A new study says cannabis could play a major part in quelling the opioid crisis.
The study, which is published online in the Harm Reduction Journal, says “U.S. states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 per cent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate” than ones without.
The study suggests “Canada may be particularly well positioned to implement these proposed interventions because of a long-standing federally regulated medical cannabis program that currently serves over 150,000 Canadians with physician support for medical cannabis.”
Sarah Blyth with the Overdose Prevention Society says it’s something that’s already being done in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
“When it’s eaten or taken in capsules to relieve pain, it actually works.” she says.
“It’s pain management in a different way. It’s not going to kill you.”
Blyth says the marijuana products and edibles are donated by suppliers.
New statistics show the City has so far recorded 232 suspected overdose deaths for 2017; which is one more than the overall total for 2016. At this rate, the City is anticipating more than 400 deaths by the end of the year.
– With files from Paula Baker
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