The man discussed in this article faces immense spinal nerve pain and is on a regulate dose of Percocet but the drug hardly, if at all, helps curb the pain. He is now looking into a cannabis base pain reliever as an alternative as he is afraid of becoming addicted to opioids.
https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2018/04/23/opioid-epidemic-tennessee-alternative-pain-relief-cbd-treatment/516000002/
Many people are looking towards alternative cannabis based pain relievers instead of opioids today. Do you think it is feasible that doctor's begin to embrace cannabis rather than turning to prescribing opioids in the near future?
Yes, I think cannabis should be feasible, specially if it is for medical purposes. Also, it seems like medical anthropology is starting to gain some traction beyond academic circles and we are starting to acknowledge that biomedicine is only one cultural way of treating pain/suffering. Other alternative methods from other parts of the world are starting to make their way in the U.S., and they seem to work better for some.
ReplyDeleteYes, for medical use this would be a better option for patients then prescribing opioids.
ReplyDeleteDreamland mentioned about capitalism in clinic. Cannabis may be a better option, but it may be also cheaper than other prescribing opiates. Therefore, I do not believe all the doctors would like to adopt the alternative cannabis.
ReplyDeleteMarijuana has been slow to be adopted in to the medical community based on the stigma surrounding it. Before people adopt such change, they need remove the stigma and objectively analyze its treatment and effects
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt comes down to would you want these people addicted to opioids possibly or prescribe a drug that has proven to be safe and effective. Doctors can prescribe both together. A few opioids for the severe pain just after surgery, injury, etc. with marijuana products to deal with lingering pain.
DeleteI think that alternative medicines like marijuana are at least worth trying as ways to manage pain. Doctors should always be looking for the best methods to alleviate pain for their patients, regardless of how profitable a certain drug is.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's not like marijuana is a new drug with unforeseen side effects.
Delete