East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program Wants to Break Opioid Addiction
Halifax Non-Profit Group Wants to Offer Alternative to Opioid Addiction, but Not All Are Convinced – LPC
The East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program wants to help those struggling with opioid addiction. The non-profit group based in Halifax, Nova Scotia gives baggies of cannabis products including edibles, dried flower, and even food. The products are donated to the program and can vary every day.
“It’s breaking the cycle of addiction,” said Chris Backer, a volunteer with the East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program. “Cannabis has been documented to be very successful and is an adjunct to try to help beat addiction.”
But not everyone is convinced. Dr. Samuel Hickcox, the physician lead for addictions medicine at Nova Scotia Health, called cannabis an “unproven alternative”.
“That really worries me because we know that people who have an opioid addiction, if they are on medications like Suboxone or methadone, that their health will improve. They’re much less likely to have fatal overdoses,” Dr. Hickcox said.
He did confirm that there are some indications that cannabis use can decrease opioid use. However, he said, there isn’t enough cannabis research to confirm a direct link.
Dr. Hickcox said that there are also certain risks involved with cannabis use. (Please see link below.) Although he didn’t mention specific dangers, we know that things like cannabis addiction and cannabis vomiting syndrome are among them.
Backer, on the other hand, said that many of the volunteers at the East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program have firsthand knowledge.
“A lot of us have come off of our own addiction because of cannabis. So it’s one of those things that if you know it works, how can you not help people with it?” he said.
Chicken or Egg Situation for East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program
It’s a tough situation with no easy answers. It’s clear that the East Coast Cannabis Substitution Program is doing some great work. It’s equally clear that we need more research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of cannabis treatments.
This editorial content from the LPC News Team provides analysis, insight, and perspective on current news articles. To read the source article this commentary is based upon, please click on the link below. Are you part of the legal cannabis industry in Canada? Add Your Listing and get found by a qualified audience.
