Legalizing Marijuana: Separating Fact from Fiction

Legalizing Marijuana: Separating Fact from Fiction In addition to choosing a president this November 8th nine states have marijuana legalization on the ballot this election day. Just like the presidential election, misinformation abounds when it comes to marijuana and the effects its legalization would have on the states considering it. Here are a few of the most common myths associated with marijuana legalization and the truths they’re hiding. Myth: Only recreational smokers want to legalize marijuana. Reality: Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for a wide variety of physical and psychological illnesses ranging from chronic pain to seizures to ongoing cancer treatment. In some cases, medical marijuana can also act as an effective alternative to prescription opioids, preventing patients from possible abuse or addiction. It is unethical for the medical community to let the public image of marijuana as a party drug distract from its medical benefits. Myth: Legalizing marijuana will increase the overall number of people who die from drug abuse. Reality: States that have legalized marijuana have actually seen a decrease in the number of deaths related to an opioid overdose. This amounts to more than 1,700 people whose lives were save at least in part due to the legalization of marijuana. With the opioid addiction epidemic ripping across the country, why wouldn’t we do everything we can to prevent opioid overdoses? Myth: Marijuana will only be legalized if it’s comp...
Source: Cliffside Malibu - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Richard Taite addiction treatment center drug addiction drug treatment drug treatment center healthy eating prescription drug abuse prescription drug addiction substance abuse Source Type: blogs