5 Prescription Drugs That Could Literally Be Replaced By Cannabis

Several reports have started to emerge stating that five prescription drugs can literally be replaced by cannabis.

A survey was carried out of 473 medical marijuana patients. Researchers discovered that 80.3% use cannabis in some form to completely replace prescription drugs despite the higher associated costs. Cannabis was also found a common replacement for alcohol and other illicit substances, especially among patients under the age of 40 years old.

In fact, a study published in the Drug and Alcohol Review journal ruled that more and more people are turning to the organic substance as a substitute for prescription medication, alcohol, and other illegal drugs.

Prescription drugs make Big Pharma billions of dollars every year. More often than not, these pills don't treat the illness that the patient is suffering from. Most of these drugs can cause severe adverse side effects that are well documented but fail to reach the the people that need it the most.

For example, commercials for the anti-depressant 'Zoloft' state that the pill can actually make a person feel MORE suicidal, rather than assisting in the struggle to deal with depression.

Cannabis has been shown to improve the conditions of many different types of illness and affliction. This list contains five pharmaceuticals that could possibly be replaced by a natural, green remedy.

1. VICODIN (PAINKILLERS)

Many studies have found that cannabis is effective in treating patients who suffer from chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 44 Americans die every single day from overdose of these painkillers.

2. XANAX (ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATION)

Xanax is often used to treat patients who suffer from anxiety. Not everyone can treat anxiety with marijuana. In fact, smoking cannabis for some people can cause acute anxiety and paranoia.

However, the effects are linked with the type or strain of weed that is consumed.

Sativa strains are often associated with cerebral highs – which can stimulate anxiety, most especially for users who don't frequently use the drug. However, indica strains have revealed to reduce anxiety.

3. ADDERALL (STIMULANTS)

Similar to tranquilizers, substituting marijuana for stimulant prescription drugs vary depending on the strain. Those who intend to use marijuana as an alternative for these stimulants will have to consume sativa strains, as they have shown to be more effective in treating both ADHD and ADD.

4. AMBIEN (SLEEP AIDS)

Doctors caution users against trying to stay awake while on Ambien for two reasons. The first (and most commonly heard) is that the drug is extremely powerful and fighting the effects just isn't worth it. If you're required to use a drug this strong to make you fall asleep, you should do just that.

The second reason being that the drug has a "hypnagogic" effect on people if they don't fall asleep right away. What this means is that the drug has hypnotizing qualities. When under the influence of Ambien, people are far more open to suggestion, whether there is a third party involved or the user's own subconscious. This means that you might end up driving your car, stealing something that you shouldn't take, assault, or any other number of negative actions.

5. ZOLOFT (ANTIDEPRESSANTS)

A lot of medical marijuana patients have noticed that cannabis can be a very effective treatment for depression, however it varies from patient to patient.

Research has found that smoking marijuana has less side effects than people using antidepressants.

(Source)

Image Credits: © Jan Mika