Cannabis And Opioids: The Ultimate Transition

Cannabis and opioids are two very different drugs often spoken about in the same breath. But what happens when you transition from opioids to cannabis? Surprisingly, the effects can be incredibly positive—both for the individual and society.

Here’s why making the switch to cannabis is something worth considering.

The Opioid Epidemic In North America

The opioid epidemic in North America is at an all-time high, with overdose deaths increasing exponentially since 1999. In 2020, there were over 76,000 opioid-related deaths in the United States alone. While opioids can be effective for pain relief, they are also highly addictive and can lead to fatal overdoses.

Opioid addiction can start anywhere, including a simple visit to the doctor. Therefore, people must begin seeking alternatives to opioids to reduce the number of fatalities.

How Cannabis Can Help Reduce Opioid Dependency

Cannabis is a much safer option for pain relief than opioids. It is non-addictive, and there have been no reported overdoses from cannabis use alone.

Cannabis is also effective for treating pain and can be more effective than opioids. A study published by U.S. Pharmacist found that out of 650 patients using cannabis for severe pain, 80% of them reported that it was a tremendous help. Of that 80%, up to 88% were able to stop using opioids, proving that marijuana is a viable option for people with pain.

The Benefits Of Using Cannabis As A Replacement For Opioids

Now it’s time to look at cannabis vs. opioids in the medicine battle of the century. Apart from the fact that marijuana has a lower risk of addiction and overdose, it also has several other benefits over opioids. Cannabis effectively treats various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and more.

Additionally, marijuana is non-toxic and has very few side effects, such as a dry mouth and red eyes. In comparison, the side effects of opioids can be much more severe, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression. Therefore, if you compare cannabis and opioids with one another, it is safe to say that medical marijuana will win with a knockout.

How To Wean Yourself Off Opioids With Cannabis

If you’re currently taking opioids for pain relief, you should know a few things before switching to marijuana. First of all, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about your decision. They should be able to guide you through the process and make sure that it’s safe for you to stop taking opioids.

Once you’ve decided to transition to cannabis, it’s vital to start slow. For example, if you’re smoking cannabis, start with a low THC strain and gradually increase the THC content as you feel comfortable. Similarly, if you’re using cannabis oil, start with a low dose and increase the amount gradually over time.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations. Cannabis may not be able to replace opioids for pain relief for everyone, but it can certainly help reduce your dependence on them.

Make Changes For The Better

So, when it comes to cannabis and opioids, making the transition to medical marijuana may be your best bet. The opioid epidemic is severe and doesn’t seem to be going away soon.

Cannabis can help reduce opioid dependency, and you can even use it to replace opioids altogether. So, if you’re looking for a way to wean yourself off of opioids, cannabis may be the answer.

Are you ready to learn more about this powerful plant? Check out our online college today. In addition, we have plenty more cannabis-related posts on our blog waiting to be read by you.