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  • Olivia Castro

Can the Medical Marijuana Program in Louisiana Help End the Opioid Epidemic?


In 1991, Louisiana officially made a medical marijuana program in the state for those with serious medical conditions. Today, this program may play a major part in the end of the opioid epidemic that has been a heavy weight on the state for a long time.


At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our goal is to guide you through the process of getting your medical marijuana card while also being a top source for all marijuana news in the state!


The Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic is a national public health crisis, as defined by the CDC, and has been the cause of drug overdoses that have resulted in death since 1999.


This epidemic has had three waves:

  1. The first waves of the opioid epidemic began in 1999 when people started being over prescribed and misusing prescription opioids.

  2. The second was in 2010 when the level of heroin rose.

  3. The third wave of the epidemic began after 2013 when people were introduced to illicitly manufactured opioids like fentanyl.


This has been a big problem in the State. Unfortunately, over 500 thousand people have died from completely preventable overdoses since 1999. In Louisiana alone, nearly 40% of the overdoses in the state had opioid involvement. This rate keep getting higher and higher by the year.


One of the reasons why the opioid crisis is so prevalent in Louisiana is because of the large amount of laborious jobs. Since there is a large amount of people who have physical labor intensive jobs, there is also a high amount of people who are more likely to have chronic, or intractable pain. For conditions such as these, opioids are typically the prescribed treatment.


When people are unable to afford their prescribed opioids because of the high expense they too often turn to illegally purchased forms such as heroin or fentanyl.


Can Medical Marijuana Help the Opioid Epidemic?


One of the best things about medical marijuana treatment is that it has a low potential for abuse as well as no side effects and no risk of death due to overdose. This is totally different from many other prescription drugs.


By switching from using prescription drugs to medical cannabis, opioid users can increase the length and also their quality of life. Those who also use illegal opioids will also be more likely to use medical marijuana if it is easily accessible and available to the general public.


But what are Louisiana’s marijuana policies like?


In Louisiana, any and all medical conditions can qualify you for a medical marijuana card so it is very easily accessible. Other states that have a medical marijuana program have a specific list of conditions that qualify you for medical marijuana. Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is much more accessible than that.



Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Louisiana

It is easier than ever to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana! The compassionate team at Louisiana Marijuana Card can guide through the entire process. Here are the four steps your have to complete in order to get your card:

  1. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (833) 253-2943 or booking online.

  2. Complete our patients intake form and submit all your medical records to us.

  3. Meet with one of our certified marijuana doctors and discuss your medical condition.

  4. Once you get approval, receive your medical card and access dispensaries throughout the state.


Don’t wait another moment to get the relief that you deserve. Schedule an appointment with us today. You’re in the right place!


 

Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.


Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!


Check out Louisiana Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Louisiana!

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