Medical Marijuana Use in Louisiana Linked to Reduced Reliance on Prescription Painkillers, Study Finds

Researchers from the University of Louisiana surveyed more than 2,000 medical marijuana patients, examining patterns of use, reasons for treatment, and the impact on prescription medication habits. Patients reported significant pain reduction, with average scores dropping by 3.4 points on a ten-point scale. The findings also show that those already taking prescription pain medications were 1.5 times more likely to use marijuana less frequently.

In contrast, patients who had stopped using prescription painkillers were 26.5% more likely to increase their marijuana use.

The study points to a clear substitution effect, with medical marijuana reducing the need for prescription pain drugs. Researchers note that these results reinforce the potential role of marijuana as a safer alternative for patients managing chronic pain and inflammation, particularly in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis.

For more information on this study, click here.