Battling the Opioid Crisis with Marijuana Derivatives

The opioid crisis continues to rage across the United States and
researchers trying to combat it are increasingly trying to find ways to reduce or eliminate the way opioids trigger the
brain’s reward-inducing mechanisms. Treatments such as this do not rely on an individual’s ability to wean themselves
off opioids but instead eliminate the high that comes from the opioids making their use by the individual without
reward.

Several medications are currently on the market and in use for treating opioid addiction the most common ones being
methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. However, these drugs have their own side effects and drawbacks and many
individuals suffer relapse following treatment or may simply become dependent upon the maintenance medication as opposed
to other opioids.

Recently, new research emerged that indicates that cannabidiol, an oil derived from marijuana buds, may have the same
effect as other withdrawal drugs, without the same side effects. Cannabidiol, or CBD oil as it is commonly known, works
to manage chronic pain in individuals who have developed opioid dependence. It also works on brain receptors to
eliminate the reward response that comes from the use of opioids and provides benefits like those associated with
anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications.

Discoveries such as these provide hope to individuals addicted to opioids but also are a source of frustration, as the
ability of an individual to obtain access to marijuana-derived medications is determined by their individual state’s
position on the legality of marijuana for medical use, recreational use, both, or neither. Additionally, the Federal
government has still not changed its position on the illegality of marijuana – the law still heavily penalizes those in
possession of the drug.

This presents a problem for anyone seeking to use an alternative treatment such as CBD oil in managing their opioid
addiction. As these maintenance programs require long-term use of the medication, being in possession of the medication
legally at all times becomes a concern. As marijuana laws are not uniform, traveling with or possessing CBD oil in a
state where marijuana continues to be illegal puts the individual at risk of fines, court hearings, and even jail.

Before beginning any experimental or broadly-approved treatment, you should make sure that participation will not put
you in violation of your local and state laws. Check with your health care provider to determine whether they can
prescribe such medications, which will often be a good indicator of the drug’s legality in your jurisdiction.

Fighting Opioid Addiction
with CBD Oil Created By: HonestCBDInfo.com

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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