broadening the use of marijuana is unlikely to help reverse the national epidemic in opioid-related morbidity and mortality.”
These new data line up with previous findings that show marijuana users are more probable than non-users to consume other substances and develop drug-related health issues.
“Despite the link between marijuana and opioid use, we cannot exclude the possibility that for some individuals who are dependent on opioids, cannabinoids lessen their craving for opioids,” Olfson said. “Overall, however, for adults who use opioids for nonmedical purposes smoking marijuana tends to increase rather than decrease their opioid use.”
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
