Medical Marijuana Users Are Quitting Prescription Drugs in Huge Numbers

As the U.S. witnesses a cascade of new laws that lift the prohibition of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, more people have made an exodus from their prescription drugs to the counters of their local dispensaries. This trend is only expected to gain momentum as medical cannabis users testify to the glowing results of their substituting marijuana for traditional pharmaceuticals, according to data released in a new report published by the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.

The research underscores the need for an “evidence-based approach” to the benefits of cannabis, rather than its criminalization and the advocacy of antiquated public health approaches calling for abstinence.

Researchers surveyed 450 adults who currently use cannabis at a cannabis law reform event in Michigan, where the plant became legal for medical purposes in 2008.

According to the study authored by Daniel Kruger of the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research and co-author Jessica Kruger of University of Buffalo, 44 percent of the medical cannabis users interviewed abandoned their usage of a pharmaceutical drug, cut back on its use, or both, and have instead opted for the sticky green herb and its numerous derivative products such as waxes, vaporizers, and medicated food products.

Out of those surveyed, 392 users reported that they use cannabis to help treat their health conditions. These users also indicated that they trust medical cannabis far more than mainstream health care including pharmaceutical drugs, especially due to its effectiveness, lack of adverse effects, cost and availability.

Read the full article at The Mind Unleashed