Nonconventional Pain Killers

Opioids have made national headlines for the past few years and not for a good reason. There has been an exponential rise of overdoses brought on by opioids, leading to hundreds and thousands of deaths. Opioids are originally found in the opium poppy plant and are present in both prescription and “street” drugs like heroin. By definition, opioids are a broad group of pain-relieving medications that interact with opioid receptors in the cell. They block pain signals between the brain and the body and are typically used in those seeking treatment for severe pain.  Traditionally, opioids can be referred to as narcotics, but are nowhere near similar to over-the-counter painkillers, like Tylenol. Some commonly used opioids include OxyContin, fentanyl, and heroin. While opioids can be very effective for some, they do not come without side effects and complications.

Opioid addictions are very common, as regular use of these medications increases tolerance and dependence on them (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Since opioids can be prescribed by physicians to treat pain, their inherent danger is not always analyzed and understood by patients and their families. Taking opioids in high doses or consuming them for longer than necessary leads to an increased risk for opioid use disorder. Opioids have stark differences compared to other medicines: opioids create a sensation of euphoria. They have neurons that produce dopamine to be released into the bloodstream with higher intensity. This leaves a person feeling happy and on top of the world since dopamine is important in regulating pleasure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). In 2017, opioids were prescribed and used much more frequently, so the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called for a public health emergency. While HHS  implemented a 5 step plan, overdose rates continue to climb steadily. From April 2020 to April 2021, there were an estimated 75,673 overdose deaths. In the year prior, there were 56,064 deaths (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). 

On the other hand, there has been an increase in attention to marijuana as an alternative to this. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has THC and CBD. Marijuana can evoke different responses in everyone based on inherent factors like weight. Cannabis comes from the cannabis sativa plant that is from tropical and temperate communities. It is the dried flowers and leaves of the plant. A stark difference between cannabis and opioids is that cannabis can be used for recreational purposes like smoking. In contrast, opioids are only prescribed and allowed to be taken for severe pain (Cannabis, 2022). 

Lately, there has been a rise in the movement pushing the use of cannabis as an alternative to opioids, as the public is gaining more awareness of the severe consequences of opioids and related overdoses. For example, recent news headlines feature many findings that cannabis has helped them with their opioid addiction.

For example, Ashley Weber’s spine was shattered after a car accident, and she was prescribed strong opioids for the pain. These opioids caused her to be in a mental fog. However, she has been able to cut back on the opioid pills with marijuana, which helps her manage her pain. Many others, like Ashley Weber, claim that marijuana changed their lives for the better. Due to the prevalence of these stories, lawmakers in states like Colorado, Illinois, and New York allow physicians to suggest marijuana as an opioid alternative. While these physicians cannot directly prescribe marijuana, they can recommend it to their patients, who can purchase it from dispensaries (Quinton, 2019). However, many medical professionals argue that there is not enough evidence  to prove that marijuana is truly a safe alternative to opioids. Marijuana itself can be addictive, and further testing is warranted. 

Marijuana is certainly a helpful option for some, but it is important to highlight that it is not for everyone. Each patient’s situation is different, and they should consult professionals prior to making a decision. Due to the extremely multifaceted nature of marijuana as a painkiller, more analysis and research needs to be done before a general conclusion regarding its effectiveness is formed.

References 

Cannabis. CAMH. Retrieved November 26, 2022, from 

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cannabis 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, November 17). Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm 

Quinton, S. (2019, August 13). Where doctors can recommend marijuana to replace opioids. The Pew Charitable Trusts. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2019/08/13/where-doctors-ca n-recommend-marijuana-to-replace-opioids