For a long time, the media has been trying to convince the world that cannabis is a gateway drug, and can be the precursor for addiction.
However, modern science is now showing us how the complete opposite is true. In fact, cannabis is being used to help people overcome their addictions, which says a lot for the gateway theory.
By accepting the new information that science is presenting, we are given a new doorway through which we can deal with the global epidemic of narcotic addiction. Cannabis is potentially a way to deal with a problem that until now, we have had no idea how to tackle.
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Cannabis use significantly decreases use of tobacco and alcohol
Not only are tobacco and alcohol legal, but they are glorified and advertised by the media. They are two extremely common and potentially fatal addictions.Until now there are only initial studies about the possibility of treating alcohol withdrawal with cannabis, but the results are promising.
As for tobacco, the National Institute of Health has conducted clinical trials that show those who were treated with CBD for tobacco addiction smoked 40% less tobacco during treatment. Cannabis as a potential treatment for tobacco addiction – who would have thought?
The role of cannabis in treating opioid addiction
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For starters, one of the number one reasons opioids are prescribed in the USA is chronic pain. This also happens to be one of the main reasons that people use cannabis. In fact, the problem of addiction could be avoided if the right (non addictive) medicines are prescribed in the first place.
Having put that aside, for those who are seeking medical attention for their opioid addictions, cannabis has proven to be extremely effective. Cannabis’ ability to target parts of the brain linked to reward and pleasure means that the withdrawal process can be handled better. It also is able to treat symptoms of withdrawal such as nausea, insomnia and restlessness.
The difference between treating chronic pain with opioids and marijuana is that marijuana has the potential to save lives, which can hardly be said for opiates.
