Racing to find an alternative: Substituting Opioids with Marijuana?

With the legalization of marijuana, much hope rides on the ability of this substance to alleviate pain and consequently reduce or eliminate the use of opioids. Despite the lack of research on the actual effectiveness of marijuana in reducing or treating pain and on substance addiction, marijuana is considered a safer pain management option.

However, the question to ponder for oral health practitioners is: are we really treating patients? Or are we simply substituting one substance with another substance, namely opioids with marijuana? And more importantly: how ethical is it to do that?

I have invited Dr. Mark Donaldson to share his thoughts on this question. Dr. Donaldson is Associate Principal at Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions and Professor in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana.

We would like to hear from you and know your thoughts and questions about this scenario. If you wish to reach us, it’s quite easy: email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca or call our toll-free number 1-855-716-2747.

Until next time!

CDA Oasis Team