They get significantly REDUCED, that's what.
States that allow legal use of medical marijuana have lower rates of fatal overdoses from prescription medications.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found the 13 states where medical marijuana is legal had 24.8 percent fewer annual opioid overdose mortality rates.
Shocking.
Just shocking.
About 60 percent of all deaths from opioid overdoses happen in patients who have legitimate prescriptions, and the number of patients who are prescribed opioids for non-cancer pain has nearly doubled over the last decade.
Opiod meds, essential for certain pain management, though not always terribly effective, are dangerous. They are addictive and as the records show, they come with a significant potential for harm and death.
But don't smoke pot: isn't that what we always have to hear?
If additional studies confirm their findings, the researchers said medical marijuana laws could be promoted as a means to reduce prescription painkiller abuse.
Take that, ONDCP/DEA/HHS/NIDA.
Take that.