{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/vicodin/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2316-markdown","title":"3 Popular Marijuana Questions Answered on HelloMD","slug":"3-popular-marijuana-questions-answered-on-hellomd","content":"At HelloMD we talk to a lot of patients and what we’ve learned over time is that people have a lot of questions in regards to cannabis. In response to this, we launched [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). Answers allows people to ask any cannabis related question on our platform and get answers from the community as well as our doctors and nurses. \n\nThis week, we highlight 3 popular questions and answers we have received:\n\n### Q: How many milligrams of THC are in a typical joint?\n\n***I usually smoke joints and I am fine with that. But if I were to start taking edibles instead, what would be a similar dose?***\n\nAnswer @DrEdmunds: If you roll your own, you can calculate the quantity of THC based on the amount of cannabis you are putting in the joint and the concentration of THC known to be in the strain you are using. \n\nIf you are referring to the average dispensary pre-roll, you are talking about 750mg - 1g of cannabis per joint. The average THC concentration in today's strains is around 12%, which is about 3-4 times as potent as strains a couple decades ago. Using these numbers, this means that your typical pre-roll will have approximately 100mg of THC. Some strains have a THC concentration upwards of 25%. \n\nThe bottom line is, a lot! Caution is advised, and many patients will use one joint over several days for this reason. \n\nIn general, I discourage smoking, because marijuana smoke contains carbon monoxide, tar, carcinogens and other chemicals which may be toxic and damaging to body tissues. Vaporizing shredded flower or CO2-extracted oil concentrates are considered safe alternatives, as we are not aware of any damaging substances in marijuana itself. Vaporizers control the temperature of your medicine such that it only turns into vapor, akin to water turning into steam; and they do not burn the cannabis. Therefore, no smoke with its potentially harmful products of combustion is created.\n\n[Read 6 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/574b8ccb1e795d0008000086/how-many-milligrams-of-thc-are-in-a-typical-joint)\n\n### Q: What is the best edible for insomnia?\n\n***I use the Kiva bars at a very low dose right now (approx 7 mg THC) but I still wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I'm new to this and have a low tolerance. I am looking for an edible that will help me sleep but won't make me high?***\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BW0ryc3AkXb/`\n\nAnswer @DrOlson:\nThere are many opinions about insomnia because everyone is different and the cannabis affects everyone differently so be aware that what I suggest usually works but it typically will not work for everyone. We do offer a great chat room with lots of opinions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nI recommend that you get your CBD and THC at a high 1:1 level and you will sleep. Too many people do high THC and I think that keeps a party in your head all night and when that happens it is an indication you need more CBDs to shut the party down. If in addition you have aches and pains be sure you treat those problem areas with the CBD dominant topical salve and you will sleep well. You may rest better if you keep a vape pen of 1:1, CBD:THC next to your bed in case you wake in the night, 1-2 puffs will likely put you to sleep.\n\n[Read 9 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57ede27f6212ac000be691a6/what-is-the-best-edible-for-insomnia)\n\n### Q: Can I use cannabis as a replacement for Vicodin?\n\n***I suffer from chronic back pain and have been using vicodin. However, my doctor has stated that I need to end my reliance on this drug, and I am looking for a replacement. Advill and others don't provide the relief I am looking for. What cannabis products might be a good choice for me?***\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BXghGg7AClJ/`\n\n\nAnswer @sankMD - Dr Sank:\nLimiting your exposure to opiate medications is a great way to improve your overall health and limit the risks that come with this class of medications. Many patients experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and poor appetite not to mention the long-term risks of abuse and addiction.\n\nThere are several options for pain control depending on the specific underlying cause of your pain. You may consider non-steroidal pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam. Local pain treatment with a lidocaine patch or voltaren gel is also an option with lower risk of side effects. Of course, there are non-pharmaceutical options, which is likely the reason for your question on this site.\n\nThe same principles that apply to traditional medications apply to cannabis. A topical cannabis-infused product is recommended as the first approach to pain control. This could include a cannabis-infused patch, lotion, balm, or ointment applied directly to the skin or massaged into the skin. Higher CBD content products tend to work well for this since there is an anti-inflammatory property associated with CBD.\n\nPain can also be treated with as needed vaporized cannabis products. Vaporizers work well for immediate relief since they take 5 minutes or less to feel the effect. Again, a higher CBD product is preferred due to its anti-inflammatory properties. THC can be effective but tends to be more of a way to distract from pain as opposed to treating the inflammation associated with pain. You own trial and error is important when treating pain. Just remember to use as little as needed for relief without overdoing it.\n\nFinally, don't forget about conservative pain management using physical therapy, massage therapy, heat and cold packs, and acupuncture which can be very effective for certain individuals depending on the underlying cause of the pain.\n\n[Read 7 more answers to this question.](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/571e4eac90a4f9000c000012/can-i-use-cannabis-as-a-replacement-for-vicodin)\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 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/14b42/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/f836f/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/2244e/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 400w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/14b42/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/47498/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/54ac5/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/58556/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/61e93/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/1f5c5/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 400w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/58556/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 800w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/99238/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 1200w,\n/static/ec93bb3ddf4be4687bfb81237c7131d5/5e0b8/9dfeb80c6f7147812658fff182b0b3ca.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2044-markdown","title":"Can Marijuana Help Solve the Heroin & Prescription Opioid Crisis?","slug":"can-marijuana-help-solve-the-heroin-and-prescription-opioid-crisis","content":"Heroin and prescription opioid addiction is hitting record numbers in the U.S. We largely treat these addictions with more opiates like methadone and Suboxone. But The Open Neurology Journal cites studies saying medical marijuana helps with chronic pain, but can also control nausea and vomiting.\n\nHeroin and prescription opioid [addiction to drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin is hitting record\nnumbers in the United States](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/30/us/31heroin-deaths.html?_r=1). The medical community has largely attempted to treat these addictions—as well as counter the negative effects of opiate withdrawal—with more opioids such as methadone and Suboxone.  \n\nBut an article published in _The Open Neurology Journal_ mentions [numerous studies that found medical marijuana not only helps with chronic pain management, but can also control nausea and vomiting](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358713/)—typical withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use of heroin and opiates. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Opioid Overdoses in Every State\n\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study about the epidemic of drug overdose deaths in America, and the statistics were startling. Every state has been affected and almost every county in the country has seen an [increase in drug overdose deaths](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heroin-overdose-deaths-double-in-u-s/). Between 2012 and 2014, the number of heroin overdoses doubled in the U.S. The increase is attributed to addiction to narcotic painkillers.\n\nThese numbers aren't just affecting certain areas. [New Hampshire, West Virginia and other states with large blue-collar worker populations have also experienced record numbers of rising opiate addiction](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html). Workplace injuries have also been contributing to increasing opioid addiction in the working class.\n\nThe rise in deaths mirrors levels of the HIV epidemic at its height in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2014, [opioid use accounted for 61% of\ndeaths in the U.S.](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/us/drug-overdose-deaths-in-the-us.html) In order to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse, new legislation has been introduced in an attempt to control prescribing practices. However, as [prescription painkillers became less available, addicts turned to heroin](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/health/prescription-painkillers-seen-as-a-gateway-to-heroin.html).\n\n### How Narcotic Addiction Affects the Brain & Body\n\nDrug addiction alters the physical composition of the brain. Narcotic addiction, in particular, rewires the circuits in the brain responsible for reward, consequence determination and mood. With this change in wiring, the brain is no longer capable of functioning without the help of the opioid drug. If the addicted person tries to abstain from heroin or other prescription opioids, they experience symptoms of opiate withdrawal such as:\n\n* anxiety and agitation\n* body aches\n* chills\n* craving the drug\n* vomiting\n* diarrhea\n* nausea\n\nThese opioid withdrawal symptoms can increase in severity, lasting a few hours to a few days. And, if the addiction began as a result of using drugs for chronic pain, withdrawal symptoms can worsen as the pain from the condition plus the pain of withdrawal intensify. \n\n### Prescription Attempts at Recovery from Opiate Addiction & Withdrawal\n\n[The common medical practice for treating opioid addiction is to prescribe more drugs](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew#1) to mask the opiate withdrawal symptoms. \n\nAfter the initial withdrawal period ends, maintenance drugs are prescribed. Methadone, naltrexone, Suboxone and other medications are used to deter abuse, but none of them completely end the addiction process, keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring, or heal the connections in the brain.\n\n### How Medical Marijuana Can Help End the Cycle of Opioid Addiction\n\nWhile most of the methadone-based treatments prescribed in the treatment of heroin and opiate addiction can produce the same kinds of highs—as well as addictions—created by the drugs themselves, cannabis can treat addiction without the resulting euphoric feelings. Of the 400 or more chemical compounds in cannabis, only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a high. Many forms of cannabis can be grown and processed without this factor, which makes marijuana even safer to treat addiction than other drugs are.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS AS AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nIn addition, the body contains the [endocannabinoid system (ECS), a natural system for healing itself through decreasing inflammation and pain while increasing immunity](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system). It works in a very similar way to the cannabinoids in medical marijuana.\n\nThrough proper use, cannabis supports the ECS and can actually rewire the brain, unlike methadone treatments which merely block chemical transmission while it's in use. This means that once the person stops taking methadone, the brain hasn't healed and will still seek satisfaction through cravings for heroin or other opiates. Cannabis, on the other hand, changes the composition of the brain so the cravings are no longer present.\n\nNot only does the use of medical marijuana promote the body's natural healing systems, it helps correct the underlying disease. Instead of masking or creating side effects, medical marijuana can be a real solution in combatting the problem of heroin and opiate addiction—and subsequently, opiate withdrawal.\n\nPhoto credit: [Wil Taylor](https://www.flickr.com/photos/subsetsum/3731217400/in/photolist-6FHsWu-9jkyup-nbdfPZ-5jpRT6-856TZo-cQay4s-aLtXLx-5APYay-vCqoHd-vCyVYH-eTpA1X-whPxFy-gAdTrV-qKZk9-7MhkvW-hNn9e-9uLbiZ-N65ak-f1uFuv-eaVHvf-4dacbb-4DyRuj-3PEmnc-bmQdtg-ev2AR5-635Ju-osGDv4-3Sdoa-dp5X6i-akWZuQ-yA6b-7ZvsBd-8QoWTf-f1tdQ9-cWsdNy-6yLQZz-cHhoMy-8FBhKR-8WrAcv-ar8jW-9xD73c-9uK5fi-6NFKz2-bytook-9i77ZQ-9skioK-eYbToQ-7e7VkF-4tuPZN-9sVyYA)\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/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png","srcSet":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/69585/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/497c6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/ee604/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/f3583/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/646b6/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.png 1266w","srcWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/61e93/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/1f5c5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 400w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/58556/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 800w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/99238/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1200w,\n/static/c73d7eaea8d410f961c02bd4097e5d4f/9b0b5/f7608096d203b6680c07bf969e8d3aac.webp 1266w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5902,"name":"Vicodin","slug":"vicodin","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}