THis JAMA Internal Medicine article concludes that states that have medical marijuana have lower opiate overdose death rates. It is no secret that the number of patients with noncancer pain who receive opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled in the past decade. As this has occurred, the number of opiate overdoses and deaths has similarly peaked. … Read More
This is a link to the 4th annual report from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area publication which reports on the effects of legalization in Colorado. Marijuana related traffic deaths increased 48 percent in the three year average (2013‐2015) since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana compared to the three‐year average (2010‐2012) prior to legalization.… Read More
This JAMA viewpoint article examines how Medical Boards may look at physicians who recommend marijuana and the inconsistencies between state and federal laws. There are some interesting facts on usage and indications. During the past 2 decades, attitudes and laws have become more tolerant toward marijuana, with the prevalence of adults reportedly using the substance… Read More
Interesting JAMA article by Emergency Physician Esther Choo regarding the likely transition of opiate use/abuse to marjiuana use/abuse. With the current nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse, dependence, and fatalities, clinicians are being asked by federal agencies and professional societies to control their prescribing of narcotic medications for pain. Federal guidelines emphasize tapering, discontinuing, and limiting… Read More
Russia probably isn’t the only country whose athletes have been caught using Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs). Many of the athletes and their coaches have long been looking for and figuring out edges and secrets. Lance Armstrong was the most tested individual in the world and never tested positive. This article is a quick rudimentary list… Read More
Many people talk about the safety of marijuana. This study in the February 24, 2016 issue of NEJM explores ED Visits and compares those from Colorado vs those visiting. Because Colorado is one of the few states where there is complete legalization of marijuana, there are reports of marijuana tourism. This article explores the differences… Read More
