The Opioid-Sparing Effect of Cannabis: A Cost-Effective Alternative for Pain Management
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, opioids have been the go-to treatment for managing severe pain, but their use comes with serious risks, including addiction, overdose, and significant healthcare costs. In recent years, there has been growing interest in cannabis as a safer, more effective alternative for pain relief. One of the most promising aspects of medical marijuana is its opioid-sparing effect, which refers to its ability to reduce the need for higher doses of opioids in patients who require long-term pain management. This shift not only benefits patient health but also offers significant financial savings. At Pascomjmd, we help patients explore the benefits of cannabis as a natural pain management solution.
The Opioid Crisis and its Costs
Opioid use, particularly for chronic pain, has been a double-edged sword. While effective for managing pain, long-term opioid use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and overdose. In 2020 alone, over 68,000 opioid overdose deaths were reported in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Beyond the human toll, the financial burden of opioid prescriptions and related healthcare costs is staggering. A study by Florence et al. (2021) estimated that opioid misuse costs the U.S. economy over $78.5 billion annually.
For an individual patient, the cost of using opioids for chronic pain management can be significant. On average, a patient prescribed opioids for chronic pain spends between $8,000 to $13,000 per year on opioid medications and related healthcare services (Alexander et al., 2019). These costs include not only the medications themselves but also frequent doctor visits, potential addiction treatment, and, in some cases, emergency care for overdose.
If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic pain and struggling with the financial burden of opioid treatment, consider exploring medical marijuana as a more affordable option. To learn more, book a consultation today at Pascomjmd, or call us at 727-233-6084.
Cannabis as a Pain Management Alternative
Cannabis, particularly its cannabinoids like THC and CBD, has been shown to reduce pain in patients with conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. Unlike opioids, cannabis does not carry the same risks of dependence or overdose. More importantly, cannabis has demonstrated an opioid-sparing effect in several studies.
For example, a study conducted by Haroutounian et al. (2016) found that patients who used medical cannabis alongside opioids were able to reduce their opioid dose by an average of 44%. Similarly, Boehnke et al. (2016) reported that patients using medical marijuana for chronic pain experienced a 64% reduction in opioid use, with fewer side effects and improved quality of life.
If you're interested in learning how medical marijuana can complement or replace your current pain management regimen, book a consultation at Pascomjmd, located at 7236 State Road 52, Suite 13, New Port Richey, FL 34667. Our medical professionals will guide you through the process and help you determine the best course of treatment for your needs.
The Financial Benefits of Cannabis
While the healthcare benefits of reducing opioid use are clear, the financial advantages are equally compelling. Medical marijuana is far more cost-effective than long-term opioid use.
Cost of Medical Marijuana: In states like Florida, where medical marijuana is legal, patients typically spend between $2,000 to $5,000 annually on cannabis, depending on their dosage and method of consumption (ProCon.org, 2022). This is considerably less than the average cost of opioid treatment, which can range from $8,000 to $13,000 annually (Alexander et al., 2019).
Doctor Visits and Healthcare Savings: Patients using cannabis for pain management may also experience fewer doctor visits and reduced need for other medications, further decreasing healthcare costs. Unlike opioids, which often require escalating doses due to tolerance, cannabis users can maintain stable doses over time, preventing the need for frequent medical adjustments.
If you'd like to explore how cannabis can help lower your healthcare costs while improving your pain management, visit Pascomjmd. Our team of experts is available to answer any questions and help you navigate the process. You can also call us at 727-233-6084 to schedule an appointment.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Patients and Society
Cannabis offers a safer, more affordable alternative for managing chronic pain, particularly for those who would otherwise rely on opioids. Its opioid-sparing effect not only reduces the risks of opioid dependence and overdose but also cuts down on the high costs associated with long-term opioid use. For patients seeking effective pain relief without the financial and health risks tied to opioids, medical marijuana is an increasingly attractive option.
At Pascomjmd, we are committed to helping patients explore the benefits of medical marijuana as a means of achieving better pain management outcomes. Our office, located at 7236 State Road 52, Suite 13, New Port Richey, FL 34667, is open 24/7 for consultations. You can book your appointment online at Pascomjmd or call us directly at 727-233-6084.
References
Alexander, G. C., Kruszewski, S. P., & Webster, D. W. (2019). Rethinking opioid prescribing to protect patient safety and public health. JAMA, 321(20), 1970-1972. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.4522
Boehnke, K. F., Litinas, E., & Clauw, D. J. (2016). Medical cannabis use is associated with decreased opiate medication use in a retrospective cross-sectional survey of patients with chronic pain. The Journal of Pain, 17(6), 739-744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2016.03.002
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Drug overdose deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/index.html
Florence, C., Luo, F., Xu, L., & Zhou, C. (2021). The economic burden of prescription opioid overdose, abuse, and dependence in the United States, 2013. Medical Care, 54(10), 901-906. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000000625
Haroutounian, S., Ratz, Y., Ginosar, Y., Furmanov, K., Saifi, F., Meidan, R., & Davidson, E. M. (2016). The effect of medicinal cannabis on pain and quality-of-life outcomes in chronic pain: A prospective open-label study. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 32(12), 1036-1043. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000000364
ProCon.org. (2022). How much does medical marijuana cost? https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org
