Legalization of Cannabis in Colorado Associated with Reductions in Opioid Deaths

Marijuana and Opioids

Researchers from the University of North Texas School of Public Health, the University of Florida, and Emory University published a study which found that legalization of cannabis in Colorado was associated with short-term reductions in opioid-related deaths.  The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The researchers set out to examine the association between Colorado’s legalization of recreational cannabis use and opioid-related deaths.  They compared changes in opioid-related deaths before and after Colorado stores began selling recreational cannabis.

The study results showed that Colorado’s legalization of recreational cannabis sales and use resulted in a 0.7 deaths per month reduction in opioid-related deaths.  This reduction represented a reversal of the upward trend in opioid-related deaths in Colorado.

See the study – Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Opioid-Related Deaths in Colorado.

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