In a recent op-ed for PennLive, Dr. Bruce Nicholson explores medical marijuana as a possible solution to Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic.
Dr. Nicholson explains that while doctors have begun to address opioid misuse, patients are currently left with few options for real pain relief. Many are prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which with chronic use, can lead to dangerous GI and cardio-vascular complications. Dr. Nicholson believes that Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program will provide patients safer, non-addictive option to ease their pain.
“Several studies have produced substantial results showing that cannabinoids – the chemical compounds found in medical marijuana – reduce pain and is approximately 20 times more potent than aspirin as an anti-inflammatory.”