If anyone actually cared about ending the opioid epidemic....

[NightWatcher]

I've one word for them: Cannabis

Give opioid addicts Cannabidiol (CBD) oil with high percentages of THC (the chemical in marijuana that gets you stoned) to reduce cravings and replace the high or maintenance dose that the opioid addict needs. As time goes by, reduce the percentage of THC very gradually, if necessary. Over time the addiction can be reduced, even to zero in most. In the short time, the THC the user consumes will not negatively affect (or effect) their body or daily activities.


But NOOOOO, we want to treat cannabis as an illegal substance....primarily because Big Pharma writes checks to politicians.

Now Chris Christie can go back to dodging prosecution back in New Jersey full time.

Problem solved.

[KittyWampus]

1. I brought this up at a committee meeting: the same way a parent says "don't have sex BUT

if you do have sex be sure you are safe and protected and if you get in trouble come to me first"...

Parents should tell kids "don't do drugs but if you do leave alcohol and dope alone and smoke weed".

Of course a politician can't say that.

[TheDebbieDee]

2. While cannabis may not be physically addictive

It can damn well be psychologically just as addictive!

It all depends on whether or not the user REALLY wants to quit or if the user just wants to avoid the physical side effects of withdrawal...

I don't have a background in behavioral therapy or anything, tho. I'm just a former cigarette smoker. I used hypnosis to quit and I'm very glad I did! Just my 2 cents.

[pamela]

3. Two words: Cannabis and KRATOM

Kratom is amazing for pain relief and opioid addiction. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant. When the DEA tried to ban it last October they were shocked at the backlash as Kratom had been largely flying under the radar but had a very loyal following. It has been saved for now but I fear what will happen with this new administration.

[superpatriotman]

4. Absolutely

I've seen firsthand the benefits of Kratom on opioid users.

Still early, but I think in a few years it could become a safe, mainstream withdrawal aid and opioid replacement.

[pamela]

5. It's fantastic for chronic pain, too.

I use it regularly for a chronic back problem. I wasn't an opioid addict mainly because I was afraid of becoming addicted and was super careful with my prescriptions. (I would take half the prescribed dose and skip days, etc.) When I found Kratom, I stopped using them completely. Not only did it take away the pain, it was a great anti-depressant for me whereas opioids always depressed me. Such a win/win.

[logosoco]

6. It is THE best for my chronic pain!

And i have used opiods (left over from tooth extractions over the years). Those have so many nasty side effects!

I have also recently added vaping CBD oil. That is even better!

For many, many years I had blisters/peeling skin on my hands. Went to see a couple of doctors for that, to no avail. I found some hemp lotion and bought it sort of as a joke, it cleared up my hands within DAYS!

This stuff is amazing. I can almost understand why other businesses don't like it. Hemp and cannabis can do SO many things!

[Calculating]

7. Meanwhile

The corruption is reaching sickening levels. If the people of our country had any balls there would be CEOs and politicians hanging from street poles over stuff like this. This is the big problem with 'for profit' healthcare. EVERYTHING is about making money rather than actually helping the sick in the most effective way.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/dea-synethetic-marijuana-safer-than-weed/
Syndros, a liquid marijuana substitute that contains a synthetic version of the marijuana ingredient that makes users feel high (THC), has been assigned a less restrictive drug category than real weed.The liquid is developed by Arizona-based pharmaceutical company InSys Therapeutics, the company behind synthetic opioid Fentanyl, which is around 100 times more powerful than morphine.
Controversially, InSys Therapeutics last year donated $500,000 to a successful campaign aimed at defeat of a possible legalization of marijuana in Arizona. At the time, the company said that legalization would fail to “protect the safety of Arizona’s citizens, and particularly its children.”

[Bonx]

8. Weed is for hippies. It's ok to take pills from the Doctor.

[Calculating]

9. Doctor knows best

What's best for big pharma that is.