Marijuana may reduce opioids, but it's not the solution
Two reports released this month showed a decline in opioid prescriptions in states that have legalized medical marijuana.
One report looked at Medicaid enrollees, the other people on Medicare.
Both reports find medical pot can encourage lower prescription opioid use and serve as a harm abatement tool in the opioid crisis.
Dr. Andrew Saxon is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and director of the Addiction Psychiatry Residency Program at the University.
He tells KUOW's Marcie Sillman the reports support alternatives to opioid prescriptions but the addiction crisis is far from solved.
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Casey Martin
Reporter
Casey Martin is a general assignment reporter who has covered everything from political protests to electric scooters. He is almost always out in the field where the news happens. Casey has reported on extremism, houselessness, politics and Seattle’s nightlife.
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