Cannabis Legalization Reduces Benzodiazepine Use: A Safer Alternative for Anxiety Management?

The legalization of cannabis in the United States is bringing a number of changes to public health. One of the key effects is a noticeable decrease in the number of prescriptions for benzodiazepines, popular drugs used to treat anxiety. As indicated by a new study published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open, the availability of both medical and recreational cannabis may result in a lower demand for these pharmaceuticals.

This groundbreaking finding is the result of an analysis of the impact of cannabis laws on prescription filling patterns among patients with private health insurance. Is cannabis becoming an alternative to traditional anti-anxiety medications? Let’s take a closer look at the study’s key findings.

Benzodiazepines under the microscope

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. They work by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which leads to a calming effect on the nervous system. However, long-term use carries the risk of addiction and serious side effects.

Studies show that in states where cannabis is legal, the number of prescriptions for benzodiazepines has dropped significantly. The key indicator here was the so-called “fills,” or the number of prescriptions actually filled by patients, not those written by doctors. This reduction suggests that patients are increasingly turning to cannabis as an alternative, especially in cases where state laws allow its use in the treatment of anxiety and PTSD.

The impact of cannabis legalization on other medications?

Although the impact of cannabis legalization on benzodiazepines is clear, similar changes have not been reported for other drug classes, such as barbiturates or Z-drugs, which are primarily used to treat insomnia.

On the other hand, studies have shown a small but noticeable increase in prescriptions for antidepressants and antipsychotics. This phenomenon requires further study to determine whether cannabis may be contributing to the increased need for these drugs in some cases or whether it is the result of other factors.

Why does this matter?

According to 2021 data, as many as 23% of adult Americans suffer from mental disorders, but only a little over 65% of them receive appropriate treatment. Lack of access to therapy can lead to exacerbation of health problems and, consequently, the development of chronic diseases.

The introduction of cannabis as an alternative to traditional medicines opens up new possibilities for patients. In particular, medical cannabis is often used to treat PTSD, which affects millions of people worldwide. With legalization, patients can have easier access to this type of therapy.

Benzodiazepines are not only addictive, but they are also dangerous when combined with opioids. In 2020, 14% of opioid overdose deaths involved concomitant benzodiazepine use.

Cannabis may provide a safer alternative, reducing the risk of addiction and overdose. While more research is needed on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating anxiety, its potential benefits—both for patients and the healthcare system—are promising.

Summary

The legalization of cannabis is having a significant impact on how Americans use prescription drugs. The decline in benzodiazepine prescriptions suggests that cannabis may be an effective substitute for anxiety, especially for patients with limited access to traditional therapies.

At the same time, the differences in results across states suggest that laws need to be tailored to local realities and patient needs. Continued research will be crucial to better understand the long-term effects of cannabis as an alternative to anti-anxiety medications.

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(Featured image by HolgersFotografie via Pixabay)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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