The NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse, believes there is no evidence showing marijuana will wean people off an opioid addiction. Using marijuana as a treatment to do so may deny the person a chance to have a successful recovery.
The director of NIDA, Nora Volkow, said the nation’s research agency on drug use would like to assess and test the ingredients in cannabis, as perhaps a treatment for those Americans with an opioid abuse disorder. She further says that there is no real evidence which implies marijuana will help treat opioid addictions.
There are some states including New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey, that allow the use of marijuana as a treatment method for those who are addicted to opioids. Some of the opioids these people are addicted to include oxycontin, heroin, and fentanyl. In addition, the Maryland General Assembly is considering the idea of implementing a bill to put opioid use disorders on the state’s list of qualifying medical issues for marijuana use.
NIDA Views on Marijuana and Opioid Disorders
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the NIDA, says she is concerned that people might decide to substitute marijuana for the FDA approved medications. These medications include methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. If they do this, they will be in danger of relapse. In a USA Today Editorial board interview, Dr. Volkow said “If you don’t treat it properly, your risk of dying is quite high.” The doctor added that her major concern was that when misinforming potential patients regarding the supposed beneficial cannabis effects, they may not receive a treatment that saves their life.
The NIDA are planning on performing two or three studies to assess cannabis ingredients to see if they are actually a good treatment for opioid addiction. Still, Dr. Volkow says, there is no scientific evidence supporting claims that state marijuana is helpful in healing people with opioid addictions. Dr. Nora Volkow said, “I’m not saying it’s not possible.” “Like anything else, we need science in order to determine and provide the evidence of whether it’s effective or not.”
Opioids are a Losing Battle
Maryland delegate, Cheryl Glenn, said “We’re losing the battle on opioids.” She also sponsored a bill which allows people to use marijuana for opioid abuse disorders. This bill was passed by Maryland’s senate, but Maryland’s house would later request a hearing opposing it. Many representatives prefer the bill to require patients to use other opioid treatment methods before being allowed to use marijuana. This is something Cheryl Glenn opposes. Her mother passed away from kidney cancer. None of the doctors had told her she must try a certain medication first, second, or third. Glenn stated that she thinks the same thought should be rewarded when looking at opioid abuse disorders.
If you or a loved one has an opioid addiction, don’t feel ashamed, you should know that you are not alone. There were about 47,000 Americans who died due to overdoses (https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/50-states/2019/01/18/opioid-overdose-deaths-progress-centers-disease-control-cdc-data-fentanyl/2501866002/) from heroin, fentanyl, and other kinds of opioids. Many studies are showing opioid is a public health crisis. It has become an issue everyone in the country should be concerned about correcting. One lengthy report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine adds to these studies by concluding that many Americans could benefit by using buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.
There are many reports indicating treatment barriers come into play in regards to opioid addictions which include the following:
- Misunderstanding towards addiction
- Stigma towards addiction
- Lack of knowledge
- Medical care issues
- Regulatory limitations
- Patient’s lack of money
Along with these barriers, some studies show teens and young adults, residents from rural areas, and ethnic minorities don’t have the same access to treatment as many others across the U.S. In addition, regulatory barriers, more often than not, prevent people from having access to treatment. For instance, legal methadone can only be administered at opioid treatment clinics which are approved, accredited, and certified by SAMHSA. However, there has been some studies showing that administering it through a medical practice can also be effective. More people might be able to obtain the drug to help them with their opioid addiction.
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There are options for a person with an opioid addiction. There are medicines to help them overcome the addiction as well. However, is marijuana the answer? Many experts believe a person should choose to try using methadone, naltrexone, or buprenorphine before even considering any other course of treatment. If you are facing an opioid addiction, first it is important to remember you are not alone. Secondly, you should try calling an opioid addiction treatment center today. The professionals at these centers can help you go over all your options. They can assist you in the process of overcoming your addiction. Make that call to save your life right away. You will be glad you did.
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