Patients and Caregivers Report Using Medical Marijuana to Decrease Prescription Narcotics Use

Authors

David C. Peters II, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Abstract

In depth qualitative interview data were collected from medical marijuana patients and knowledgeable producers in Michigan about their perceptions and observations on the medical use of marijuana. Patients consistently reported using marijuana to substitute or wean off prescription drugs. All patients and producers who were taking opiate pain killers claimed they reduced overall drug use, especially opiates, by using medical marijuana. Patients and caregivers also claimed medical marijuana was preferred over opiates, eased withdrawal from opiates, and in some cases was perceived as more effective at relieving pain.

Recommended Citation

Peters, David. 2022. "Patients and Caregivers Report Using Medical Marijuana to Decrease Prescription Narcotics Use." Humboldt Journal of Social Relations 1 (35): 24-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55671/0160-4341.1185