New Study Finds Legalizing Medical Marijuana in Utah Led to Reduced Opioid Use and Overdose Deaths
A recent study conducted by Management Science Associates (MSA) has found that the legalization of medical marijuana in Utah has led to a significant reduction in opioid use and overdose deaths among patients with chronic pain. The study, which was presented to the Utah Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board, suggests that the availability of legal cannabis has helped to reduce the use of prescription opioids among patients seeking pain relief.
The study analyzed data from 186 patients with chronic pain, including those with musculoskeletal, visceral, headache, and neuropathic pain. The results showed that 84.4% of patients reduced their use of opioids, with a mean reduction of 53.1%. The study also found that patients who used cannabis had a 26.5% decrease in anxiety and a notable impact on stress levels.
The study’s findings support previous research that has shown that medical cannabis can be an effective alternative to opioids for pain management. The study’s authors conclude that cannabis may play a substantial role in pain management and the reduction of opioid use.
The study’s results are significant, as Utah has seen a rise in opioid-related overdose deaths in recent years. In 2020, there were 343 opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, according to the Utah Department of Health. The legalization of medical marijuana in 2018 has provided an alternative to opioids for patients seeking pain relief, and the study’s findings suggest that this alternative has been effective in reducing opioid use and overdose deaths.
The study’s authors recommend that future research focus on larger and more diverse populations, as well as specific dosages of cannabinoids. They also suggest that the results of this study could have implications for the treatment of chronic pain and opioid use disorder nationwide.
The findings of this study add to a growing body of research that suggests that medical cannabis can be an effective tool in reducing opioid use and overdose deaths. As more states legalize medical marijuana, it is likely that we will see more research on the topic and a better understanding of its potential benefits and risks.
