When you lay the facts on the table, you will quickly begin to notice that Ohio is a hot spot in the great marijuana debate. In fact, in 2015, the Buckeye State had proposed marijuana legalization bill that would result in an environment unequal to any other cannabis environment in the country (in which 10 dispensaries would function as a marijuana oligopoly, or have control over state sales). On the other side of the debate, the State Medical Board of Ohio is preparing to expand current medical conditions that meet the criteria for cannabis prescriptions. Even more interesting, though, one Ohio doctor and medical professor has taken the extra step with an interesting proposition: using marijuana to combat opioid addiction. Over the years, the Midwest has witnessed some interesting progression in the debate, so let’s take a look at why Ohio may be using medical cannabis to combat addiction to these dangerous painkillers.
Self-Experimentation
In a recent report, Dr. F Stuart Leeds (practitioner and teacher of family medicine at Wright State University) explains that civilians are perfect sources for this study. Overall, as Leeds points out, people have been experimenting with street drugs like marijuana for decades and can provide detailed reports of how the little green plan affects their health and well-being. Currently, Dr. Leeds is listed on the Ohio registry of physicians that have the authority to recommend medical cannabis to patients suffering from epilepsy or severe, chronic pain.
Even more interesting, Dr. Leeds has announced that medical marijuana should be prescribed to people suffering from addiction to opioids and is preparing a document package (of proof) to the State Medical Board. Keep in mind that opioid addiction is technically a qualifying disorder in three states: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey (where medical cannabis is allowed).
Other Side of the Board
Nevertheless, some experts greatly disagree with Dr. Leeds’ proposition. Recently, Dr. Mark Hurst (director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) boldly announced that no scientific evidence supports the idea that marijuana can ease opioid addiction. Likewise, Brad Lander (a clinical psychologist at the Department of Addiction Medicine at the Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center) also added that marijuana use is linked to amotivational syndrome (decreased interest in activities and lack of motivation) and has a negative impact on judgment, making pot a bad choice for drug addiction treatment.
Always remember that marijuana and opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
