Marijuana Users Took More Opioids After Injury, Study Finds

While marijuana is increasingly being viewed as an alternative to opioids for pain patients, new research suggests the interplay between opioids and pot can be complicated. A study published in the December issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that use of marijuana during recovery from a musculoskeletal injury increased the amount of opioids prescribed, as well as the duration of opioid prescribing. The study included 500 patients with a traumatic musculoskeletal injuries who were evaluated one to six months after trauma. The patients were asked to complete a survey abou...