A majority of U.S. adult survey respondents who expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoids for pain relief believe these products are safer or have fewer side effects than opioids, according to the results of a new survey from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
The society reported that the survey results reflect a significant misunderstanding of the current research and laws regarding marijuana and cannabinioids:
- More than 60% of survey respondents stated these products are safer than opioids.
- Nearly 60% believe these products have fewer side effects than other medications.
- Nearly 35% stated that they don't feel the need to discuss using these products with their healthcare provider.
- In addition, 40% believe that cannabidiol (CBD) sold at grocery stores, truck stops, health food stores, or medical marijuana dispensaries is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has approved only one prescription version of CBD for patients with one of two rare forms of epilepsy and that the FDA has approved no form of marijuana, according to the ASA. In the U.S., 33 states and Washington, DC, have legalized marijuana in some form, but all set their own regulations.
The five-question survey was recently conducted online August 5-7. It included 1,005 adults (503 men, 502 women) living in the U.S.
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