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Medical Marijuana

Were Puerto Ricans Using Cannabis 2,500 Years Ago?

October 25, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

A new study shows that the use of cannabis in Puerto Rico could date back 2,500 years!

A research paper recently published in Science Advances revealed that the first human use of the cannabis plant occurred 2,500 years ago. This means that people may have been using cannabis in Puerto Rico for a very long time.

cannabis in Puerto Rico

Past researchers have discovered the plant and its seeds in various archaeological sites. But this new evidence found in Central Asia is the first to signal marijuana use for psychoactive purposes.

The cannabis plant can serve many different functions. In the past, people used it as a fiber for clothing or rope, as an oil for nutrients, or even as a tool for ritualistic ceremonies. Because it’s so versatile, past archeologists didn’t know for sure whether evidence signified psychoactive use.

But scientists have discovered new evidence of psychoactive cannabis use… 

cannabis in puerto ricoArchaeologists recently found 10 wooden bowls in burial sites at Jirzankal Cemetery in far-western China. After an international research team studied studied the contents of those bowls, they discovered something interesting.  Inside the bowls were small stones that had been exposed to high temperatures. The team identified these stones as braziers used to burn incense or other plants. The chemicals found in those braziers revealed that 9 out of 10 contained cannabis! What’s more, the chemical signature in that cannabis was different from any that has been discovered before.

How do we know the cannabis was used for psychoactive reasons?

The Jirzankal cannabis contained molecular remnants of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the chemical that creates psychoactive effects. Scientists believe, then, that the cannabis found in other sites was used for clothing and rope. But Jirzankal cannabis would have been used for psychoactive purposes.

But there’s something even more remarkable: the cannabis found in Jirzankal contained higher levels of mind-changing compounds than any other ancient location of cannabis. Scientists believe that people may have been gathering certain kinds of cannabis that had more potent levels of THC.

The study has sparked lots of comment from others in the field.

One comment was from Robert Spengler, director of paleoethnobotany laboratories at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History. He believes that even 2,500 years ago, humans were seeking out specific plants for chemical production. He also said it gives us the only concrete evidence that humans used marijuana plants for psychoactive effects.

According to Mark Merlin, an ethnobotanist at the University of Hawaii, “the wide diversity in cannabis around the world today is a testament to how long people have been involved with the plant and harnessed its many uses.”

The History of Cannabis in Puerto Rico

While we don’t yet have any archaeological evidence of early cannabis use in Puerto Rico, we can trace its development back quite a ways.

cannabis in puerto ricoThe first known human activity on the island of Puerto Rico dates back to 1000 BC. At this time,  hunting and gathering inhabitants known as The Ortoiroid settled in caves and open spaces there. The Saladoid tribe later displaced the Ortoiroid around 430 and 250 BC. Between the seventh and 11th centuries, the Arawak likely settled on the island. This period saw the rise of the Taino culture, which became dominant in 1000 AD. The Taino were known to to chew, smoke, and snuff medicinal cannabis.

Now, medical marijuana is legal and thriving in Puerto Rico.

How does a study like this one help us now?

Studies like the one published in Science Advances help to normalize the use of medicinal marijuana. When people see that the practice has been a natural part of human history, they are more accepting of it.  It’s possible that we could see more evidence of early marijuana use  from different areas of the world.

To learn more about the ancient history of hemp and cannabis use, visit this article.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: cannabis in Puerto Rico, marijuana puerto rico, Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis

Can Cannabinoids Be Used to Treat Colon Cancer?

October 17, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

There may be good news on the way for those who have been diagnosed with colon cancer. A research team at the Penn State College of Medicine recently completed a project that showed compounds found in cannabinoids could be used to treat colon cancer. 

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Last year alone, the disease caused more than 50,000 deaths. These statistics are provided by the National Cancer Institute, which conducts studies and research in the United States about the disease.  

The researchers at Penn State were surprised when they discovered that ten of the compounds in their study could be found in cannabinoids. The cannabinoid compounds have been shown to stop tumor growth and development, and might possibly be used as a preventative measure in the future. 

Current Compounds Have Been Ineffective

When cannabinoids are mentioned, most people generally think of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). These are the two compounds that are often associated with medicinal purposes, both as an anti-anxiety medication and as a kind of muscle relaxer. When it comes to cancer, however, these two compounds from cannabinoids have been much less effective at preventing tumors from forming and stopping cancer growth.

The ten compounds found by the Penn State researchers have been isolated out of cannabinoids for the first time, and it appears they will be far more effective in fighting cancer than THC or CBD have been to this point. 

What’s Next for These Compounds?

Kent Vrana, Chair of Penn State’s pharmacology department and a lead researcher on this study, says that the isolation of these compounds could be crucial to cancer research. Now that they have been isolated, Vrana says the next step is to test them against cancer cells to see how effective they can be in the fight. Once that initial step is complete, the researchers think they can start to modify these compounds to make them increasingly effective at fighting cancer. 

New Cancer Drugs are the Goal

Vrana also said that the endgame for the cancer research community in this project is the creation of new cancer drugs and vaccines. By isolating, testing, and modifying these compounds, Vrana believes that the compounds can then be turned into drugs that fight cancer better than ever before. Additionally, if some of the compounds are more effective at fighting particular types of cancer, then multiple drugs could be developed to combat different cancers. This could lead to more individualized treatment for patients and better patient outcomes. 

Filed Under: Cannabis Conditions Tagged With: Cannabinoids, Colon Cancer, Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis, puerto rico marijuana

Alcoholism Could Be Treated With Medicinal Cannabis

October 14, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

You can treat your alcoholism with medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico.

Alcoholism is a disease that causes nearly 88,000 deaths each year, plus an addition 10,000 deaths as a result of alcohol-related accidents. Although there are pharmaceutical drugs that can treat alcoholism, it’s rare that people actually receive these drugs. New studies are now suggesting that medical marijuana could be beneficial in combating alcoholism.

How can medical marijuana treat alcoholism?

Unfortunately, treating alcohol abuse is not easy. Oftentimes patients experience severe detoxification and withdrawal symptoms as they stop drinking alcohol. Studies have shown that medical marijuana could eliminate opiate addiction and help those treating alcoholism to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

According to a study published in the Harm Reduction Journal, nearly 40% of patients were able to substitute alcohol with marijuana, 26% were able to substitute illicit drugs with marijuana, and 66% were able to substitute prescription drugs with marijuana.

When asked why they decided to use medical cannabis in place of what they were already using, participants said it allowed them to manage their symptoms more effectively, it produced less negative side effects, and caused little to no withdrawal symptoms.

Why Medical Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol 

Studies show that medical marijuana is not dangerous to individuals and society the way that alcohol is. For one thing, medical cannabis does not have detrimental effects on the liver, brain cels, or other organs in the way that alcohol can.

Actually, current research has shown that cannabinoids preserve neural cells from “cell death,” that often occurs during alcohol withdrawal. Typically during this period, an individual treating their alcoholism would experience significant cell death, but cannabinoids prevent that form happening.

How will medical cannabis benefit those struggling with alcoholism?

Patients with alcohol addiction may not be able to quit drinking “cold turkey” without increasing the risk that their withdrawal symptoms will cause them to relapse. Medical marijuana can both relieve their side effects and protect their brain cells during the period of withdrawal.

Using cannabis to treat alcoholism by reliving the following symptoms:

  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Stress
  • Nausea
  • Extreme cravings

Furthermore, using medical marijuana can help to treat underlying conditions that people typically tried treating with alcohol. These conditions include things like PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress, OCD, and other psychological disorders. Appropriately using cannabis can help relieve the symptoms associated with those diseases without introducing addition or withdrawal in the way that pharmaceutical drugs or alcohol might.

What are the best ways to treat alcoholism with cannabis?

Whenever you’re utilizing medicinal cannabis, it’s always best to speak with your provider about dosage and methods. In general, patients have reported taking one or two hits of medical marijuana either int he morning or in the evening. Using a vaporizer is another way to use medical cannabis if you prefer not to smoke. Other methods of consuming medical marijuana include:

  • Cannabis Tea
  • Edibles
  • Tinctures
  • Topicals
  • Cannabis Oil
  • Dabbing

Filed Under: Cannabis Conditions Tagged With: Alcohol Addiction, Alcoholism, Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis

Medicinal Cannabis Now Allowed in Some California K-12 Schools

October 11, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that allows parents to give their children medicinal cannabis in some California K-12 schools.

What exactly does the bill allow?

The bill, which was signed late on Wednesday, gives permission for parents to administer medicinal cannabis to their kids. It must not be in smoking or vaping form, and it must also be approved by the particular California school board.

Legislation similar to this one appeared last year but was vetoed by former Governor Jerry Brown. Brown stated his concerns with allowing marijuana around young children, especially as its use becomes more suspect as they get older.

Scott Chipman of Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana also called the bill an “unnecessary stunt.” He believes children can receive their medical marijuana doses before or after school hours.

But Newsom overruled any objections from law enforcement groups and signed the bill anyway.

Newsom is known for his support of the legal marijuana industry. He was the top advocate of Proposition 64, the 2016 recreational pot legalization initiative.

medicinal cannabis california schoolsNot everyone disagrees with Newsom’s recent decision to allow medicinal cannabis in California schools. Democratic Senator Jerry Hill, for instance, believes the bill will help hundreds of students. Many suffer from illnesses like epilepsy, and medicinal cannabis products will benefit them.

Hill added that this bill isn’t meant to give all students the chance to try medical marijuana. It’s designed for students who have no other options besides medicinal cannabis. The new law means they can take their medicine without having to interrupt their school day.

How have school districts responded to the new bill so far?

Jackie Goldberg, board member of Los Angeles Unified School District, says she’s on board with the new bill. She also added that she will be consulting the district’s health officials to come up with a specific policy.

“I think it ought to be available as a need if the student’s family gets a prescription or a recommendation from a medical doctor for using it because it seems to have help for some people, particularly for epilepsy and a few other things,” she said.

Goldberg noted that the medicinal marijuana approved in this bill does not contain ingredients that can get students high.

When will the medicinal cannabis law go into effect for California schools?

The law goes into effect on January 1. It’s called “JoJo’s Act,” in honor of a teenager from Francisco Bay with a syndrome called Lennox-Gastaut. This severe kind of epilepsy means that JoJo must take forms of medicinal cannabis in order to prevent harmful seizures. He previously could not attend school because this medication was not legal on the property.

California is not the first to pass this law. It already exists in both Washington and Florida. It’s possible that other states will follow suit.

 

Filed Under: Cannabis Medicinal Tagged With: Cannabis Medicinal, Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor Newsom Marjiuana, Marijuana Laws, Medical Marijuana

Do You Know What You’re Putting in Your Vape Pen?

October 7, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Puerto Rico has recently seen a surge in vape cartridges and cannabis products from other states. Prices on these items are often lower in other states, so you might feel like you’re getting a great deal. But the problem is, when you buy from unreliable sources, you may not know what’s actually in your vape pen.

vape pen

Studies have shown that cartridges  purchased on the black market can look exactly like name-brand products — but actually contain poor quality ingredients. Because there are no quality control measures in place like there would be when purchasing from the states, the market can be extremely dangerous. You might be buying cartridges that are packaged to look like the quality you are used to, but actually contain oils that have not been tested. This means there’s not even a way to know exactly what is in them.

So what does this mean for consumers looking to save a few dollars?

Your vape pen could put your life in danger.

Oils purchased on the black market have the possibility to harm you, and the damage could even be fatal.

Some examples of subpar vape companies include Dank Vapes, King Vapes, and FlavorX. Each of these companies offer lower prices on their products, claiming to sell a pure and effective cannabis oil. The variety of flavors carried by these companies also may appeal to consumers. It’s not hard for people to access products on the black market, both in Puerto Rico and in even in states where cannabis is illegal. It’s possible to purchase full gram vapes for $80 near San Juan compared to half grams sold in legal dispensaries.

 

vape pen

Although it might seem tempting to purchase supplies for your vape pen from these companies and others like them, you could be greatly sacrificing your health by doing so. Although these companies market safe products, independent laboratory evaluations showed that the products contain pesticides and solvents that could be very dangerous.

It’s crucial that you know exactly what’s inside your vape pen, and the only way to do that is to purchase exclusively from certified dispensaries. Take a look at the list below for reliable dispensary locations in Puerto Rico from which you can purchase regulated, top-quality supplies for your vape pen.

Clínica Verde

Clínica Verde, which has a location in San Juan, is a network of local, medical cannabis dispensaries approved by the Department of Health of Puerto Rico. They provide medical cannabis patients with high quality medical cannabis treatments, laboratory approved, and locally grown products to treat a variety of debilitating conditions.

Their dispensaries allow registered patients to purchase their medication in a safe, professional, and friendly environment. Their team is highly trained to provide patients with accurate recommendations observing the highest standards of customer service. They have several locations throughout the island of Puerto Rico, as well as association with other dispensaries.

Bwell Healing Center

Bwell Healing Center strives to create optimism and wellness in their clients. They are committed to patients who are open to seek alternative help for treating their symptoms.

FLUENT Cannabis Dispensary

FLUENT aims to make the most consistent, highest quality cannabis in the industry because they care about their customers and want them to have the very best outcomes.

Caribbean Green

Caribbean Green is Puerto Rico’s first medical cannabis cultivation facility. They have a grow facility that will allow them to grow up to 50,000 square feet of the islands best medicine possible. With over 20 years of growing experience from California, and a 100% Puerto Rican resident owned company, they are working to help patients in need.

Releaf Solutions

Releaf Solutions welcomes all patients who wish to obtain the benefits that medical cannabis can offer to their quality of life. They are a team committed to your health and well-being. They will work directly with the doctor to develop an articulated plan where your therapies can be balanced, achieving an optimal level of recovery.

Nirvana Health Clinic

Nirvana is a locally-owned and locally-operated fully-licensed dispensary. Their team is a group of cannabis experts and enthusiasts committed to the well-being of patients.

Cannassence

Cannassence is committed to providing the medical benefits of cannabis to the human body for proper well-being.

Senses Med Center

Senses Med Center aims to help patients have a healthier life by educating them on the best products that will work for their condition. 

Filed Under: Cannabis Conditions Tagged With: Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis, Vape Pen

U.S. Marijuana Industry Could Do $60B in Sales by 2023

October 2, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

A recent report from the Marijuana Business Factbook revealed that marijuana sales in the United States have been soaring. By 2020, the sales could beat the National Football League’s (NFL) $15 billion.

In 2018, the U.S. revenue from both recreational and medicinal marijuana was close to $10 billion. But by the end of year 2023, officials believe that the industry could hit $60 billion.

To put that into perspective, as of now, the marijuana industry has higher sales than Taco Bell. It beats the sales of e-cigarettes, Fortnite video games, and Goldfish cracker snacks all put together.

By 2023, it could beat out America’s total spending on annual gym memberships, according to Eli McVey, MJBizDaily’s Research Editor.

So how is the marijuana industry doing so well in sales?

Well, the clearest reason for the rise in sales is that many states have now legalized the drug.

Beginning with Colorado, 36 states passed laws that allow for the legal sale of marijuana. The laws helped to increase consumption of the drug, both for recreational and medicinal use.

But what’s interesting is that the legal sales make up only a small portion of the demand for the drug in the U.S, which is closer to $60 billion. This demand includes sales from the black market.

According to the McVey, at least 20% of American adults are using cannabis plants for pain management, medical therapy, or recreational purposes.

The more states begin to reduce restrictions on the plant, the more the industry will grow.

Will marijuana be added to the food industry as well?

A recent FDA hearing convened on May 31 to discuss the possibility of adding CBD into food products. The hearing included researchers, scientists, health professionsals and advocates.

Although the 2018 Farm Bill allowed for industrial hemp production for hemp-based products like CBD, it isn’t enough to allow CBD into food, drinks, and dietary supplements. The FDA alone is in charge of regulating those items.

The forum on May 31 was a huge step towards determining a plan for adding CBD into food and drinks.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: Marijuana Industry, Medical Cannabis Industry, Medical Marijuana, Puerto Rico Cannabis

These Skills Will Earn You a Place in Puerto Rico’s Cannabis Industry

September 30, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Puerto Rico’s booming cannabis industry promises to offer residents more job opportunities. Are you hoping to jump on the train? Then take a look at the skills you’ll need to land a job in the medicinal cannabis world.

What skills do you need to enter the medicinal cannabis industry?

Puerto Rico now has 77,000 registered medicinal cannabis patients, and that number is only expected to grow. The government has granted nearly 80 licenses for dispensaries throughout the island. Many are already open and running.

Puerto Rico’s medicinal cannabis industry is expected to reach $100 million in tax revenue by 2020. Because of this steady growth, the island will be able to employ over 20,000 people.

The industry is booming, but how can you land yourself a job? Learn what hiring managers in the medicinal cannabis industry are looking for in their employees.

1. A degree or professional experience in cultivation

Yes, marijuana has only recently become legal, so you might be wondering how can you get “background” knowledge on the drug. Enroll in school. Many universities are already offering programs and degrees related to the cannabis industry.

People who have a background in a similar field also have an advantage. For instance, someone who has grown microgreens will have valuable skills to offer to the cannabis market.

2. Good technological skills

There is room for many kinds of technologically-savvy people in the cannabis field. Employers are looking for lab workers, scientists, engineers, and computer networkers.

3. Financial expertise

The rapidly growing industry needs financial experts to help them thrive. Accountants, controllers, CFOs and other business experts will be very welcome in the cannabis world.

4. Knowledge of advertising

There are a lot of dispensaries on the island, which means fierce competition. People with a background in marketing, sales, and advertising are going to be crucial in the medicinal cannabis industry.

5. Cultural awareness

The legal cannabis industry is new and exciting. As a result, it needs young, energetic talent to help it grow and reach customers. If you haven’t had much job experience or recently graduated college, the industry might be the perfect place for you. Employers are searching for “green” minds to help offer flexibility and energy to the field.

So what should you focus on if you think you want to enter Puerto Rico’s medicinal cannabis industry?

cannabis industry

  1. Learn.

    If you’re able to take some classes, go ahead. Having professional education on medicinal cannabis and the industry is only going to give you a leg up on the competition. But if you can’t pay for official classes, learn all you can on the Internet about medicinal cannabis and what it takes to be in the industry.

  2. Strategize.

    Maybe you don’t have the exact job experience that’s listed in this article or even on the job description for which you’re applying. But that’s okay. Think about ways that your experience does align with the skills required for the job. Market yourself. Convince yourself — and the hiring managers — that your knowledge and experience makes you the best candidate.

  3. Connect.

    Just like in most fields, networking will be crucial in the medicinal cannabis industry. So stay aware of available positions on job boards. Make contact with people who are already working in the medicinal cannabis field. If you put yourself out there, you’ll reap the rewards.

Filed Under: Cannabis Medicinal Tagged With: Cannabis Jobs, Marijuana Industry, Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis

Marijuana Revenue in Colorado Shows How Puerto Rico Could Also Thrive

September 25, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

marijuana revenueRecent reports show that Colorado has passed the $1 billion mark in total state revenue generated from the legal marijuana industry. Since the drug became legal in 2014, the state has made a total of $6 billion in sales. This past April and May showed record sales in the five-year history of the industry, as the state took in around $24.2 million. Their sales doubled from $500 million to $1 billion in just under two years, and reaching $500 million took around three and a half years. In the past year, their entire monthly tax and fee marijuana revenue has not dropped below $20 million.

Clearly, the legal marijuana industry is thriving in the state of Colorado. Governor Jared Polis even joked he tells other governors not to to legalize it, as being in the minority here obviously gives them an advantage. But more and more states are starting to see the potential benefits and are moving towards following in Colorado’s footsteps.

Recently, Illinois became the 11th state to approve recreational cannabis for adult use. Before that, Washington, Alaska ,Colorado, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon Vermont, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington D.C. have all had legal marijuana sales.

Colorado currently has 2,917 licensed marijuana businesses and 41,076 people who are licensed to work in the industry. State officials believe many factors have been integral to the success of the business. These include creating retail edible serving sizes to create reasonable adult use, attention to production management that controls marijuana supply and demand, and keeping up with data and analysis from seed-to-sale marijuana inventory.

Colorado is a great example to other states who are considering or have recently made the decision to legalize marijuana, including Puerto Rico. In recent years, Puerto Rico has had financial troubles that could culminate in the largest municipal bankruptcy in United States history. Currently, Puerto Rico is $70 billion in debt, and they are struggling to pay it. The medicinal marijuana industry offers one potential solution to this growing economic problem.

Puerto Rico currently has 77,000 registered patients and it is only expected to grow to 100,000 by the end of the year. The government has granted approximately 80 licenses for dispensaries throughout the island while roughly 40 of them are already opened for business. The projections that have been studied and calculated after the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico following the Act 42-2017 or more commonly known as the “Medicinal Act” reflect that by 2020, all cannabis related activities will have reached $100 million in tax revenue. It is also determined that by the steady growth of the industry, by 2020, all related cannabis programs will have created and employed over 20,000 people.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: marijuana puerto rico, Medical Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, medicinal act

Will Legal Cannabis Decrease Puerto Rico’s Crime Rates?

September 23, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Could the legal cannabis industry help to reduce Puerto Rico’s crime rates?

A recent U.S. study has provided potentially good news for states who have legalized marijuana. The new marijuana laws have reportedly reduced crime rates by at least 13%.

This study looked at the U.S. states bordering Mexico, where most of U.S. marijuana originates. But other states are hoping that the legalization will reduce crime rates elsewhere too. Puerto Rico’s recent rise in crime could also  be reduced through the legal cannabis industry.

How does the legal cannabis industry reduce crime?

According to the study, the new cannabis laws allow farmers to harvest marijuana and sell it to dispensaries. The dispensaries then sell the product legally to consumers, which reduces the amount of sales within the Mexican drug cartel. The cartel, who illegally bring the drugs over the U.S. border, are often involved in competitive, gang-related violence.

Battles among different cartels often occur because of territorial issues. Sometimes, theft also sparks the disputes. But in states with marijuana laws, cartel presence has greatly decreased, which also lessens the violence.

puerto rico's crime rates

How much has crime really been reduced? 

The team of researchers involved in this study used the FBI’s crime reports from 1994 to 2012 to look at the reduction in crime. In California, violence has decreased 15% since the law changes were made, and Arizona around 7%. The type of crime that has decreased the most is robbery, which dropped 19%, followed by murder, which dropped 10%.

The reduction in crime may not be enough to inspire more state legalization.

Unfortunately, despite the significant reduction in crime, the recent political climate is leaning away from legalizing marijuana. The study’s authors feel strongly that these new insights can help to reduce violent crime, and even deaths, related to the illegal drug industry.

So far, over 20 states in the U.S. have created laws to regulate medical marijuana. There is reportedly one dispensary per six typical pharmacies in these states.

In both Washington state and Colorado, marijuana is fully legal, even for recreational use. The hope is that long-term crime will be even further reduced in these states as less and less cartel involvement is utilized.

Good news for Puerto Rico?

So what does this study mean in terms of Puerto Rico’s crime rates?

Puerto Rico does have a violent crime issue. Residents are hopeful that their medicinal cannabis industry will help to have some of these same effects on local crime. The overall theory is that the less gang-related illegal drug sales occur, the less chance there will be for violent crime to ensue.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: Cannabis Law, Medical Marijuana, Puerto Rico Crime

Medicinal Cannabis and Puerto Rico’s Opioid Crisis: How Do They Relate?

September 18, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Will the medicinal cannabis surge in Puerto Rico have any effect on the opioid crisis?

A recent study conducted by Northwell Health researchers showed that 27% of older adult patients were able to completely stop using opioid painkillers by using medical marijuana instead. It’s possible that using medicinal cannabis could help to reduce the opioid crisis in Puerto Rico.

The researchers surveyed over 138 patients who use medical marijuana. Those participants completed an anonymous 20-question survey that asked how often they used medical marijuana to manage their pain. It also asked about the form of marijuana they used, how well it reduced their pain, and how much they were able to reduce their use of other painkillers.

18% of participants said they were able to reduce their use of opioids “moderately.” 20% said they were able to reduce their use of opioids “extremely, and 27% said they were able to reduce their use of opioids “completely.” 91% of participants said they would recommend the use of medical marijuana to others.The patients involved in this study were all suffering from chronic pain related to conditions like osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and hip and knee issues.

Could medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico help eliminate the opioid epidemic?

medicinal cannabis puerto ricoLike many areas throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico has a severe opioid crisis. There are not nearly enough rehabilitation resources in Puerto Rico to serve all of those suffering with addiction to drugs. Fortunately, the results of this study suggest that medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico could help to improve this crisis.

Dr. Diana Martins-Welch, the study’s co-author, confirms that there is potential, here, for medical cannabis to replace opioids in many patients. “What I’m seeing in my practice,” she said, “and what I’m hearing from other providers who are participating in medical marijuana programs, is that their patients are using less opioids. I’ve even gotten some patients completely off opioids.”

Unfortunately, medicinal marijuana is not legal throughout all of the U.S., and it’s not always easy to access it, even if it proves to be medicinally therapeutic. Dr. Martins-Welch calls for medical marijuana to be widely available and easier to obtain, as it’s currently only legal in 30 U.S. states. Because it’s federally illegal, it’s also very expensive and not covered by insurance, making it inaccessible to many more patients.

Thankfully, medicinal cannabis is legal and accessible to Puerto Rican residents, which means that more and more patients could use it for pain relief. This means that less people will begin using opioids, which can be highly addictive, and it may begin to signal a reduction of the drug crisis.

Filed Under: Cannabis Conditions Tagged With: Medical Marijuana, Medicinal Cannabis, Opioid Crisis, PR Opioids, puerto rico marijuana

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