{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/addiction/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3904-markdown","title":"What Is San Pedro: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-san-pedro-psychedelics-101","content":"Psychedelics like [LSD](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-lsd-psychedelics-101) and [magic mushrooms](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-psilocybin-psychedelics-101) are well-known in pop culture and are now studied for their potential therapeutic properties, but what about San Pedro (*Trichocereus/Echinopsis pachanoi*)?\n\nThis plant-based psychedelic is one of several cacti producing [mescaline](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/mescaline.html)— the psychoactive compound [that inspired](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC381240/) the term “psychedelic.” Researchers continue to unlock the potential of **San Pedro**, showing its possible applications in the mental health system.  \n\n![The san pedro cactus](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_20_03_PM_ceadbe1d2c.png)\n\n### What Is San Pedro?\nSan Pedro is a cactus native to the Andes Mountains. This cactus contains mescaline and other derivatives of [phenethylamine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenethylamine), yielding hallucinogenic properties. Although many Americans are unfamiliar with San Pedro, this plant has [a long history](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16625512/) as an essential element of spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. \n\nUsed by several pre-Columbine civilizations, the indigenous use of San Pedro for healing and psychedelic purposes remains part of the culture in Andean shamanism to this day. It is now being studied for [potential therapeutic benefits based on its unique effects](https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/san-pedro/). \n\n![The san pedro cactus](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_22_15_PM_1aab20baf9.png)\n\n### What Are the Effects of San Pedro?\nMuch like other psychedelics, San Pedro creates an intense and powerful psychedelic experience, leading to extravagant visuals, such as whirlpools of colored light, kaleidoscopic patterns, and ghostlike outlines of people. However, many people are surprised how relaxed and in control they feel. \n\nSan Pedro is also [empathogenic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empathogen%E2%80%93entactogen), much like MDMA — meaning it creates a sense of oneness, relatedness, and emotional openness. Although it’s common to experience specific effects, everyone will have a unique experience.\n\n![Psychedelic visuals are common with san pedro](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_23_22_PM_05e45e4da7.png)\n\nSome of the most common effects include:\n\n- Strong visual effects, especially at high doses\n- Altered sense of time \n- Altered thinking processes\n- Greater self-awareness and feelings of connection\n- Potential nausea \n- Possible anxiety and paranoia\n\nMany agree it's a beautiful, enjoyable, and even mystical experience — but adverse effects are also possible. For example, when San Pedro first hits, you may feel dizzy, and as you come up, nausea, vomiting, and perspiration are also relatively common. \n\nA bad trip often results among those who ignore the importance of [set and setting](https://hellomd.com/articles/exploring-mind-bending-psychedelics-psilocybin-and-lsd) and those who have a history of mental illness. \n\n### What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of San Pedro?\nSan Pedro’s healing capabilities are primarily anecdotal, but of the claims reported, San Pedro is a potentially powerful therapeutic substance. That said, several studies, reviews, and surveys have been published, including [a 2021 self-reported questionnaire](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.1c00018). Four hundred fifty-two anonymous individuals were asked about the mental health benefits attributed to mescaline.\n\n![The san pedro cactus](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_24_54_PM_95f39013e0.png)\n\nOf the respondents with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, 68-86% reported improvement following their experience with mescaline. Additionally, 30-50% of respondents rated their mescaline experience as the single most or in their top five for spiritually significant experiences of their lives. \n\nThe [University of Melbourne published an article](https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/psychedelic-medicine-a-mental-health-game-changer), “Psychedelic Medicine: A Mental Health Game Changer?” \n\nThis piece highlighted the rising number of studies on plant-derived psychotropic compounds for psychiatric disorders, including San Pedro. After conducting an analysis, researchers concluded that medicinal psychedelics have a significant effect on symptoms of depression in the short term and help patients with a mood disorder in the long term. \nAlthough more research is required, the current data and available case studies are compelling. \n\n### Are There Any Risks Associated With San Pedro?\n\nThose who plan to take San Pedro must be prepared for a long trip. The effects of San Pedro can last as long as eight to 12 hours. So, like other psychedelics, preparation is critical. For example, when taking San Pedro, you will experience powerful shifts in your consciousness, resulting in strong emotions. \n\nIf feelings of anxiety creep in, the effects are too long-lasting not to have something available that comforts you — especially if you’re using San Pedro in contexts that may not be safe. Again, this is why set and setting are so imperative. \n\n![The san pedro cactus](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_26_03_PM_89ee306651.png)\n\nSince research is limited, not much is known about San Pedro’s potential harm. Although there isn’t a known lethal dose, certain individuals may be at risk of complications, including those with high blood pressure, heart or colon issues, diabetes, or a mental illness. It is also not recommended that you combine San Pedro with MAOIs, including the antidepressants tranylcypromine and phenelzine.\n\n### Is San Pedro Legal?\n\nIn the United States, [mescaline is a Schedule I drug](https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Peyote%20and%20Mescaline-2020_0.pdf), defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, only peyote is specifically classified as a controlled substance of the cacti containing mescaline.\n \nProsecutions are rare but do happen — and in some jurisdictions, “entheogenic plants” are being decriminalized. In 2019, Oakland, CA, became the second American city to legalize psilocybin and other entheogenic plants and fungi after people spoke out about how psychedelics helped them overcome addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The actions taken are paving the way for psychedelic-assisted therapy.\n\nIn other areas of the globe, such as the Netherlands and the UK, the situation is similar. Certain psychedelics are uncontrolled and freely available, whereas others are still prohibited. \nIn the UK, psilocybin is illegal, but San Pedro is not. \n\nThe Netherlands is Europe's most psychedelic-friendly country — psilocybin truffles are legal, whereas drugs like LSD are not. \nIn New Zealand, Germany, and other countries, it is legal to cultivate San Pedro but illegal to use the substance recreationally. \nIn Ukraine, the government excluded San Pedro from the list of illicit drugs.\n\nSan Pedro is legal in the Andean countries, such as Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, even as a psychedelic.\n\n![The san pedro cactus](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_11_at_12_27_28_PM_ff632375fa.png)\n\n### Where Can I Legally Seek San Pedro Treatment?\n\nEfforts to decriminalize “natural psychedelics” are underway in the United States, with Oakland and Santa Cruz leading. However, **San Pedro is not currently legal on a federal level**. San Pedro ceremonies are legal in Peru, and while retreat centers offer various experiences, not all providers are equal. Personal research is crucial. \n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\nIt’s easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/14b42/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/f836f/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 200w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/2244e/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 400w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/14b42/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 800w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/47498/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/0e329/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/f0ad3/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.jpg 3813w","srcWebp":"/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/58556/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/61e93/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 200w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/1f5c5/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 400w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/58556/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 800w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/99238/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 1200w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/7c22d/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 1600w,\n/static/64f031470389e80f7f57fa2bda9eebf3/a4d75/f44bdfac5f864a6ab11b795524ce238a.webp 3813w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3902-markdown","title":"What is Ibogaine: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-ibogaine-psychedelics-101","content":"Psychedelics are in the limelight with research organizations such as [MAPS](https://maps.org/), [John Hopkins](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html), and The Imperial College of London studying their efficacy for mental disorders and substance addiction. Psychedelics are known to alter the Default Mode Network (DMN), an interconnection of brain components linked to daydreaming, obsessive worrying, self-reflection, anxiety, and depression. \n\nCommonly researched psychedelics include [LSD](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-lsd-psychedelics-101), [MDMA](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-mdma-psychedelics-101), and [Psilocybin](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-psilocybin-psychedelics-101). MDMA is being researched as a treatment method for PTSD and has received breakthrough therapy status by the FDA - it may be legal in clinical settings as early as 2023. \n\n![Psilocybin can treat depression and anxiety](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_05_at_7_10_58_PM_863788fa23.png)\n\nPsilocybin may be available in clinical settings in 2024 to treat certain mental disorders, including anxiety and depression—psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy [lowers anxiety and improves mood](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592297/#:~:text=Findings%20showed%20that%20psilocybin%2Dassisted,without%20clinically%20significant%20adverse%20effects.&text=MDMA%2Dassisted%20therapy%20is%20also,have%20yet%20to%20be%20published.) in patients who receive treatment.\n\nWhile the scientific research continues, there is renewed interest in exploring other psychedelic options to treat a broader range of addictions. A lesser-known psychedelic is ibogaine. This psychedelic carries the potential to treat addictions with substances such as heroin, fentanyl, alcohol, opioids, methamphetamines, and more.\n\n### What Is Ibogaine?\nIbogaine is a plant-based, psychoactive drug found in Central Africa. It is prepared by isolating alkaloids extracted from the bark of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub. Ibogaine is traditionally used in African spiritual rituals by indigenous pygmy tribes. French explorers in Africa brought the root back to Europe toward the end of the 19th century and spread its use throughout the Western world. \n\n![Ibogaine is consumed by African tribes](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_05_at_7_12_00_PM_d94f7b21a3.png)\n\nIn the 1960s, Howard Lotsof, a heroin addict, experimented with ibogaine and realized its ability to suppress the withdrawal effects of heroin. Unfortunately, the FDA banned scientific research with psychedelics after Nixon declared the [\"war on drugs\"](https://www.vera.org/blog/fifty-years-ago-today-president-nixon-declared-the-war-on-drugs) in 1971. After this, ibogaine disappeared before science and research could pursue its potential in fighting addiction could be pursued.\n\n### What Are Its Effects?\n\nIbogaine is a dissociative psychedelic, which affects perception through sight and sound, and causes a feeling of detachment. As with any psychedelic, the effect may be altered by set and setting and the amount of dosage and method of consumption. Ibogaine is different from iboga, which also will affect the outcome perceived by the user. \n\nConsumers of ibogaine report similar experiences during their journey with the drug. A trip with ibogaine will often conjure extreme or acute experiences of past memories. People report that the experience is like flashcards rapidly moving past or like a waking dream. There is an intense visual component during the acute phase of the trip.\n\n![Ibogaine taken by IV](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_05_at_7_13_43_PM_460cb3367e.png)\n\nAfter the acute stage of the ibogaine journey, a reflective tone is often reported. Many people start to evaluate the experience from the acute phase, which is when [integration therapy](https://www.verywellmind.com/integrative-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5201904) may begin with a trained psychotherapist.\n\n### What Are the Therapeutic Benefits?\nIbogaine treats a variety of addictions including addictions to alcohol, heroin, opioids, and more. In an ongoing randomized control [clinical trial,](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04003948) ibogaine is being used in the detoxification process of methadone, an opiate with strong withdrawal symptoms. \n\n![Ibogaine frees people from addiction](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_05_at_7_15_44_PM_f52c572355.png)\n\nThis psychedelic is known to restore brain processes to pre-addiction states, eliminating withdrawal symptoms. As such, it has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and [opiate abuse, among others.](https://maps.org/news/media/6693-press-release-two-new-studies-show-ibogaine's-promise-as-treatment-for-opioid-addiction). In a [Brazillian study.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271214) 75 poly-drug users (cannabis, cocaine, crack, alcohol) were treated, with a 61% abstinence rate without any adverse effects, complications or fatalities.\n\nIbogaine treatment is more effective when done in conjunction with integration psychotherapy. Therapy may start before ibogaine is ingested, continue through the process, and extend into the post-treatment integration period. \n\n### Is it Legal?\nIbogaine has been illegal in the US since 1967. The DEA categorizes it as a Scheduled 1 controlled substance. The drug is mostly unregulated in  Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and select European countries.\n\n### Are There Any Drug Interactions?\nStudies have shown that ibogaine is unsuitable for [patients with existing heart conditions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26807959) such as irregular heartbeats or congenital cardiac defects. The same study posits that there are contraindications with concurrent medication administration that are significantly affected by CYP2D6 metabolism, which involves kidney function.\n\n![Ibogaine interacts with some drugs](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_03_05_at_7_17_02_PM_f20072951e.png)\n\n\nAccording to the [Ibogaine University](http://www.ibogaineuniversity.com/contraindications/), patients seeking treatment should avoid a list of other drugs during treatment. These include:\n- QT-prolonging drugs\n- Anti-fungal Medication\n- Omeprazole\n- Fentanyl\n- Methadone\n- Psychotic medication such as amitriptyline, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil\n\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Treatment?\nThere are many legal ibogaine treatment centers around the world, however it is vital well-trained healthcare professionals run the facilities with the proper medical training and support. \n\nUnregulated Ibogaine treatments in underground facilities have led to fatalities due to a lack of medical knowledge. The [Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance](https://www.ibogainealliance.org/guidelines/) offers a well-structured set of guidelines that simplifies the selection process.\n\nIbogaine treatment may seem straightforward on its own. However, the real challenge lies in providing prior health screening. Choosing a treatment facility depends somewhat on a host of personal decisions and preferences. Still, any treatment center you consider should, first and foremost, adhere to the guidelines set forth by The Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance for clinical treatment with ibogaine.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Marijuana\n \nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed partitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You only pay if you're approved.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/14b42/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/f836f/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 200w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/2244e/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 400w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/14b42/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 800w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/47498/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/0e329/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/2b558/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.jpg 4296w","srcWebp":"/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/58556/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/61e93/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 200w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/1f5c5/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 400w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/58556/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 800w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/99238/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 1200w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/7c22d/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 1600w,\n/static/7a9e277a319450561aa94526f2558512/340b2/00e2a7565640e3a94e35eced35cda7fb.webp 4296w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3889-markdown","title":"What is Ayahuasca: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-ayahuasca-psychedelics-101","content":"*\"There are all kinds of ways to challenge ourselves. Some people do it by climbing a mountain or scuba diving. The most profound and challenging ordeal is to drink ayahuasca. It is in a way the ultimate adventure.\"* \n\n*- Graham Hancock, British writer, and journalist*\n\n-------------\n\nAyahuasca is a psychedelic medicine indigenous tribes have used for thousands of years. Today, it's garnering the attention of Westerners from all walks of life - from the Silicon Valley elite to urban psychonauts who are on a quest for deeper self-awareness and personal healing. \n\nThey're venturing near and far to drink ayahuasca in 'ceremony', often traveling to retreat centers in the South American rainforest. Films like [The Reality of Truth](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2056751/) take us on trips deep into Peru to explore how plant medicine may help us access deep states of conscious awareness. \n\n![Ayahuasca is made from a vine in the Amazon](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_08_46_PM_4adb853f9e.png)\n\nBut it goes past the desire to expand consciousness. In recent years, people who struggle with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, addiction, and even bipolar disorder claim that ayahuasca has immense therapeutic benefits. As a result, ayahuasca is now being studied, along with psychedelics, by research centers worldwide for its medicinal potential. \n\nWhat is it about ayahuasca that has such a profound impact on people? Could this plant-based psychedelic be used as a medicine for optimal health?\n\n### What Is Ayahuasca?\n\n![Ayahuasca is a vine that grows in the Amazon](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_07_25_PM_2e266429dc.png)\n\n\nThe \"vine of the spirits\" – ayahuasca has been used for therapeutic and spiritual purposes for centuries. The indigenous people of Peru, Guyana, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador began using ayahuasca as a sacrament in the 1930s. Today, its properties are studied for its positive impact on [mental health disorders, autoimmune disorders, and addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343205/). A recent study showed promise on ayahuasca's immediate [antidepressant effect](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/103531v1) for those suffering from severe depression.\n\nAyahuasca is ingested as a brew or a tea made from the banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains DMT, and the psychotria viridis leaf, which contains plant-based monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs extend the effect of DMT, making ayahuasca a long-lasting and powerful psychedelic. Most often, ayahuasca is made from plants in the Amazon, although people outside of South America also cultivate these psychedelic plants. Interestingly, DMT is a naturally occurring chemical found in small amounts in the human brain. \n\n![Ayahuasca is a brew or tea made from vines and a specific leaf](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_08_59_PM_6d97a5ca77.png)\n\n\n### What Are the Effects of Ayahuasca?\nWhen taken in controlled doses, [DMT significantly alters electrical brain activity]( https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191119075305.htm), although the effects associated with DMT are different from other psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin.\n\n[A study published in 2019](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51974-4) was the first to show how DMT impacts waking brain waves, causing subjects to experience an immersive \"waking-dream\". Those who take DMT, specifically ayahuasca, often report intense hallucinations and emotional experiences, leading to significant breakthroughs. As scientists describe this experience, \"it's like dreaming, but with your eyes open.\"\n\nAyahuasca has been shown to [modulate brain activity]( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895707/); impacting key neurotransmitters and gene expression. Ayahuasca may not just treat psychology and emotional well-being, but it may also [support brain health](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayahuasca#benefits), protecting brain cells while stimulating new cell growth.\n\n### What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Ayahuasca?\n\n![The Ayahuasca vine](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_12_44_PM_d8b6832f71.png)\n\nThe neurological effects of ayahuasca are both vast and complex. For example, there is evidence that [ayahuasca alters thinking style](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182612/), impacting areas such as judgment and reactivity. This suggests that consumers may experience greater acceptance of their thoughts and feelings, specifically benefiting those who have persistent negative, unhealthy thoughts – such as those with depression.\n\nAs [stated by Cambridge University Press](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/rapid-antidepressant-effects-of-the-psychedelic-ayahuasca-in-treatmentresistant-depression-a-randomized-placebocontrolled-trial/E67A8A4BBE4F5F14DE8552DB9A0CBC97), when individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression take ayahuasca, they can experience rapid antidepressant effects. Published in Psychological Medicine, this study concluded that when ayahuasca is dosed within an appropriate setting, it holds safe, and therapeutic value for those with depression.\n\nThe same is true for PTSD, as ayahuasca has become a popular alternative among those who have tried traditional treatments, such as medication and therapy, without much success. \n\n\n![People take ayahuasca for a variety of reasons, including to heal past trauma](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_10_34_PM_d2799fe91f.png)\n\n\nRegarding addiction, ayahuasca may exert [significant anti-addictive properties]( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773875/), based on how it influences dopamine and serotonin levels while interfering with synaptic plasticity, which contributes to learning and memory. Psychological insights also increase, helping individuals process repressed trauma while enhancing their decision-making skills.\n### Are There Any Risks Associated with Ayahuasca?\nTaking ayahuasca can be a very intense experience, and in some cases, individuals may experience psychological stress, higher blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. \n\n![Ayahuasca is most often in the form of a tea or thick brew](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_21_at_2_14_22_PM_8d71fe5b5a.png)\n\nWhen consuming ayahuasca, it is common that consumers 'purge', or vomit. It is also known to cause sweating, shaking, crying, and even defecation. Often, purging is looked upon as a cleansing of the body, mind, and spirit. To many, it's seen as a necessary part of the process when consuming this psychedelic. Many shamans consider the purge an essential part of one's journey and spiritual awakening.\n\nFor the most part, when taken in a responsible, controlled environment, ayahuasca is safe. As [stated by York University](https://trauma.blog.yorku.ca/2019/11/ayahuasca-and-its-potential-to-treat-ptsd/), this substance is most dangerous when individuals have a pre-existing illness, such as a heart condition. \n\nIn the few reported cases of death, such existing conditions are believed to play a role and other [ possible drug interactions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007657/). Ayahuasca is not intended to be taken with other recreational drugs, antidepressants, nicotine, or caffeine. There has never been a death during a clinical study.\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Treatment with Ayahuasca?\nAyahuasca is currently illegal to consume, sell, possess, import, or distribute in the United States. However, there are judicially granted exceptions for select churches, and in some cases, these legal battles reached the Supreme Court. There are similar exceptions being made in other Western countries, including Canada.\n\nIf you seek a retreat center outside of the United States that offers ayahuasca ceremonies, it is vital to do your homework.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/ee604/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png","srcSet":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/69585/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 200w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/497c6/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 400w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/ee604/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 800w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/f3583/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/58556/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/61e93/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 200w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/1f5c5/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 400w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/58556/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 800w,\n/static/279f4da01caf1c7149a0b60a9c94e9a9/99238/a430c766f206edb4581dc1fa4a3245ea.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3886-markdown","title":"What is Psilocybin: Psychedelics 101","slug":"what-is-psilocybin-psychedelics-101","content":"After several decades of being ignored by mainstream society, psychedelic mushrooms, known as [psilocybin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin), are being embraced for their remarkable healing qualities. Every day seems to bring new reports about the abundant therapeutic benefits of psilocybin — reports often generated by respected research institutions, such as [Johns Hopkins](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html) and the [Imperial College London](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/). It's time to start paying attention to psilocybin and how it may disrupt our mental healthcare system.\n\n### What is Psilocybin?\n\n![Untitled45-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled45_min_f93a11a214.png)\n\nPsilocybin, also known as [magic mushrooms](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/psilocybin.html), is a chemical compound found within certain mushrooms. It is also one of the most well-known plant-based psychedelic drugs. When psilocybin is consumed, it turns into psilocin, which has psychoactive properties which result in a psychedelic experience for the consumer. \n\nMore than 180 mushrooms contain this compound, with [psilocybe cubensis](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_cubensis) being probably the most well-known. In fresh or dried form, the mushrooms are usually mixed into food or brewed into tea, although some research labs process the mushrooms to precisely measure the psilocybin dosage.\n\n### What are the Effects of Psilocybin?\n\n![Psilocybin can cause hallucinations](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_36_40_PM_ba92eae610.png)\n\nThe word \"psychedelic\" is commonly associated with changes in perception and an altered state of consciousness. Consumers report generally enhanced sensory experiences, including visual halos and geometric patterns, time dilation, and a physical sense of relaxation. \n\n[Synesthesia](https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-synesthesia#:~:text=Synesthesia%20is%20when%20you%20hear,street%22%20and%20taste%20citrus%20fruit.) is also commonly reported. This experience is a blending of sense experiences so that music may appear visual or physical sensations are felt as sounds. \n\nMost importantly, however, psilocybin generates powerful emotional and psychological experiences. These tend to be strongly positive, often described as euphoria, wonder, or delight, and most people also describe feeling a new sense of [connection with the universe, or even God](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6478303/).\n\n### What are the Therapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin?\n\n![Medical labs are studying the effects of psilocybin on mental health and more](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_33_42_PM_fbe99427b8.png)\n\nThe emotionally uplifting experience brought about by psilocybin has many applications for mental and physical health. It has also been demonstrated to effectively treat [depression](https://psychedelicstoday.com/2019/11/13/psilocybin-depression/), [PTSD](https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/divisions-sections-centers/medical-ethics/education/high-school-bioethics-project/learning-scenarios/ptsd-treatment-psychedelics), [anxiety](https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/shrooms/), [headaches](https://maps.org/news/media/5967-new-york-magazine-psychedelic-mushrooms-cured-my-cluster-headaches), and [spiritual alienation](https://maps.org/news/media/2619-hopkins-researchers-study-therapeutic-use-of-psilocybin-in-magic-mushr). \n\n![Psilocybin is being used to treat depression and PTSD ](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_34_08_PM_56451fbfc8.png)\n\nIn September 2019, [Johns Hopkins University](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/research/psychedelics-research.html#:~:text=In%20a%20small%20study%20of,and%20half%20of%20study%20participants) announced the launch of its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. It is pursuing psilocybin-based treatments for depression, addiction, PTSD, Alzheimers, and chronic Lyme Disease. In late January 2020, [Dr. Stephen Ross](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1083825590/stephen-ross), associate professor of psychiatry in the [Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health](https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/28/health/magic-mushrooms-psilocybin-cancer-patients-study-wellness/index.html), reported findings that \"strongly suggest that psilocybin therapy is a promising means of improving the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients with life-threatening cancer.\"\n\n![Psilocybin has many positive effects and some people feel more connected to themselves and the universe](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_40_03_PM_b462733990.png)\n\n### Are there any Risks Associated with Psilocybin?\n\nWhile medical science has not identified any long-term adverse effects, some people experience nausea, confusion, fear, or other negative emotions while under the influence of psilocybin. \n\nHowever, these negative experiences are often eased or go away when there is clinical assistance, or a psychedelic guide present, to help the consumer through their psychedelic journey. According to the [University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research](https://cesar.umd.edu/), there is no evidence that psilocybin is physically or psychologically addictive.\n\n![Psilocybin is not yet legal in the States but is decriminalized in some counties](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_14_at_1_41_10_PM_3c18f9c817.png)\n\n### Is Psilocybin Legal?\nYes and no; Like marijuana, psilocybin is illegal at the federal level in the U.S., classified as a [Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act](https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Schedule%20I%20drugs%2C%20substances%2C%20or,)%2C%20methaqualone%2C%20and%20peyote.). \nHowever, some local jurisdictions are passing laws for the decriminalization of psilocybin, and research institutions can obtain legal waivers. In 2019, Denver and Oakland decriminalized psychedelic plant-based substances, including psilocybin. \n\n[Legalization measures](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/05/mushroom-law/589192/) are expected to be brought before the legislatures in California and Oregon in 2020. In Brazil, Jamaica, The Netherlands, and Vietnam, psilocybin use is entirely legal.\n\n![Untitled48-min (1).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled48_min_1_b2277d3a13.png)\n\n### Are there any Drug Interactions with Psilocybin?\n\nThe most important safety consideration when taking psychedelic mushrooms is to make sure that whoever harvested the mushrooms is an expert in making the correct identification. Some non-psychedelic types of mushrooms look similar and can be toxic. It is also wise to [avoid mixing psychoactive drugs](https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psilocybin/) in general. For that reason, you should avoid using psilocybin with other drugs such as ice, speed, or ecstasy. Similarly, you should not use psychedelic mushrooms if you take psychiatric medication.\n\n### Where Can I Legally Seek Psilocybin Treatment?\n\n![Untitled47-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled47_min_3873062f74.png)\n\nCurrently, it is not legal to seek [psilocybin-assisted therapy](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-healing-powers-of-psychedelic-therapy) in the United States, although this may be changing as soon as 2023. Psilocybin is entirely legal in the Netherlands, and retreat centers welcome guests from all over the world. You can also look online to find psychedelic retreat centers, and many are located in Jamaica. \n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/ee604/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png","srcSet":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/69585/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 200w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/497c6/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 400w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/ee604/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 800w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/f3583/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/58556/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/61e93/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 200w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/1f5c5/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 400w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/58556/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 800w,\n/static/aa3f24cd0fbb8dcc7f4f2c084658dea5/99238/16d1208e15e70ee025530bf273054fb6.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3641-markdown","title":"A HelloMD Interview: Psychedelics Expert Dr. Evan Wood, MD, PhD of Numinus Wellness on Mental Health & Addiction","slug":"a-hellomd-interview-psychedelics-expert-dr-evan-wood-md-phd-of-numinus-wellness-on-mental-health-and-addiction","content":"Dr. Evan Wood, MD, PhD is Chief Medical Officer at Numinus Wellness, a psychedelics company out of Vancouver, BC. Numinus is on the cutting edge of mental healthcare, specializing in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with novel psychedelic compounds.\n\nDr. Wood has a passion for changing policy, often by putting research into practice. Early in his career, his research contributed to the international guidelines for treating HIV infection among persons who use drugs. His later work contributed to the legalization of adult cannabis use in Canada and establishing clinical therapeutic guidelines for a range of substance abuse disorders.\n\nOver the last 20 years, Dr. Wood has delved deeply into the science and research around substance use and addiction. His lab was a participating site in the maps phase three clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.\n\nHe is recognized for his work in improving clinical systems through  research and policy leadership, particularly within the field of addiction and mental health. \n\nDr. Wood is passionate about his work in forwarding psychedelics' clinical use for various intractable health conditions. As Chief Medical Officer of Numinus Wellness he is breaking ground for safe, legal access to psychedelic medicine for conditions including depression, PTSD & substance use disorders.\n\nBelow is HelloMD's interview with Dr. Wood discussing the future of clinical-assisted psychotherapy and treatment with psychedelics.\n\n**Question: Dr. Wood, please tell me how you perceive the current mental healthcare system, where it succeeds, and where it fails?**\n\n**Answer**:  I actually view the entire field of mental health and addiction with a great deal of consternation and skepticism. Currently, I think that the widely made interventions in the mental health and addiction world are often not evidence-based.\n\n I believe we pathologize a lot of things that are actually, in many respects, part of the human condition - such as anxiety and depression. It isn't that we shouldn't take them seriously. \n\nHowever, things like anxiety and depression are things that we need to grapple with from the perspective that it is part of the human condition. I do not believe we should pathologize people and tell them that they have a disease, necessarily. \n\nI believe the prescription medications that are commonly employed with mental health conditions otentimes have dubious benefits. For some patients the benefits are genuine, but for many patients there aren't any noticeable benefits. We have this notion of a mental health system that involves getting a prescription and taking a pill, as if that's going to be the solution.\n\nOften patients don't like taking these medications, as they experience negative side effects, whether it's weight gain or erectile dysfunction, or even more serious side effects, like increasing the risk of suicide. Unfortunately, I don't think we have a functioning mental health and addiction healthcare system in our society. \n\nInstead of offering a medication, perhaps we should look at changing a person's environment. That might be a better start. If we think that by taking a pill every day we're going to solve society's mental health challenges, I think that's wrong. \n\nAnyone who says that, really needs to check in with their own ethics. The reality is, we need a totally different approach to wellness and recovery with early intervention. Going to see your primary care physician who writes you a prescription for anti depressant after 10 minute assessment; is not going to help us become a healthier society. So, we need a total rethink around that\n\n**Question: What success have you had in reforming the mental and addiction healthcare system?**\n\n**Answer:** There are some bright spots and areas of success and accomplishments that I am proud of. I was involved in creating North America's largest addiction medicine training program at the University of British Columbia. During this time, I helped train and mentor junior trainees within the fields. \n\nI've had accomplishments such as being the founding principal investigator of the first supervised injecting facility in North America in terms of addiction. Here, people can get pre-obtained street drugs and use them under healthcare practitioners' supervision to avoid overdose and help connect them with addiction treatment.\n\nAnother area where I've worked with others towards success is in authoring national therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of different substance use disorders.  I've got a wonderful group of colleagues here in British Columbia, and everything that I just shared has been part of a team effort. Furthermore, I'm proud of what my colleagues have done by going the extra mile to try and create a more functioning system of care for people with mental health and addiction. \n\n**Question: Besides getting involved in psychedelic research, you also were active within federal cannabis legalization in Canada?**\n\n**Answer:** Historically, there's been a massive illicit cannabis industry driven by local interest in (consuming) cannabis and the huge illicit export market to the the United States. Pre-legalization, the illegal outdoor and indoor cannabis industry boomed. In reality, this trade supported people and families; many people had basement cannabis grows which paid their bills and paid off their mortgages. However, there was a dark side to all of this.\n\nThis was an illegal economy, and we had all sorts of problems and continue to, because illegal drugs allowed organized crime and gang violence to flourish. There began to be a lot of intelligence sharing between the US and Canada as it went from cannabis to cocaine, and guns coming into the country due to the illicit trade.\n\nDue to the escalating situation, I helped to found a coalition called Stop The Violence BC, where we began to change the narrative in British Columbia. The fact the government made cannabis illegal was making the situation worse, not better. As crime worsened around the illegal cannabis trade, there was a tipping point in public opinion in Canada.\n\nOur group worked with the junior liberal party of British Columbia that ultimately took a motion to the national convention where Justin Trudeau, our current Premier, committed to legalizing and regulating the adult use of cannabis for recreational use in Canada. This was a foundation for the legalization of cannabis in Canada and helped to build the legal framework in which we work today.\n\n**Question: As Chief Medical Officer of Numinus, what do you see today and what do you hope to achieve for the future of psychedelics?**\n\n**Answer:** Our lab is a participating site in Phase three clinical trial of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder, which MAPS has now helped yo complete. One particular area of interest for me is how this might have a positive impact the world of addiction. \n\nFor instance, one psychedelics called ibogaine, has shown great success in treating addiction. Traditionally, it's been legal in Canada but illegal in the United States. There's a whole industry of people offering ibogaine treatment to British Columbia, but it has some toxic effects, so I'm not a big advocate for it. \n\nOne reason is that ibogaine can cause a cardiac arrhythmia and can be quite dangerous for some people. But, I've certainly had patients who were in the throes of addiction and came back into my office, and I'd be like, \"Whoa, you look amazing. What happened?\" And then they would say, \"Oh, I went and did ibogaine.\" So, that is something, and I believe we have yet to see the full potential psychedelics have in treating addiction and mental health conditions.\n\nAs a result, I developed an interest in understanding psychedelics as a new approach to medicine- a new paradigm. I'm an avid consumer of the literature. With new and different studies being published by institutions such as Johns Hopkins, you can see the results of research with psilocybin for addiction and mental health and the positive outcomes being experienced.\n\nWhen it comes to addiction, the rational mind often does not allow for someone to stop using a substance. It's like the reptilian brain takes over and goes haywire with addiction, and then there is the reward pathway with dopamine that induces people to take more of a substance.\n\n I think psychedelics offer the opportunity to bring together that thoughtful brain with that reptilian brain to create radical change. It's also a total paradigm shift because you're not talking about a daily medication, take a pill and you're immediately better. We're talking about a strategy to put somebody through a psychotherapeutic intervention with psychedelics and, ultimately, a possible cure.\n\nPsychedelic intervention, in both the mental and addiction space, is extremely promising. There's more research to be done, but it looks extremely promising right now. So, I am super excited to be part of the different groups that are exploring these interventions. It shows such promise, and this may be a building block towards a much more evidence-based approach to mental health care.\n\n**Question: Today, what is Numinus doing within the psychedelics space and how does it differ from other players within the space at this point?**\n\n**Answer:** Numinus has excellence among the leadership team. In some instances, our team has lived through the psychedelic experience and has felt first hand the impact it may have on one's life. \n\nOur CEO, Peyton Nyquist has been very public about his own challenges with PTSD and how he was in and out of hospital until he found psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. \n\nIf you saw him today, he's the absolute picture of health. Thus, he carries that motivation as someone who was in a life-threatening situation and found something, psychedelics, which helped him. People who live through these experiences want to create real change, and often do. \n\nOur lab was also the first to be federally approved by Health Canada to grow psilocybin mushrooms. We are very active in doing extractions and developing products, and understanding these mushrooms on a deeper level through science. There's psilocybin, but there are also other psychoactive molecules of importance. There's lots to be learned and done in this space. We have a long ten-year history as a lab, so it is a very experienced team with great ability.\n\nThere's also the clinical side of Numinus. We are interested delivering excellence in service in regards to psychedelic clinically-assisted psychotherapy, that is evidence-based. We also take the experience from historical traditions (indigenous cultures), and learnings from the underground psychedelic community over the last many decades. Of course, we also look at the best practices from the institutions doing the serious research and clinical trials, which have brought us to where we are today.\n\n**Question: What about ketamine? It is one psychedelic that is currently legal in much of North America. What are your thoughts?**\n\n**Answer:** We're also very interested in ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy because it's extremely promising. If you look at being a full-service psychedelic clinic network, ketamine can allow us to treat individuals more or less today. \n\nIt could be anxiety or depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Within a clinical setting, we can have very highly skilled therapists and health professionals who can make an appropriate diagnosis. \n\nTherapists can tailor a  treatment, which may or may not involve psychedelics, whether that be ketamine today or psilocybin in the near future. This model may involve other mental health and addiction services with a curative intent. We aim to help people, by treating a person holistically, including mindfulness practices. This may also involve psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Ultimately, we are changing the way we look at mental health and addiction within society, to help create better outcomes than what we experience today.\n\n[Watch Dr. Evan Wood](https://www.facebook.com/NuminusInc/videos/362513918349866) talking about psychedelics and the therapeutic potential.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/ee604/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png","srcSet":"/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/69585/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png 200w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/497c6/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png 400w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/ee604/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png 800w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/f3583/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png 1200w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/a39f1/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.png 1406w","srcWebp":"/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/58556/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/61e93/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp 200w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/1f5c5/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp 400w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/58556/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp 800w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/99238/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp 1200w,\n/static/a32e0c9bfbdd3de38b403ab8d7527822/8adbf/ddbaeb4c42c4f0f5e414924363f25e8c.webp 1406w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3104-markdown","title":"Is Ibogaine a Solution to the Opioid Epidemic?","slug":"is-ibogaine-a-solution-to-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"**The Opioid Epidemic**\n\nOver the next ten years, over [500,000 Americans will die ](urlhttps://www.statnews.com/2017/06/27/opioid-deaths-forecast/) of an opioid overdose. Today, opioid overdoses kill more Americans annually under the age of 50 than guns or traffic accidents. In the ’90s the opioid crisis was nascent, and prescribers and doctors assured patients that opioids were not addictive. At that time, even with a lack of data, pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed the use of opioids for ‘non-cancer related pain’.\n\nToday, chronic pain is the primary indication for opioid prescriptions. As the epidemic has grown, the [CDC has responded by issuing guidelines](https://www.poison.org/articles/opioid-epidemic-history-and-prescribing-patterns-182) for opioid prescribing, saying that, “ non-opioid treatments are the preferred first step for treatment of chronic pain. Opioid medications should only be added after careful assessment of pain control and followed by regular evaluations of their continued need.” Some alternatives to opioids are over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), and steroids. Beyond these conventional alternatives, some people find success with physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery or injections and nerve blocks.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n**Addiction to Opioids**\n\nEven with the alarming statistics, millions of prescriptions for opioids are written every year, contributing to widespread addiction and, in some instances, overdose. Taking opioids for any length of time comes with the risk of addiction as they trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, your brain’s transmitter for your feel-good neurotransmitters. Through this process, your overall perception of pain is decreased yet, the longer you take opioids, the more you need to recreate this sense of well-being. Once opioid addiction occurs, the brain becomes altered and begins to function normally when the drug is present and abnormally when the drug is removed. As use is prolonged, a person generally will:\n\n- Increase in the overall amount of opioids consumed\n\n- Be unsuccessful in attempts to control consumption\n\n- Have cravings and increased desire to consume\n\n- May not feel “normal” when not on the drug\n\n- Continue use despite social problems and interruption of work\n\n[Medications currently used](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction) within the United States for opioid treatment are buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone \n\n**What is Ibogaine**\n\nIbogaine is a psychoactive substance that has shown great potential in interrupting patterns of addiction with opioids, alcohol, and methadone, among other substances. Ibogaine is found within iboga, a West African plant, and is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Ibogaine has been used in traditional healing ceremonies and rituals for centuries by indigenous tribes. \n\nRELATED: [CAN PSILOCYBIN REPLACE TRADITIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS FOR DEPRESSION & ANXIETY](https://hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-101:-cannabis-psilocybin-and-lsd/)\n\n**Ibogaine as a Treatment for Opioid Addiction**\n\nIn larger doses ibogaine has [proven effective in helping people manage withdrawal from opioids](https://maps.org/research/ibogaine-therapy), helping to eliminate opioid-related cravings temporarily. As a psychedelic, it also works at a deeper level, helping people to look at their lives through a different lens and approach their addiction with a sense of reflection. Patients typically experience relief from withdrawal and addiction after one or two doses. Small traces of ibogaine remain in the body for months after the initial treatment, which may also stave off cravings.\n\nAlthough lacking in clinical trial data, initial observational studies on ibogaine seem promising. Two studies conducted by [MAPS](https://maps.org/research/ibogaine-therapy) in Mexico and New Zealand found significant long-term reduction of withdrawal symptoms in 20% and 50% of participants, respectively. Research indicates greater success when ibogaine is combined with psychotherapy following treatment. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine conducted a study that indicated ibogaine was able to reduce opioid use withdrawal symptoms in 80% of participants. 30% of the participants noted longer-term effects and abstinence from opioid consumption. \n\nBut, is ibogaine more effective than more standard treatments? One 2004 ibogaine study conducted at the Sunshine Coast clinic in British Columbia indicates it may well be. In this study, 20 participants were given ibogaine, and of that 20, 13 were found to be abstaining from opioid use after an average of six months. That study puts the success rate at 65%, whereas more conventional treatment programs find an average of 10% success in abstinence. \n\n**Is Ibogaine Safe?**\n\nAccording to [Global Ibogaine](https://www.ibogainealliance.org/ibogaine/therapy/safety/), between 1990 and 2008 there were 19 deaths “temporally associated with the ingestion of ibogaine.” Safety concerns to be considered before treatment with ibogaine are as follows:\n\nHistory of heart conditions including cardiac arrest, congenital defects, deep vein thrombosis, or irregular heart rhythms.\nA history of psychiatric conditions\nImpaired liver or kidneys\nIf a person is actively in withdrawal with alcohol or benzodiazepines\nIf a person is consuming opiates at the time of treatment\nIf a person continues substance abuse immediately after treatment, the possibility of overdose is higher\n\n**Legal Status**\n\nIbogaine has been illegal in the US since 1967, and is currently classified as Schedule 1 drug. Within the European Union it is scheduled in 9 countries, and in much of the world, it is mostly unregulated. Ibogaine is currently legal in Australia, Brazil, Gabon, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Africa.\n\nPhoto Credit: [K State Research & Extension](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ksrecomm/40542895134/in/photolist-24LCWem-29sShUj-JgfXKn-b5Z15P-b5YV4H-29sSiFu-29sSiWj-24XiCUH-MpkCPy-29sSiBb-26Mde5u-26MddXf-29sSjRL-26MddiE-28rFEN7-28abZnr-MpkChw-Jzj1sS-4WCpmX-DoENg5-DoEL75-DqZk62-CZKwrp-CZKCGR-CAJFRb-CZKLWg-CARN4B-p9aXGN-DvWiXm-CZKHsc-CZKZdk-CZKrZP-DoEQVy-CARL8x-CAKc9Q-DoEJ6w-CZKkpp-DqZfKP-DvWdf9-28rFCxf-DqZikD-eC6Hoj-CARZpH-CZKXwK-TB3LdZ-HRk8QR-Sf36yW-Sf37gY-Sf36Eh-6ts6Ac)\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/14b42/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/f836f/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 200w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/2244e/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 400w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/14b42/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 800w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/47498/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/0e329/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/729f3/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.jpg 2300w","srcWebp":"/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/58556/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/61e93/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 200w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/1f5c5/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 400w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/58556/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 800w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/99238/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 1200w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/7c22d/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 1600w,\n/static/3d05e6006fb173aa5c0c953989ffda4b/62d71/2633b246819cf2c5aed01bae43973a6e.webp 2300w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3042-markdown","title":"CBD’s Effect on Curbing Cravings & Addiction","slug":"cbds-effect-on-curbing-cravings-and-addiction","content":"About [40 million Americans are struggling with addiction](https://www.centeronaddiction.org/addiction?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhLbDj-iM4wIVHx6tBh2aHAkmEAAYASAAEgIBZfD_BwE). That’s more than the number of people with heart conditions, diabetes and cancer combined. \n\nWhether it involves a physical dependence on heroin or a devastating dependence on gambling or shopping, addiction to substances and behaviors takes a toll on lives, jobs and families.  \n\nBut a [recent study published in the journal _Frontiers in Psychology_](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30837904) suggests that the cannabis compound [cannabidiol (CBD) could help break the cycle of addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29686308) thanks to its effects on the brain’s pathways for pleasure, reward and learning.\n\n### Addiction Has Complex Physical & Psychological Aspects\n\nAddiction can take many forms and affect people very differently. One person can enjoy an alcoholic drink on a social occasion, while for someone else, that single drink is the first step toward an uncontrollable binge. Chocolate cake can be a fun occasional treat for some, but for people with eating disorders, it’s impossible to stop at just one slice.\n\nMany substances can cause severe physical dependency and even death. But behaviors can be addictive, too. \n\nDocumented behavioral addictions can include:\n\n* Gaming\n* Shopping\n* Gambling \n\nJust about any activity that disrupts a person’s life and relationships can be considered an addiction.  \n\nBecause addictions can have both physical and psychological aspects, and people experience addiction in many different ways, finding effective treatments can be challenging. \n\nRecent research shows that addictions of various kinds are driven by compulsion, a complex circuit of responses that involve the brain’s mechanisms for:\n\n* Pleasure\n* Learning \n* Problem solving\n\nWhen the brain receives any kind of input that’s perceived as pleasant, it releases a surge of dopamine, one of a group of neurotransmitters called feel-good chemicals. \n\nIn response to the spike in dopamine, an area of the brain called the hippocampus stores a memory of the pleasant event. Then, another brain region called the amygdala encodes a response to that stimulus, signaling whether to repeat the experience. \n\nFor example, if a person drinks alcohol and likes it, the memory of that pleasurable moment can lead them to drink again. \n\nBut in addiction, other brain chemicals affect the pleasure-memory loop. Addictive substances cause a much more intense surge of dopamine than normal. That dopamine interacts with glutamate, an abundant neurotransmitter associated with learning and motivation. \n\nThis adds another component to the pleasure pathway—the drive to repeat whatever action produces the surge of dopamine. This leads to compulsion—the urge to repeat the pleasurable action again and again, even in the face of negative consequences. \n\nOver time, the brain’s pathways can become distorted and overwritten with compulsive patterns, so that stopping the substance or behavior creates psychological stress. Many substances also hijack the body’s normal processes, so that stopping the drug causes the serious physical symptoms of withdrawal.  \n\nBut many of the processes that create conditions for addiction are driven by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And this is why CBD can intervene to break these cycles that lead to addiction.\n\nRELATED: [6 WAYS CBD GOES TO WORK IN YOUR BODY](https://hellomd.com/articles/taking-cbd-to-boost-your-bodys-antioxidant-levels/)\n\n### The Endocannabinoid System & Addiction\n\nThe human body is equipped with a system of receptors called the ECS. The ECS responds to cannabinoids, both the ones we produce naturally and ones we consume from outside sources, particularly those coming from the cannabis plant. \n\nThe ECS plays a major role in regulating many essential subsystems in the brain and body. Natural cannabinoids, cannabinoids from marijuana plus cannabinoids from a few other plant sources can activate ECS receptors. And ECS receptors are found on cells throughout the body and brain.  \n\nCannabinoid receptors are abundant in the midbrain, home of the pleasure-reward-learning circuits that can also drive addiction. This explains why cannabis can calm anxiety and ease the symptoms of depression. It also explains why tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can cause a pleasant, relaxing high. \n\nAnd because CBD can affect not only these receptors, but also other processes that modulate addiction responses, [research suggests that this cannabis compound could be an effective treatment for addictions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16483675) to a wide range of substances, including:\n\n* Opioids\n* Nicotine\n* Alcohol \n* Prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines\n\n### How CBD Works in the Body to Address Addiction\n\nAlthough the researchers reporting in _Frontiers in Psychiatry_ aren’t entirely sure how it happens, CBD appears to reduce the craving for an addictive substance and block the development of new memories related to positive experiences with the substance.  \n\nCBD has a moderate effect on the endocannabinoid receptor CB1, which plays a role in the development of addictive behaviors. But CBD also seems to act on the systems that produce dopamine and serotonin, another of the feel-good chemicals. \n\nCBD can also protect against the effects of high levels of glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter that boosts compulsion and craving. And it can also support the production of the natural cannabinoid anandamide, which produces positive, calming feelings. All of these effects combine to disrupt the pleasure-reward-memory loop involved in driving addictive behavior. \n\n### Can CBD Help With Opioid or Alcohol Addiction?\n\nOpioid drugs, which include both illegal street drugs like heroin and prescription pain medications, pose a special challenge. The body and brain have a system of opioid receptors, too—and these receptors respond quickly and intensely to these drugs. \n\nBut opioid receptors also exist alongside natural cannabinoid receptors. This means that [CBD may be especially useful in treating opioid addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22048225) and the withdrawal symptoms that these drugs can cause.  \n\nSome research also suggests that [CBD can be useful in treating alcohol addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31214036) as well as limiting the damage alcohol can do to the brain and liver.\n\nSo far, research on CBD for addiction issues has been limited, and researchers acknowledge that more work needs to be done. But now studies are documenting the benefits of this cannabis compound in relieving the symptoms of many health conditions, including those that are caused by substance addiction. \n\nIn addition, CBD works with the body’s own systems. This means it can be a safer and more effective way to help address addictions of all kinds.\n\nPhoto credit: mis.uma/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/14b42/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/f836f/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 200w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/2244e/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 400w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/14b42/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 800w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/47498/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/0e329/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/ffa36/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/58556/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/61e93/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 200w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/1f5c5/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 400w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/58556/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 800w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/99238/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 1200w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/7c22d/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 1600w,\n/static/5a3dc7b3ebb803db6aeb7cee057c97ac/d1528/8dd546c2b63b4720fcfa683310129fa5.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2840-markdown","title":"Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking?","slug":"can-cbd-help-you-quit-smoking","content":"Quitting smoking is tough. Though there’s a long list of smoking cessation aids on the market and in the pharmacy, smokers still struggle with cravings for nicotine. This is especially true when they come up against cues for smoking, like being at a party, drinking certain beverages like coffee or visiting a particular place. \n\nNow, however, smokers who want to quit may have an ally in cannabidiol (CBD), a [non-psychoactive cannabis compound](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dafa0f24d1300077ccb59/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd). CBD appears to reduce smokers’ responses to triggering cues. The cannabinoid also appears to rewire the brain’s pathways for pleasure, reward and memory.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAlong with psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is one of the most abundant compounds in the cannabis plant. And a number of studies have revealed its many benefits for:\n\n* Reducing inflammation\n* Easing pain\n* Protecting the body’s nerves and tissues from infection and cellular damage\n\nCBD has also been studied for its ability to disrupt addiction to substances including street drugs and a variety of pharmaceuticals, [including the powerfully addictive painkillers, opioids](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a14b5edeea891000897e26c/how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse).\n\nSo how can CBD help cigarette smokers stamp out their habit? \n\n### How Can CBD Help Smokers Quit the Habit?\n\nUntil relatively recently, little research has been done on whether CBD can also disrupt nicotine addiction and help people quit smoking. But a new study published in the journal _Addiction_ provides some [key insights into the role of CBD in helping smokers to quit](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.14243), and why CBD could be a useful addition to the many smoking cessation tools that are currently available.\n\nIn that study, researchers asked a group of smokers to inhale a formulation of CBD oil whenever they felt the urge to smoke. Meanwhile, another group of study participants used a placebo in the same way. After one week, the group of CBD consumers had cut their cigarette consumption by 40% in comparison to the placebo group. But what interested researchers most was the reason for CBD’s dramatic effect on the smokers’ behaviors.\n\n### Nicotine Hijacks the Brain’s Pleasure-Reward-Memory Circuit\n\nThe study found that overall, CBD didn’t affect nicotine withdrawal symptoms. And it didn’t completely stop cravings for cigarettes either. But it did affect the smokers’ responses to cues about smoking. One factor that contributes to addiction in general is that using an addictive substance, such as nicotine, releases a flood of the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. \n\nThis pleasure-reward pathway in the brain is then activated whenever a person uses the substance again. And over time, that substance hijacks the brain’s normal production of serotonin and dopamine—the brain then stops producing them on its own without the presence of the addictive substance. This process is called reconsolidation. And for smokers, this means that when they’re under stress of any kind, the craving for nicotine becomes intense in order to release the brain’s comfort chemicals.\n\nBut the pleasure-reward pathway has another component: memory. Repeated rounds of pleasure and reward create connections with memory and learning. The result is that things that have been associated with experiences of pleasure and reward also become wired into the circuit. This is how the brain learns to associate smoking with positive things and experiences.  \n\nFor example, being in a place that’s associated with smoking, visiting a smoking friend or even hearing a certain song can trigger the urge to light up. Cues like food or drink, or habitual behaviors that go along with smoking such as having a morning cup of coffee, can also trigger cravings for nicotine.\n\nBecause the link between smoking and pleasant memories is strong, this creates attentional bias—a heightened awareness of those cues, so that you pay much more attention to them and respond more strongly to them than to others. \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO, STUDY FINDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56e884c21e4e2b000800001a/marijuana-is-safer-than-alcohol-and-tobacco-study-finds)\n\nIn the _Addictions_ study, participants were shown photographs depicting positive images of smoking, and their responses were measured. Compared to the placebo group, the participants who were taking CBD had less intense responses to these psychological triggers. Though they still craved nicotine, they were able to reduce their consumption by that stunning 40% margin. \n\nBut why did this happen? A look at the way CBD affects the brain’s pleasure-reward-memory pathways can offer some insights.\n\n### CBD Can Moderate Chemical Imbalances & Reduce External Smoking Cues Through the ECS\n\nThough it doesn’t provide the high that psychoactive THC does, CBD can act on the pleasure-reward-memory pathways by triggering responses in the body’s own natural cannabinoid receptor system, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). \n\nCBD is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and studies suggest that it plays a role in restoring balance to many of the body’s systems. In this way, [CBD can moderate imbalances in brain chemistry that cause mood disorders like anxiety and depression—and also those that contribute to addiction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/).\n\nSome research reveals that CBD can boost the body’s production of [a natural cannabinoid called anandamide, which also produces positive feelings](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a949d06f24d1300077ccb66/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule) and supports the serotonin-dopamine pathways. CBD can also support normal signaling processes in the brain; this can help regulate the production of these chemicals. \n\nBut the _Addictions_ study suggests that CBD also plays a little-known but important role in the reconsolidation process by reducing the intensity of connections between using nicotine and its pleasure triggers in the brain. This is why, even though the people in the study group still felt cravings for cigarettes and experienced withdrawal symptoms when they didn’t smoke, they didn’t respond as strongly to external cues for smoking—helping them smoke less.\n\nThe [link between CBD and smoking](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23685330) has been studied far less than CBD’s effect on addictions of other kinds. But these limited studies suggest that CBD could be a useful tool for helping people quit smoking, especially when it’s consumed the way the study participants did—by vaping, a method that’s very similar to smoking.  \n\nPhoto credit: [Elena Taranenko](https://unsplash.com/@elenatrn)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/14b42/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/f836f/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 200w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/2244e/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 400w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/14b42/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 800w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/47498/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/0e329/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/d59ca/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.jpg 3666w","srcWebp":"/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/58556/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/61e93/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 200w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/1f5c5/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 400w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/58556/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 800w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/99238/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 1200w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/7c22d/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 1600w,\n/static/d553216fb5cd78d226b4fd19f7e3d5bf/53f94/bd3051962319c354f2396a1162aebaa2.webp 3666w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2445-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Can Break the Cycle of Opioid Abuse","slug":"how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse","content":"The American opioid epidemic claims nearly a hundred lives a day to overdose deaths. The cycle of abuse and dependence affects millions more as people of all ages seek relief from chronic pain and find themselves addicted. But recent studies show that an overwhelming majority of patients seeking pain relief are able to reduce their opioid use by taking some form of cannabis—and many are able to stop taking prescription opioids altogether. New discoveries about the complex connections between the body’s receptor systems for opioids and marijuana reveal why cannabis can be a safe and effective way to break the cycle of opioid use, addiction and withdrawal.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The State of Opioid Use in America\n\nThe United States accounts for only around 5% of the world’s population, but the country uses more than 80% of the world’s supply of opioids—powerfully addictive pain medications including oxycodone, Vicodin and morphine.\n\nThese drugs are prescribed routinely for treating pain from surgery and for other conditions like arthritis or cancer. Although in most cases they’re intended for short-term use, many people continue to take them for months or even years. And when opioid medications become too hard to get, many turn to their famous street drug cousin, heroin—a risky course that can also include exposure to additives like fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine. \n\n### How Opioids Work on Our Bodies & Brains\n\nOpioids exert their addictive power thanks to their strong, immediate effect on the body’s own system of opioid receptors. These cells in the brain, spine and digestive system normally respond to natural opioids produced by the body itself, such as dynorphin, enkalephin and the endorphins responsible for the well-known euphoria of a runner’s high.  \n\nOpioid receptors are highly concentrated in the brain, especially in areas responsible for modulating responses to stress; pain; and the cycle of pleasure, reward and learning that supports survival. To produce a feeling of calm and relief from pain, opioids depress the production of a key chemical called [norepinephrine](http://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/norepinephrine). This neurotransmitter activates during stressful situations, but is also responsible for maintaining essential functions in the brainstem such as wakefulness, respiration and heartbeat. An overdose of opioids can suppress these functions to the point of death.\n\n### Cannabinoid & Opioid Receptor Systems Affect Each Other\n\nAlongside the opioid receptor system is a vast network of cannabinoid receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoid receptors are activated by natural processes that create chemicals within the body similar to cannabis, as well as by cannabis in any of its many forms. Cannabinoid receptors are found in most organs and tissues, including the same areas as opioid receptors, with one notable exception: the brainstem. That’s why an overdose of cannabis is unlikely to cause death, because there are very few cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem where your body’s essential functions are regulated.\n\nBoth opioids and marijuana activate common pathways in the brain that are related to pleasure and reward. They also affect the brain’s noradrenergic system, which is responsible for releasing norepinephrine and other chemicals related to the flight or fight response. That’s why both cannabis and opioids can produce a calming feeling.  \n\nUntil relatively recently, research on cannabis and opioids focused on the differences between the opioid and cannabinoid receptor systems to explain why both can reduce pain, but aren’t addictive in the same way. But some [newer studies suggest that these two systems may actually interact with each other](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22048225) —and that this synergy is the key to using cannabis as a way out of opioid dependence.\n\n### Marijuana Can Ease Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms\n\nWhen opioids are used in high quantities, or for long periods, they disrupt the noradrenergic system. More norepinephrine is released, but opioids suppress its expression. Then when a person stops using opioids, those high levels of norepinephrine flood the system, causing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, chills and diarrhea. \n\nTo ease these side effects, detox and withdrawal programs usually use a combination of an opioid agonist—a chemical that binds to and activates a receptor—like buprenorphine or methadone (both opioids themselves), plus a drug such as clonidine, which suppresses norepinephrine production. Over time, many people continue to take these kinds of medications to stave off withdrawal and work on their recovery. But active compounds in marijuana may be able to break this cycle of using opioids to treat opioid dependence.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nOne of the body’s two cannabis receptors, CB1, occurs abundantly in areas of the brain related to noradrenergic activity. Researchers think that using cannabis compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) may increase the production of the body’s own natural opioids. This can [make opioid drugs more effective for pain relief](https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/755388) and also moderate the release of norepinephrine thereby [reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742578/). Not only that, but tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, may increase the release of enkephalin, which can help to stabilize activity in the brainstem during opioid withdrawal.\n\n### Cannabis: Safer and More Effective for Pain\n\nCannabis is still on the government’s highly restrictive Schedule 1 list of drugs along with heroin and other opioids. Unfortunately, this encourages the belief that these two substances are the same: equally addictive and equally harmful. But a growing body of research continues to confirm that marijuana is a safer and potentially more effective treatment for pain than opioids.\n\nIn one recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with HelloMD, [71% of nearly 3,000 active cannabis and opioids users said that cannabis was better than opioids for pain relief](https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/06/survey-pain-patients-overwhelmingly-prefer-medical-marijuana-over-opioids/) —and 97% said that they could reduce their use of opioids if marijuana was available. These findings echo other recent research showing that a majority of patients prefer marijuana to opioids for pain relief—and new insights into the interaction between the body’s cannabinoid and opioid receptor systems may reveal why.\n\nThe differences between the two systems help explain why cannabis is safer and less addictive than prescription opioids. But it’s the unexpected connections they share that may just hold the missing key to breaking the cycle of dependence on opioid drugs.\n\nPhoto credit: [Marco Verch](https://www.flickr.com/people/149561324@N03/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/14b42/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/f836f/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 200w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/2244e/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 400w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/14b42/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 800w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/47498/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/0e329/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 1600w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/69755/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.jpg 2048w","srcWebp":"/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/58556/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/61e93/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 200w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/1f5c5/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 400w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/58556/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 800w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/99238/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 1200w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/7c22d/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 1600w,\n/static/752e43813e3c6cc4a8cc8c8b83110030/96ec1/e60b731c7abe38d0e00398dd333ac2fd.webp 2048w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2448-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Opioids Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-opioids-answered","content":"Opioids are all over the news these days, and with good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 people a day die from an opioid overdose—and almost half of those involve a prescription. Everyone agrees that we’re in the midst of a terrifying opioid epidemic. \n\nThough highly addictive, opioids continue to be prescribed in record numbers. It’s no wonder people are starting to look for ways to decrease or stop taking opioids altogether. One promising alternative is marijuana. Cannabis has been shown to provide commensurate levels of pain relief as opioid drugs, but without the side effects or possibility of overdose. \n\nHere are the top three questions from our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) platform, asked by members of our community, about opioids and the possibility of using medical marijuana in its place. Our members—doctors, cannabis-business owners and experienced consumers—contributed some helpful suggestions to help people explore if medical cannabis could be a way to avoid opioids and all that comes with them. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I’m having open heart surgery soon and I want to reduce my use of opioids post surgery. Is the use of cannabis safe? If OK, is smoking or vaping OK?\n\nA: @PerrySolomonMD I think that's an excellent idea. Studies have shown that cannabis use with opioids can decrease your opioid use up to 25%. However, there are several things to consider. After your surgery for several weeks your medications may be changed, added or discontinued by your cardiologist or surgeon. These changes can affect your blood pressure and heart rate, so both should be stable before starting cannabis since it can sometimes cause changes in both. During this time, you might need to take some narcotics that the surgeon has prescribed. Everyone's reaction to the chest wall pain after open heart surgery is different and you may find that your pain is minimal by the time your medications, blood pressure and heart rate are stabilized. \n\nWhen all is stable I would suggest speaking with the surgeon and cardiologist to tell them that you would like to take cannabis for pain, if in fact it is still there, to decrease your use of narcotics. Cardiac surgery patients usually begin cardiac rehabilitation two to four weeks after uncomplicated cardiac surgery, but this depends on your physical condition prior to surgery and other factors such as any difficulties during or after surgery.\n\nWhen cardiac rehab does begin you may experience chest wall pain from the deeper breathing that you get from the exercise program to strengthen the heart muscle than you get from rehabilitation. It is this chest wall discomfort or pain that you might need to use cannabis for if anti-inflammatories do not work (which sometimes is all that is needed at this point).\n\nNow to finally answer your question. Since it’s usually the chest incision that causes the most discomfort after open heart surgery (verses minimally invasive cardiac surgery that can be performed if possible), I would avoid both smoking and vaping cannabis. The reason being, though both give the fastest effect, they both can cause irritation to your lungs if you’re not used to inhaling them, which can cause coughing. This of course can be painful with a fresh chest wall incision.\n\nI would tend to use a tincture that can start to take effect within 15 to 30 minutes. A capsule is another option. I would tend to avoid edibles, except perhaps in the evening for sleep, only for the reason that the effect can take one to two hours and you would like pain relief faster than that.\n\nSpeaking of cardiac rehab, it has been shown to significantly decrease your chances of another cardiac event and I would highly recommendation beginning it as soon as possible after your surgery. If you need cannabis to help tolerate it instead of narcotics, then go for it!\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XviriBbciU#action=share`\n\n[Read more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/572d21632e46b200080000c9/i-m-having-open-heart-surgery-soon-and-i-want-to-reduce-my-use-of-opioids-post-surgery-is-the-use-of-cannabis-safe)\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\n### Q: My mom wants to get off of the opioid meds, but she doesn’t want to replace it with THC.\n***My mom had chronic pain due to nerve damage. She currently uses CBD and is working to stop using opioids. It’s not going as well as we hoped it would, but is there something she can use to get off the opioids and not replace it with THC?*** \n\nA: [@nurit]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/nurit) Hello there, I hope this finds you well! \n\nI'd like to state I'm not a doctor. I own a delivery service in Marin County and I'm proud to say I have helped dozens of people get off opiates and onto cannabis—I think that everyone's body is different and it will take some experimenting on how much/which strains/methods you use of cannabis but yes you will most likely be very successful switching/detoxing from opiates and onto cannabis. \n\nI found these articles helpful! \n\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication\n\nhttps://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/the-medical-minute-cannabis-and-opioids \n\nhttp://www.beyondthc.com/hellomd-data-will-confirm-cannabis-as-substitute-for-opioids/ \n\nI hope this was helpful! \n\n### Q: Pain tolerance and CBD strength\n***I have been taking very strong painkillers/opioids for years and was wondering if that would/should impact the strength of CBD needed to relieve my pain.*** \n\nA: @CannaBear My aunt that had been on opioids for years for cancer-related issues switched to cannabis and quickly realized how effective the cannabis treatment was for her. The body reacts differently to cannabis-derived products, so always start slow and work your way up to what works. All cannabis products have a learning curve that varies from every individual, so be patient in finding your dosage. My aunt did well with 2:1 CBD to THC tinctures.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBs0NR4Nu70`\n\nPhoto credit: [frankieleon](https://www.flickr.com/people/armydre2008/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/14b42/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/f836f/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.jpg 200w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/2244e/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.jpg 400w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/14b42/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.jpg 800w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/6e20c/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.jpg 1020w","srcWebp":"/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/58556/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/61e93/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.webp 200w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/1f5c5/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.webp 400w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/58556/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.webp 800w,\n/static/d2db3198616f1e4b7a6467ffc16a22df/fa3a9/0cb8605900eacf0afcb824281d0db3d7.webp 1020w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2439-markdown","title":"Cannabis: An “Exit Drug” for the Opioid Epidemic? ","slug":"cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"Americans make up only about 5% of the world’s population, but use\nmore than 80% of the world’s supply of opioids—a class of powerful painkilling drugs that [accounts for nearly 100 overdose deaths per day](https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates), outstripping all other accidental causes of death.\n\nStatistics like these, say addiction experts, clearly prove that the country is in the grip of an [opioid epidemic that demands immediate action to save lives](http://www.businessinsider.com/opioid-overdose-death-statistics-2017-2016). But the many plans and programs put forward to end the epidemic ignore the safe and effective solution to opioid abuse: offering pain sufferers a better way to manage their pain in the first place. For these patients, marijuana could be the “exit drug” from opioids that helps them avoid addiction.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### No One’s Plan to Get Off Opioids Includes Marijuana\n\nA recent [_New York Times_ op-ed presents a typical approach](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/opinion/opioid-addiction-treatment-program.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region&region=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region), outlining an eight-point plan with strategies such as improving treatment options, educating children about opioids and training doctors. Conspicuously absent though, was a mention of cannabis as a less addictive and much safer alternative for pain control.\n\nThat absence was so noticable, in fact, that HelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer Perry Solomon, wrote a letter to _The Times_ taking issue with the column’s failure to mention marijuana as an “exit medication” from opioids. In that letter, Solomon cites [HelloMD’s landmark study conducted with the University of California, Berkeley](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication), in which 97% of patients were able to decrease opioids or stop using them altogether with cannabis. But even though pain management tops the long list of [conditions that can be successfully treated with marijuana products](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq), that option is left off the list of possible solutions to the crisis of opioid abuse. \n\n### What Are Opioids & Why Are They So Addictive?\n\n“Opioids” is a general name for a group of [powerful sedative \ndrugs](https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids) that includes morphine; heroin; a large group of prescription medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and oxycodone; as well as a newer group of very strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. These medications act by depressing activity in the central nervous system—and activating powerful responses in the brain’s pleasure and reward system.\n\nThis combination of effects makes it possible for opioids to deliver swift relief from pain, create a relaxing euphoria, but it also means they can easily become physically and psychologically addictive. Opioids can be deadly, too. When a person takes too much, or uses opioids in combination with other kinds of sedative drugs or alcohol, this can depress respiration and decrease breathing to fatal levels.\n\n### A Pain Epidemic Means More Prescriptions\n\nIt’s been said that [Americans are also in the grip of a “pain epidemic.”](https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015) Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. About 25 million adults experience chronic pain—that is, pain every day for the preceding three months. And around 40 million experience pain that’s severe.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS HELPS REDUCE CHRONIC \nPAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59cbfaff388e3e39f0f313c8/how-cannabis-helps-reduce-chronic-pain)\n\nThe causes of this pain varies widely, from surgical procedures to injuries to chronic health conditions such as arthritis. But whatever the cause, in many situations, a physician’s first move in treatment is to prescribe an opioid medication. And when patients can’t keep getting prescription opioids, they often turn to its cheaper alternative, heroin, which often comes laced with the far more potent fentanyl or carfentanil.\n\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\n\nCannabis contains over 100 compounds. The most abundant of these are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the ingredient responsible for feeling “high,” and cannabidiol, or CBD, which has no psychoactive effects at all. Separately or in combination, these compounds have shown promise in treating a variety of conditions, particularly chronic pain, thanks to their activity on the body’s network of natural cannabinoid receptors.\n\nThe human body contains natural receptors for both opioids and cannabis, but these receptors behave very differently—and that can help explain why cannabis can trump opioids for safer and more effective pain relief. Opioid receptors are located throughout the body, but they’re prevalent in the brain and central nervous system. This accounts for their ability to block pain messages and also to trigger powerful responses in the pleasure and reward system.  \n\nBut cannabis receptors are found not only in the brain and nervous system, but also in nearly all tissues and organs. They form an extensive and multi-functional network called the [endocannabinoid \nsystem](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), which plays a role not only in regulating pain responses and mood, but also in managing immune responses, controlling inflammation and keeping all the body’s systems in balance. THC and CBD affect these cannabinoid receptors to produce relief from pain, anxiety and disorders such as fibromyalgia and migraines.\n\nThough cannabis and opioids can create some similar outcomes—suppression of pain and, with THC, relaxation and euphoria—cannabis products are largely non-addictive. And because relatively few cannabinoid receptors are located in the brain stem, there’s little risk that a cannabis overdose could cause death by depressing respiration and heartbeat to dangerous levels.\n\n### Roadblocks Limit Access to Cannabis\n\nThe mainstream medical community has been slow to embrace cannabis as an opioid alternative. As both _The New York Times_ editorial and Dr. Solomon’s letter point out, that may be due to lack of awareness—and also to a lack of research from sources doctors consider trustworthy. \n\nAlthough numerous private sector and academic studies validate the use of cannabis for pain, fierce government opposition to marijuana research restricts access to cannabis for study and prohibits government-funded entities such as the Veterans Administration from even mentioning marijuana to patients. \n\nIn the next decade, opioid abuse may kill nearly half a million people—but an obvious solution remains conspicuous by its absence. In the old days, drug-fearing authorities labeled marijuana the “gateway drug” to harder substances. But today’s cannabis may turn out to be just the opposite—the “exit drug” that stops addiction in its tracks.\n\nPhoto credit: [freestocks.org](https://unsplash.com/@freestocks)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/14b42/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/f836f/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/2244e/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 400w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/14b42/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 800w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/47498/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/57cfc/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 1402w","srcWebp":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/58556/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/61e93/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/1f5c5/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 400w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/58556/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 800w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/99238/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 1200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/c569c/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 1402w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2257-markdown","title":"Dr. Oz: Marijuana Can Help the Opioid Epidemic","slug":"dr-oz-marijuana-can-help-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"The miseducation of the public on the healing effects of cannabis has had a huge impact on how stigmatized the plant is in our society. For example, its listing as a Schedule I substance with no medicinal benefits has led to the widespread misconception that cannabis is a gateway drug, which has been [proven to be far from true](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57eac97c6c3015000798bacd/research-shows-marijuana-is-not-a-gateway-drug). Cannabis may actually be the way out of abusing certain drugs and now this concept may have a popular proponent. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Marijuana Could Be the Answer to the Drug Epidemic\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPscrN8134E`\n\nSurgeon and popular television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz has voiced his support for cannabis as an alternative to opioids in a recent appearance on Fox & Friends. Although he has been known to discuss some interesting and at times controversial practices on his show (most likely for ratings), his ability to take useful information about cannabis and share it with a mainstream audience who are not usually open to positive perspectives on marijuana is important. Especially his claim that marijuana “may be the exit drug to get us out of the narcotic epidemic.\"\n\n### Cannabis and the Gateway Drug Myth\n\nThe term “gateway drug” refers to the idea that there are substances that are highly likely to lead to the use of harsher drugs with more intense effects. The idea behind the myth is that people who try and regularly consume cannabis will eventually grow a tolerance to the high and seek other substances. But this idea fails to address one important aspect of the plant, which is that it does more than just get you high—it improves your mood, helps relieve consistent stress and anxiety, reduces inflammation, helps decrease feelings of nausea, assists with symptoms related to insomnia, and it also plays a major role in the moderation of chronic pain. \n\nRELATED: [Myth-busting Marijuana: How the Gateway Theory Holds No Clout](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/573a52b0e80d140008000067/myth-busting-marijuana-how-the-gateway-theory-holds-no-clout)\n\n### Opioid Abuse in the United States\n\nThe opioid epidemic has been an ongoing issue for quite some time. The United States has a particularly [long history of opioid abuse](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/599e10ff7af635002f2d28f2/the-long-history-of-opioid-abuse-in-the-united-states) that dates back to the introduction of the hypodermic needle, morphine and eventually heroin. Now, these widely abused prescription drugs are responsible for large numbers of deaths among communities of color, veterans and other groups who have turned to the highly-addictive substance for pain relief. The use of these drugs continues despite [evidence](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59a6db00d651df299fd05eab/cannabis-a-way-out-of-the-opioid-epidemic) that cannabis could put an end to the cycle of dependence and misuse. \n\n### How Marijuana Helps with Chronic Pain\n\nCannabis can be a [safer pain management option](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain) than opioids and has already been proven to effectively [control chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/598f893156ef1d0031b26cb0/new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain) in a number of studies. A Harvard review found that from 1948 to 2015, six out of six general studies on chronic pain revealed that cannabis was responsible for significant improvements for sufferers and this year, a landmark [study](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication) released by HelloMD and UC Berkeley showed that 92% of cannabis patients prefer using cannabis to opioids when managing their chronic pain.\n\n### The Support for Cannabis Keeps Growing\n\nThe increasingly undeniable proof of the efficacy of cannabis has inspired people who would not normally show support for cannabis to come forward, like Utah senator Orrin Hatch who has introduced legislation that seeks to expand medical marijuana research. His [new bill](https://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/releases?ID=B9FCD1A1-1BA8-4E48-8AA4-A3FCA2E9D777) is called Marijuana Effective Drug Study (MEDS) Act of 2017 seeks to loosen the restrictions for researchers who are trying to study the medical benefits of cannabis. This bill could not only have a major impact on the future of opioid abuse, but the management of other conditions as well.  \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/14b42/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg","srcSet":"/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/f836f/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg 200w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/2244e/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg 400w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/14b42/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg 800w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/47498/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg 1200w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/54ac5/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/58556/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/61e93/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp 200w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/1f5c5/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp 400w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/58556/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp 800w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/99238/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp 1200w,\n/static/39a34f9066849ad062dfc6665a9a60d4/5e0b8/53f765d45f50e7f71ed2b32871e9ff16.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":2,"currentPage":1,"id":4920,"name":"Addiction","slug":"addiction","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}