Cannabis vs Opioids

CDC:

Opioid TAPER protocol:

“Discontinuing opioids after extended periods of continuous opioid use can be challenging for clinicians and patients. Tapering or discontinuing opioids in patients who have taken them long term can be associated with clinically significant risks (68), particularly if opioids are tapered rapidly or patients do not receive effective support.”

Medical cannabis patients should be prepared to lower their opioid dose since medical cannabis can potentially help to lessen the pain.

Source: 

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022 Recommendations and Reports / November 4, 2022 / 71(3);1–95Deborah Dowell, MD1; Kathleen R. Ragan, MSPH1; Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH2; Grant T. Baldwin, PhD1; Roger Chou, MD3

MEDICAL CANNABIS PROS/CONS:

Medical cannabis is a term used to describe the use of the Cannabis sativa L. plant and its cannabinoids to treat a variety of medical conditions. Cannabis is a plant that contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors throughout the body that helps to regulate a variety of functions, including pain, inflammation, appetite, and mood.

There is a growing body of research that suggests that medical cannabis can be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, including but not limited to:

• Chronic pain: Medical cannabis can be effective in reducing chronic pain, including pain caused by arthritis, cancer, Sickle Cell Anemia, and chronic headaches.
• Epilepsy: Medical cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy.
• Multiple sclerosis: Medical cannabis can be effective in reducing spasticity, pain, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.
• Nausea and vomiting: Medical cannabis can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other medical treatments.
• Appetite loss: Medical cannabis can be effective in increasing appetite in people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other conditions that cause weight loss.
• PTSD: Medical cannabis can be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Medical cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviors in people with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Other conditions medical cannabis can treat but not yet approved in Mississippi as a qualifying medical condition.
    • Insomnia: Medical cannabis can be effective in improving sleep quality in people with insomnia.
    • Anxiety: Medical cannabis can be effective in reducing anxiety in people with anxiety disorders.

It is important to note that the research on medical cannabis is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. Additionally, the legal status of medical cannabis varies from state to state, and is still Federally illegal as a Schedule 1 Drug. 

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about medical cannabis:

• It is not legal in all states. If you live in a Mississippi, where medical cannabis is legal, you will need to obtain a medical cannabis certification from a MSDH approved practitioner in Mississippi and then apply with the MSDH MMCP online.
• It is not regulated by the FDA. This means that there is no guarantee of the quality or safety of medical cannabis products.
• It can interact with other medications. If you are taking other medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential interactions with medical cannabis.
• It can have side effects. The most common side effects of medical cannabis include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Less common side effects can include anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Cannabinoids have been shown to have a number of therapeutic benefits, including:

• Pain relief: Cannabinoids can be effective in relieving pain from a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, cancer pain, and neuropathic pain.
• Inflammation: Cannabinoids can reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in a number of conditions, including arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
• Appetite stimulation: Cannabinoids can stimulate appetite, which can be helpful for people who have lost their appetite due to cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other conditions.
• Nausea and vomiting: Cannabinoids can help to reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy and other medical treatments.
• Epilepsy: Cannabinoids have been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in people with epilepsy.
• Mental health: Cannabinoids may be helpful for treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Medical cannabis is not without risks. Some potential side effects of medical cannabis use include:

• Dizziness: Cannabinoids can cause dizziness, which can make it difficult to drive or operate machinery. Increased fall risk.
• Impaired coordination: Cannabinoids can impair coordination, which can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
• Memory problems: Cannabinoids can cause memory problems, which can make it difficult to learn new information or remember things.
• Psychosis: In rare cases, cannabinoids can trigger psychosis, a mental health condition that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions.
• Cannabis impairment: The effects of cannabis can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the potency of the cannabis, the person’s body weight, and their individual metabolism. The NIH reported that “…there was no difference between any of the THC groups and placebo on any neurocognitive measure after 4 hours of recovery.” Some people may experience impaired judgment, coordination, and decision-making skills while impaired. They may also have difficulty concentrating and paying attention while impaired.