People are saying marijuana cures everything from leprosy to fear of flying but the truth likely falls short of that. We're not much interested in what 'people are saying' but we are highly interested in whatever researchers may discover and they found marijuana can mitigate the effect of withdrawal from opiate addiction (e.g. pain medications, etc). (Science Daily: Marijuana could help treat drug addiction, mental health, study suggests)
Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a UBC study has found.
"Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication," said the study's lead investigator Zach Walsh, associate professor of psychology at UBC's Okanagan campus.
This comprehensive review of research on medical cannabis use and mental health also found some evidence that cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Walsh and his team reviewed all studies of medical cannabis and mental health, as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use -- making the review one of the most comprehensive on the topic to date.
Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a UBC study has found.
"Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication," said the study's lead investigator Zach Walsh, associate professor of psychology at UBC's Okanagan campus.
This comprehensive review of research on medical cannabis use and mental health also found some evidence that cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis.
- Science Daily
I'm at great peril of appearing to make a sales pitch but I'm not interested in sales. The results are surprising and it's welcomed seeing actual science on the matter rather than Facebook posts from some stoner in Marin County who said he smoked the ganja which led him to Jesus and cured the curse of athlete's foot.
You may not find the article particularly satisfying since there's not a great deal of content. The research consisted of reviews of available literature and conclusions came from that.
"In reviewing the limited evidence on medical cannabis, it appears that patients and others who have advocated for cannabis as a tool for harm reduction and mental health have some valid points," said Walsh.
Walsh and his team reviewed all studies of medical cannabis and mental health, as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use -- making the review one of the most comprehensive on the topic to date.
- Science Daily
It's not my purpose to denigrate what they have done as few others are doing such a thing in any type of way. Without a dispassionate scientific review of what marijuana really does, there's no particular reason to believe any claims and the absence of such a review will leave the situation wide open for all kinds of wild claims ... which is exactly what we see.
Nevertheless, they make the observation of benefit in getting off opiates but it's too vague to do much with it at present. I'm keenly aware there are those with personal considerations immediately tied to this and I would love to say, sure, smoke that ganja and no way anyone wants that smack anymore but that isn't what I read in the article. There's a strong implication it will help but no more than that, I'm afraid.
13 comments:
This is crap. I will leave it at that.
You can see from the article I'm not promoting it but I am glad to see the beginning of scientific study.
I expect the way this goes is they see from this review of general literature there's a possibly valid claim of a beneficial effect and the first consequence of that is they will want to find out through experiment if it's true. That subsequent study may have some beef to it.
Wether it solves any if the symptoms is not the point. It is a flawed practice to treat addict with other drugs. It doesnt solve the issues just masks them
There's the ascetic approach in which any drug defiles the temple of the body and whether that's valid or how much likely varies from one person to the next.
My bias is obvious in the thinking reefer is harmless so what's the big deal if it can also help with a problem. My approach would generally be to see if the junkie becomes a non-junkie and talk about the ganja after that if you like. I'm highly clear that view is not widely accepted and I would like to see more research to see what comes. The 'people are saying' aspect is useless.
Luckily for anyone that I deal with this isnt a possible therapy as it would increase the relapse rate. And if you actually dealt with any of them you would know how moronic this idea is.
This was even a study just a hypothesis laid out after reading someone elses papers.
Again addicts can trade one drug for another and expect not to relapse.
It's not my science but it is science insofar as it reviewed what's available so far. From that study, apparently some of the claims are true. They're not making things up to fool anyone so I listen to what they say but I want more proof and you want a whole lot more.
I dont need any proof. The whole premise is flawed. I dont have data but I very much doubt you will find any anyone active in the rehab arena to sign off on this plan.
Just because it is published does not make it science. The pregnancy/depression study you quoted only includes 52 participants. Not even karge enough to have many control cases or if this result is found at a different rate in the general population or if other factors could cause this result.
It is a nice starting point for a bigger study. I prefer my science with studies using larger statistically significant results using blind or double blind testing to eliminate the possibility of the results being skewed by tester bias
There are several possible drugs out there that correct the chemical imbalance in the brain that is caused by opiate addiction. These are said to reduce the PAWS effects but it is still early. They are not mood altering in thier use which is a very important aspect if you are using them in addiction therapy. As a key to successful recovery is learning how to deal with life without chemically manipulating thier mood
Fair enough and it's all science as it comes to me since it's all information from people who really know as in you as well. From what I see of it in sum it's all interesting but I will be waiting for more research, as you say with a wider study, before I'll be prescribing the precious ganja when the possible benefit seems kind of impressionistic so far.
Common rumor is that cannabis is a desired treatment for Glaucoma but in reality to be effective in reducing IOP to help you need to smoke continually throughout the day and takes pills for while you sleep in order to show significant results.
Research tends to focus on methods that retain the euphoric effects rather than isolating the active ingredients that achieve the results.
Most patients can not walk around smoking weed all day. And I doubt employers will listen to I need to smoke some weed every few hours while at work
I haven't heard the reefer / glaucoma connection in some while and I've wondered about 'medicinal marijuana' for what happens at work. Does that make it alright to smoke in the workplace now? I can't believe they say it's ok for driving now because it's medicinal.
There's been quite a bit of anecdotal noise about the CBD extract from reefer but there doesn't seem to be much hard science even now.
I would like company policy covers that.
I never terminated anyone for drug/alcohol issues. I let thier poor performance or absenteeism do it fir me
That's only going to get losers who would probably be fired anyway. My hours were always longer than anyone else and I scoffed at wastrels who could not keep up.
Even though I support legal reefer, as a manager I would have to see someone's performance on it before I would permit it. My tolerance for slackers is not typically too high.
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