief\nfrom a doctor. Heroin grabs a lot of sensational headlines, but it is\nnot the greatest part of substance abuse. According the [American\nSociety of Addiction\nMedicine](http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf),\nof the 21.5 million Americans who faced substance abuse and addiction in\n2014, only 586,000 used heroin. About 1.9 million Americans were\naddicted to prescription drugs. Four in five heroin users got their\nstart using prescription painkillers, and they only turned to street\ndrugs when they could no longer obtain prescription drugs.\n\nIn 2012, doctors wrote 259 million prescriptions for opiates, enough to\ngive each American a bottle of narcotics. It comes as no surprise to me\nto learn people are now dying in record numbers from unintentional\noverdoses. This number has spiraled steadily upward since 1999; in 2014\nthere were 47,055 drug overdose deaths in the United States due to\nprescription opioids.\n\n**Treating pain with more pain**\n\nPresident Obama released his first National Drug Control Strategy in\n2010, which emphasized the need for action to address opioid misuse and\noverdose, while also promising that individuals with pain would receive\nsafe, effective treatment. While the [new CDC prescribing\nguidelines](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6501e1.htm) do\nrecommend limiting and monitoring opiate prescriptions, they are unclear\nabout the effective, proven solutions for patients suffering from\nchronic pain.\n\nMonitoring, limiting and controlling prescription opiates may help\nprevent overdoses and future abuse, but it begs a few questions about\nwhat the problem really is. The biggest initiatives circulated by the\nadministration ignore the scope of the problem entirely and promote\nother synthetic drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine.\n\nBuprenorphine, approved in 2002, is similar to methadone, but it can be\nprescribed privately in a doctor's office. One key measure to the\nadministration's approach to the opiate epidemic is the mandate to\n*double* buprenorphine prescriptions.\n\n**A new class of addict**\n\nAccording to their proponents, these drugs work to ease and mediate\nopiate addiction by providing a less dangerous alternative once a user\nis already ensnared in the opiate trap. In reality, though, methadone\nand buprenorphine are still dangerous and additive drugs, and both can\n[lead to abuse and\noverdose.](https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs10/10123/index.htm)\nSuch an approach seems more like a defense of our national prescription\ndrug habit than an attack on it.\n\nPrescription opiates were never a good solution for chronic pain, since\nthey formed a recipe for addiction. While the medical community\nbelatedly embraces this insight, it is unclear which remedies doctors\nwill have to relieve pain and suffering. In the face of such a crisis,\nthe reclassification of marijuana might help millions of [Americans who\ncope with chronic\npain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain),\nbut this solution is conspicuously absent from the solution. I ask you,\nWhy isn't this natural plant, known to be non-addictive and [not linked\nto a single\ndeath](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5660ceb8584a7100080000c1/death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0),\npart of the conversation?\n\n**Patient survey**\n\nHelloMD conducted a [survey of medical marijuana\npatients](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) in\nJanuary 2016, as one of the largest and most comprehensive studies of\nits kind. Chronic pain topped the list of conditions from which people\nsought relief, and 84 percent of respondents strongly agreed that\nmedical marijuana effectively treated their symptom. In addition to\nrelief from their primary condition, respondents named many beneficial\nside-effects, including improved mental state, relaxation and better\nsleep patterns. There were few to no reports of negative consequences.\n\nAccording to the [National Institute on\nHealth](https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=57),\npain impacts more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer\ntogether, and it is a top reason why people access the health care\nsystem. Pain is a leading cause of disability and has a major impacts on\nproductivity and quality of life.\n\nFurthermore, pain demands action. If people are unable to access\neffective treatment for their pain, they may turn to heroin and other\nillegal substances to find relief, and we may witness an even worse\nepidemic.\n\n**How federal funds should be used**\n\nThe federal government is asking Congress for $1.1 billion in funds to\nfight the opiate epidemic. This money could help doctors prescribe\nmarijuana to sufferers of chronic pain, and it could support growers and\nlabs and help produce an important body of research on this natural\nremedy.\n\nInstead, most of the new funding is earmarked to \"expand access to\nmedication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders.\" I'm sure this\nfunding will effectively function as a subsidy to the same\npharmaceutical interests that produced the drugs that created this\nepidemic in the first place.\n\nDoes this circular solution really make sense?\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/aftab/7752623632/in/photolist-cP5dUG-5zxTWj-5JEdrg-5JJtvy-8xwTLD-5XQERH-aHJDEv-5yKHLc-5V8tQk-5tLPEa-5neMq2-4xbK9L-5V8pxk-5ztK8g-4u4NJr-5rKgju-5pCtcn-5B3L4A-5VcQRo-5zvwGZ-6y3wG6-5oCFoa-cfW597-5V8nPT-cDGTPy-5rgqNK-5VdSDw-5V86SB-4Nw4wo-5W8X9w-aC3bur-7sABax-7Pv9Ue-5V8ghF-5V9ktT-7mRSqN-5VdqNN-5c8BnR-dt1tQr-5yQ2vY-5V846K-5VbSNd-5V92Vk-5TZcoz-dCZxpM-5utxhA-5ueBL9-6gKKLR-5JE6Fx-5xWB3n)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/ee604/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.png","srcSet":"/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/69585/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.png 200w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/497c6/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.png 400w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/ee604/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.png 800w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/f219a/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.png 839w","srcWebp":"/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/58556/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/61e93/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.webp 200w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/1f5c5/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.webp 400w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/58556/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.webp 800w,\n/static/ddfd500e090ebf20e559fea66b6c6c82/9afd9/3e6a0f5a33f46008786a2e72c2cbbd84.webp 839w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2044-markdown","title":"Can Marijuana Help Solve the Heroin & Prescription Opioid Crisis?","slug":"can-marijuana-help-solve-the-heroin-and-prescription-opioid-crisis","content":"Heroin and prescription opioid addiction is hitting record numbers in the U.S. We largely treat these addictions with more opiates like methadone and Suboxone. But The Open Neurology Journal cites studies saying medical marijuana helps with chronic pain, but can also control nausea and vomiting.\n\nHeroin and prescription opioid [addiction to drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin is hitting record\nnumbers in the United States](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/30/us/31heroin-deaths.html?_r=1). The medical community has largely attempted to treat these addictions—as well as counter the negative effects of opiate withdrawal—with more opioids such as methadone and Suboxone.  \n\nBut an article published in _The Open Neurology Journal_ mentions [numerous studies that found medical marijuana not only helps with chronic pain management, but can also control nausea and vomiting](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358713/)—typical withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of heroin and opiates. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Opioid Overdoses in Every State\n\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study about the epidemic of drug overdose deaths in America, and the statistics were startling. Every state has been affected and almost every county in the country has seen an [increase in drug overdose deaths](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heroin-overdose-deaths-double-in-u-s/). Between 2012 and 2014, the number of heroin overdoses doubled in the U.S. The increase is attributed to addiction to narcotic painkillers.\n\nThese numbers aren't just affecting certain areas. [New Hampshire, West Virginia and other states with large blue-collar worker populations have also experienced record numbers of rising opiate addiction](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html). Workplace injuries have also been contributing to increasing opioid addiction in the working class.\n\nThe rise in deaths mirrors levels of the HIV epidemic at its height in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2014, [opioid use accounted for 61% of\ndeaths in the U.S.](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html) In order to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse, new legislation has been introduced in an attempt to control prescribing practices. However, as [prescription painkillers became less available, addicts turned to heroin](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/health/prescription-painkillers-seen-as-a-gateway-to-heroin.html).\n\n### How Narcotic Addiction Affects the Brain & Body\n\nDrug addiction alters the physical composition of the brain. Narcotic addiction, in particular, rewires the circuits in the brain responsible for reward, consequence determination and mood. With this change in wiring, the brain is no longer capable of functioning without the help of the opioid drug. If the addicted person tries to abstain from heroin or other prescription opioids, they experience symptoms of opiate withdrawal such as:\n\n* anxiety and agitation\n* body aches\n* chills\n* craving the drug\n* vomiting\n* diarrhea\n* nausea\n\nThese opioid withdrawal symptoms can increase in severity, lasting a few hours to a few days. And, if the addiction began as a result of using drugs for chronic pain, withdrawal symptoms can worsen as the pain from the condition plus the pain of withdrawal intensify. \n\n### Prescription Attempts at Recovery from Opiate Addiction & Withdrawal\n\n[The common medical practice for treating opioid addiction is to prescribe more drugs](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew#1) to mask the opiate withdrawal symptoms. \n\nAfter the initial withdrawal period ends, maintenance drugs are prescribed. Methadone, naltrexone, Suboxone and other medications are used to deter abuse, but none of them completely end the addiction process, keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring, or heal the connections in the brain.\n\n### How Medical Marijuana Can Help End the Cycle of Opioid Addiction\n\nWhile most of the methadone-based treatments prescribed in the treatment of heroin and opiate addiction can produce the same kinds of highs—as well as addictions—created by the drugs themselves, cannabis can treat addiction without the resulting euphoric feelings. Of the 400 or more chemical compounds in cannabis, only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a high. Many forms of cannabis can be grown and processed without this factor, which makes marijuana even safer to treat addiction than other drugs are.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS AS AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nIn addition, the body contains the [endocannabinoid system (ECS), a natural system for healing itself through decreasing inflammation and pain while increasing immunity](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system). It works in a very similar way to the cannabinoids in medical marijuana.\n\nThrough proper use, cannabis supports the ECS and can actually rewire the brain, unlike methadone treatments which merely block chemical transmission while it's in use. This means that once the person stops taking methadone, the brain hasn't healed and will still seek satisfaction through cravings for heroin or other opiates. Cannabis, on the other hand, changes the composition of the brain so the cravings are no longer present.\n\nNot only does the use of medical marijuana promote the body's natural healing systems, it helps correct the underlying disease. Instead of masking or creating side effects, medical marijuana can be a real solution in combatting the problem of heroin and opiate addiction—and subsequently, opiate withdrawal.\n\nPhoto credit: [Wil Taylor](https://www.flickr.com/photos/subsetsum/3731217400/in/photolist-6FHsWu-9jkyup-nbdfPZ-5jpRT6-856TZo-cQay4s-aLtXLx-5APYay-vCqoHd-vCyVYH-eTpA1X-whPxFy-gAdTrV-qKZk9-7MhkvW-hNn9e-9uLbiZ-N65ak-f1uFuv-eaVHvf-4dacbb-4DyRuj-3PEmnc-bmQdtg-ev2AR5-635Ju-osGDv4-3Sdoa-dp5X6i-akWZuQ-yA6b-7ZvsBd-8QoWTf-f1tdQ9-cWsdNy-6yLQZz-cHhoMy-8FBhKR-8WrAcv-ar8jW-9xD73c-9uK5fi-6NFKz2-bytook-9i77ZQ-9skioK-eYbToQ-7e7VkF-4tuPZN-9sVyYA)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png","srcSet":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/69585/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/497c6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/f3583/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/646b6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1266w","srcWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/61e93/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/1f5c5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/99238/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/9b0b5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1266w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2053-markdown","title":"Download our Medical Marijuana Patient Study","slug":"download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study","content":"For us at HelloMD, the medical cannabis industry is an exciting and fascinating business to be in. Every day we leave the office knowing that we are improving people's lives and helping further the cause for mainstream acceptance of this amazing plant.  In the short time since we’ve been providing our service (one year) we’ve witnessed a positive shift in how the broader population perceive the legal cannabis market. The collective contribution of the industry has performed a remarkable feat in changing attitudes and in moving us from back-alley to the main street.\r\n\r\nWe have come far. Yet, for anyone entering the industry, indeed for anyone in it, it can still be difficult finding information to help plan and grow a business. Very little is published indicating patient preferences, methods of use, reasons for use, etc. Most in the industry are planning products and services based upon small sample sets of anecdotal data and intuition. Not that there is anything wrong with that. After all, we did that. But if that’s all you’ve got, then it’s really difficult to identify trends and to plan ahead. \r\n\r\nThat is why, in January of this year, we conducted a detailed study of patients that use medical marijuana. \r\n\r\n[Download the medical marijuana patient study here](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf).\r\n\r\nWe believe it to be the most comprehensive study to date and we are very pleased to share it with the community at large. Our methodology included surveying our membership of 17,000 patients (all of whom have been evaluated by our own doctors), correlating with other data sets (public and private), analyzing, and then using the results to form key findings. Thanks to our friends at [FireFly](http://www.thefirefly.com) (of whom generously donated 5 of their beautiful vaporizers as an incentive to participants) we had an exceptional response of over 1,400 patients. Anonymously, every one of them answered an extensive questionnaire that detailed their own experience and details regarding conditions leading to use, modes of use, efficacy, and much more.\r\n\r\nAll this data led to key findings and learning's that helped us understand:  \r\n\r\n - The demographic of patients using medical marijuana today, and how it has been changing overtime\r\n - Conditions being treating with medical cannabis\r\n - How effective cannabis is as a treatment modality\r\n - How patients feel about using cannabis as an alternative, or as a compliment, to other more-traditional prescribed pharmaceuticals\r\n - How, or if, patients talk about their use of cannabis among family, friends and colleagues.\r\n - Where medical cannabis purchases are made\r\n - Where patients obtain education and knowledge of medical cannabis\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most surprising finding; an emerging demographic that, indisputably, is eclipsing the recreational demographic. This has all sorts of implications – politically and otherwise.\r\n\r\nWe have compiled all findings into a report that can be [downloaded as a PDF here](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf).","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/14b42/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/f836f/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 200w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/2244e/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 400w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/14b42/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 800w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/47498/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/58556/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/61e93/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 200w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/1f5c5/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 400w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/58556/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 800w,\n/static/e8673bbdb39b8593fd7a7da80b6c7825/99238/38cff30a6e1ef5b926d055a399eae91d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1994-markdown","title":"Why Your Parents Need to Learn About Cannabis","slug":"why-your-parents-need-to-learn-about-cannabis","content":"**The Dream of Retirement**\r\n\r\nThe golden years: that bastion of life that promises retirement from the grind, financial independence, and unfettered access to all the things we enjoy. At least, that’s the dream. A dream pushed upon us by relentless advertising from the pharmaceutical, life insurance, and banking industries.\r\n\r\nOf course, I want that dream. Who wouldn’t? But, if reality is to have it’s way – and it most often does – then the grind is likely to have its grip on me until the very end. And that dream? Well, it’s probably destined to remain as just that – a dream. \r\n\r\nAs a doctor, I meet with many seniors. I listen to them, and I watch them as they age. I see their attitudes change. I see their needs, wants, and desires change. I see their lives change – often for the worse. I hear them wish for a good nights sleep, hands that don’t shake, knees that don’t hurt, a day of comfort – things we take for granted while younger. These observations have influenced me and, as I near the so-called golden years period myself, the way I think about the effects of aging. \r\n\r\nI keep arriving at the same place...\r\n\r\n**Getting old sucks!**\r\n\r\nIf you live long enough – and most of us will these days – the adverse symptoms of aging are hard to avoid. While many people are healthy and active into their late 90s, the majority of us will face typical aging related health issues such as insomnia, chronic pain, impaired vision and motor function, reduced appetite – the list goes on and on. Many will deal with symptoms so degenerative – like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – that they will lose their independence and require assisted living facilities or hospitals for the reminder of their days.\r\n\r\nWhile we consider it very fortunate to have a long life, the ailments associated with aging have not been easy to treat with conventional medicine. Often, the pharmaceuticals prescribed can cause health implications of their own. Prescribing them is a bit hit-or-miss. We don’t really know how an individual will react. We can’t know. Different people react differently to the same pharmaceutical. It becomes trial and error, rinse and repeat. For many, one pill begets the next and before you know it you have a potpourri of pharmaceuticals that are organized, by the bucket, for swallowing at scheduled times through the day – every day. For patients that are agitated, uncomfortable, or in pain, the entire process can be frustrating and the results are often questionable if not disappointing.\r\n\r\n**Pills, pills, and more pills**\r\n\r\nIt pains me to watch as some folk react badly to this routine. Side effects occur more often than not - often in the form of seizures, nausea or emotional disturbances such as uncontrollable crying and depression (this is especially true for some sleeping pills on the market today). When these reactions occur, more pharmaceuticals are prescribed to deal with the side effects. And, those are the side effects we know about. What about the unseen side effects? The potentially irreparable damage we may do at cellular level, or at a neurological level?\r\n\r\nDon’t get me wrong; with the advent of many pharmaceuticals we’ve improved the overall health of society immensely. Many drug discovery and pharmaceutical innovations have been nothing short of revolutionary at turning back disease and improving people’s lives. But that’s not really what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the habitual crutch that prescribing pharmaceuticals has become – especially to the elderly.     \r\n\r\n**It's just not right**\r\n\r\nOver the years, as a doctor, observing all of this trial and error, and the general reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals for uncertain results – well, it no longer sits right with me. And it flat out saddens me when I see powerful painkillers and antipsychotics used to sedate some elderly into a manageable submission.\r\n\r\nThese are our seniors, they deserve our respect and they deserve better treatment. At the very least, they deserve an alternative. \r\n\r\n**There is an alternative** \r\n\r\nIt’s been under our nose for millennia, it’s less toxic, and it’s entirely natural. It’s cannabis. Or, to those conforming to legislation, it’s medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAs cannabis slowly emerges from a long quarantine imposed by authorities acting on misinformation, fear, uncertainty and doubt, we are beginning to learn of its medicinal and health properties. Several years of research performed by many credible institutions are all arriving at the same result. Indeed, cannabis looks like a wonder plant – nature’s gift to humanity. The list of conditions that cannabis is most effective for reads like a list of typical ailments afflicting seniors. Chronic pain (from inflammation of joints and stiff limbs), insomnia, lack of appetite, lethargy and reduced energy, anxiety, are but a few. All affect ones mood and general sense of well being of which cannabis is also said to elevate. There are even reports suggesting certain cannabinoids (found within cannabis) have been effective at arresting some cancers, restoring motor control, and eliminating seizures. \r\n\r\n**Their own worst enemy**\r\n\r\nSuffice to say, this is a population that could benefit tremendously from cannabis, yet their access is limited -- if even considered.\r\n\r\nSeniors themselves are often the first to resist using medical cannabis because of societal concerns about using a drug that the federal government deems illegal. For those that do want to use cannabis, they often don’t know where to go, or how to get it. Only rarely will their doctor support the use of cannabis (it’s more common for a doctor to steer away from the cannabis conversation). This last fact, I can attest. I was that doctor – shaped by decades of misinformation. Prevailing attitudes will change, although it may take a full generation cycle before we see results.\r\n\r\n**It starts with you**\r\n\r\nFor many, cannabis is making their lives more tolerable. For others, it is extending their lives. These are not isolated cases. As Chief Medical Officer at HelloMD.com, I’m hearing such testimonials on a daily basis. Legalization aside, for widespread acceptance there is still one large obstacle to overcome – education. And for your parents, that might start with you.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/f836f/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/2244e/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/14b42/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/47498/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/61e93/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 200w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/1f5c5/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 400w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/58556/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 800w,\n/static/9bb3d1cbcc24e1e968d7d7d45654de66/99238/2f1205dc5df5fb3975b1f71f90b0f6a7.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2034-markdown","title":"Death Score: Opioids 16235. Cannabis 0.","slug":"death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0","content":"Living with chronic pain and trying to treat it can be difficult and frustrating. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals ignore or are unaware of the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management, choosing to prescribe opioid-type drugs to mask symptoms. \n\n[Marijuana has been used to effectively battle chronic pain for centuries](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dfb34e3763370006c70000/the-history-of-medical-marijuana-usage). But despite the success patients have achieved through the use of medical cannabis, its usage still lags far behind opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 10% of prescribing medical professionals account for 50% of opioid prescriptions, illustrating a pattern of over-usage in chronic pain situations. While surveys show that [76% of doctors approve of medical marijuana](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/), statistics indicate that [only 1.1 million patients have current prescriptions](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889),\na number that falls far short of opioid usage. However, [92% of users say medical\ncannabis absolutely works](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/) to treat their conditions.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Could Save Lives\n\nThe _Washington Post_ reports that [changing from a regimen of addiction-inducing opioids to non-addictive medical cannabis could literally save lives](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/14/how-medical marijuana-could-literally-save-lives/). Everyone agrees with their claim of saved lives, considering the tens of millions of patients currently addicted to opioids and a frightening CDC-compiled statistic that [more than 1,000 people a day are treated in emergency rooms for opioid misuse](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html).\n\nTo put this into perspective, [43,982 people died of drug overdoses in 2013](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html), and more than 50% of those deaths were from prescription drugs. Of the prescription drug overdoses, more than 70% were due to opioid-based medications, totaling 16,235 people. \n\nThat’s an astronomical number of lost lives stemming from doctors prescribing opioid pain medication. During the same year, [exactly zero people died from marijuana use](http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death). There could truly be no deeper disparity than losing tens of thousands of lives per year to opioids, which are addictive and may or may not work, versus medical cannabis usage that doesn’t lead to addiction and has a far higher number of patients reporting positive results.\n\n### Cannabis Helps With Chronic Pain \n\nIn addition to treatment for non-specific chronic pain, medical cannabis is also a successful treatment option for painful disorders like arthritis. Where pharmaceutical painkillers may fall short and opioids over-treat and overwhelm, [medical marijuana with high concentrations of cannabinoids can lead to decreased inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a720780f24d1300077ccb25/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-arthritis-answered) and increased pain relief. While other pain medications simply mask pain or decrease pain sensitivity for shorter periods of time, medical marijuana can actually get to the root of the problem and provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects or long-term implications.\n\nMedical marijuana can improve the quality of life for chronic pain patients; it can also save lives. Meanwhile, opioids don't treat chronic pain as effectively and claim more lives per year than suicide, car accident fatalities and gun-related deaths combined. A National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that [increased medical marijuana use is directly proportional to decreased opioid abuse](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345). The positives of saved lives and reduced levels of addiction could not possibly be overstated, and those positives tie back to responsible medical cannabis usage.\n\n### An Argument for Medicinal Marijuana Legalization\n\nA _Washington Post_ article shows a [direct correlation between states that have legalized medical marijuana dispensaries and the subsequent reduction of opioid-linked deaths](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/08/25/is-medical-marijuana-the-answer-to-americas-prescription-painkiller-epidemic/). \n\nAdd to that a study published in the [_Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine_](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878) that found \"states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate\" than states that hadn't yet legalized medical marijuana.\n\nNeedless to say, the argument is very strong to push for cannabis legalization across the rest of the U.S. Millions of patients suffering from a variety of disorders could find much-needed relief with medical cannabis. In addition, the lives of countless chronic pain patients could be preserved and bettered through medical cannabis instead of dangerously addictive opioid drugs.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/26553756@N06/2653991611)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. 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