Marijuana Could Literally Replace
These 5 Prescription Drugs
A new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review
found that people are increasingly substituting prescription
medication, alcohol, and illicit drugs with cannabis, signaling a
shift in the public's understanding of marijuana's medicinal benefits.
Research of British Columbia, more than 86 percent of respondents
reported giving up one or more of the substances for pot, with the
majority (80.6 percent) forgoing pharmaceuticals for the non-toxic
alternative. Those under 40 were also more likely to substitute all
three for cannabis, demonstrating its dynamic appeal for both
recreational and medical purposes.
RELATED: HERE'S WHAT MARIJUANA DOES TO PAIN
People suffering from chronic pain might be particularly inclined
to use cannabis instead of prescription medication in light of
recent studies that establish its effectiveness at treating pain,
improving the quality of patients' lives, and posing no risk of
serious adverse side effects. But there are numerous studies
that support the idea of marijuana as a safer, more effective
alternative to dangerous, addictive pills for a range of illnesses.
HERE ARE FIVE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS THAT
COULD BE REPLACED BY CANNABIS.
1. VICODIN (PAINKILLERS)
Multiple studies have determined that marijuana is an effective
treatment option for people suffering from chronic pain.
44 Americans die each day from painkiller overdose.
RELATED: HERE'S WHAT MARIJUANA DOES TO PAIN
2. XANAX (ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATION)
Not everyone can treat their anxiety with cannabis. For some,
smoking pot causes acute anxiety and paranoia, but that effect
is often connected with the type of marijuana that the user
consumes. Whereas sativas, which are associated with cerebral
highs, can sometimes induce anxiety (especially for infrequent
users), indica strains of marijuana have been shown to reduce
anxiety.
RELATED: HERE'S HOW MARIJUANA AFFECTS ANXIETY
3. ADDERALL (STIMULANTS)
Just as people who suffer from anxiety should be weary of
using certain strains of cannabis to treat their disorder, people
who want to replace their prescription stimulant with marijuana
should be aware that sativas (as opposed to indicas) are more
effective at treating ADHD and ADD.
RELATED: HERE'S WHAT MARIJUANA DOES TO YOUR STRESS
4. AMBIEN (SLEEP AIDS)
Using marijuana to treat sleeping problems is one of the most
common applications.Studies and anecdotal reports suggest
that it is safer and similarly effective at treating insomnia than
prescription drugs such as Ambien, for example.
RELATED: WHAT DOES MARIJUANA DO TO YOUR
SLEEP PATTERNS?
5. ZOLOFT (ANTIDEPRESSANTS)
Many medical marijuana patients (and several studies) have
found that cannabis serves as an effective treatment option
for depression. While it might not be right for everyone,
research has shown that smoking pot has less serious
side effects than those that have been attributed to
taking anti-depressants.
RELATED: WHAT MARIJUANA REALLY DOES
TO YOUR BRAIN
For information about the best cannabis strains for each
health issue listed above,check out Leafly.
Editor's note: This article was updated to include additional
information about health issues associated with prescription medication.
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