THE LEGALIZATION OF MEDICAL marijuana may reduce opioid use in cancer patients.
As of 2022, medical marijuana for pain relief is legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Living in these states is associated with a lower rate of opioid dispensing in patients receiving cancer treatments, a paper published on December 1 in the journal JAMA Oncology says.
Results of the study show that medical marijuana legalization was associated with a 5.5 percent to 19.2 percent relative reduction in the rate of opioid dispensing (i.e., the rate of receiving at least one opioid prescription) to adult patients aged 18 to 64 who were newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal or lung cancer and receiving cancer treatment.
The analysis involved 38,189 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, 12,816 with colorectal cancer and 7,190 with lung cancer. These three cancer types were chosen for the study because of the large number of new cases among those younger than 65.
Between 2012 and 2017, medical marijuana legalization took effect in 14 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
This story is from the December 16, 2022 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2022 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program
The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer
Loosening up and ceding control are some of the most important strategies for making life easier for a neurodiverse loved one
Fertility Clinics 2024
FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPAN D THEIR FAMILIES, FERTILITY CLINICS CAN BE A VITAL OPTION
'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'
India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen
MODI'S MOMENT
INDIA'S LEADER is SHAPING the COUNTRY in his OWN ASSERTIVE IMAGE
Resurgence of Global Mayhem
While the world watches Gaza, ISIS is gaining strength and momentum, building networks and preparing for strikes worldwide
Is It Time to Leave Syria?
The U.S. is reportedly considering withdrawing from the country, with pressure from Damascus amid deepening unrest in the region. Is this the right move? Two experts weigh in
Chris Perfetti
IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS SINGING THE PRAISES of ABC's Abbott Elementary, fear not, they've heard you. \"We love to hear it,\" says Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob Hill on the Emmy-winning sitcom about teachers at a Philadelphia public school.
Divine Intervention
POPE FRANCIS' PROGRESSIVE REPOSITIONING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS CREATED BATTLE LINES BETWEEN ITS 1.3 BILLION FOLLOWERS, NO MORE SO THAN IN THE UNITED STATES
Who Rules Gaza When the Fighting Stops?
With no clear leader coming to the fore, questions remain about how the devastated territory will be managed
