Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap ffeatures the recent release of a study from the University of Pennsylvania that found that on average, states allowing use of medical marijuana have lower rates of deaths from opioid overdoses than states without such laws.
The study examined opioid overdose deaths between 1999 and 2010, and found that on average the 13 states allowing medical marijuana had a 24.8% lower annual opioid overdose mortality rate after the laws were enacted – a factor that strengthened over time, averaging 20% lower in the first year, and 33.7% lower five years after implementation. The study did also note however that while it may indicate safer treatment of chronic pain, the reductions may also be a result of medical marijuana laws affecting how people misuse or abuse opioids.
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WorkCompWire will return on Tuesday. Have a great Labor Day Weekend!