Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September.

Study Finds Legalized Marijuana Lowers Opioid Prescriptions

A five-year study showed that after states legalize weed, the number of opioid prescriptions decreased significantly.

Is this marijuana medical or recreational? / Image: Getty Images
Is this marijuana medical or recreational? / Image: Getty Images

A recent Stat News article noted two papers published in JAMA Internal Medicine that discussed the role of marijuana in the opioid crisis. Data from a five-year study found that some patients are straying from prescription drugs to marijuana, but it’s unclear whether patients or doctors are driving the shift.

One study found that opioid prescriptions dropped 14% among people on Medicare once marijuana was legalized in their state. A second study found that Medicaid enrollees filled 4% fewer opioid prescriptions each year after any law made pot more accessible. Not surprisingly, the decreases were more severe in states that legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.

List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Medical Device Innovations Report
Cutting-edge packaging technologies are transforming the medical device sector in PMMI’s “Innovation in Medical Device” report, featuring advanced materials, smart solutions, and evolving regulations. Editors share insights from nearly 300 PACK EXPO booth visits—each product deemed new and truly innovative—alongside video demonstrations of the equipment and materials on display.
Learn More
Medical Device Innovations Report