- New research suggests that cannabis is an effective substitute for the deadly
- If the findings prove true in further trials, it leads hope for a potential treatment
- It could see the herb being used in similar vain to methadone for heroin addicts
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
4
View
comments
Smoking cannabis could help crack cocaine addicts to overcome their dependency, new research implies.
The study suggests that the world’s most popular recreational drug is an effective, but unconventional, substitute for the deadly rock.
If the findings prove true in further trials, it could lead to the herb being used in similar vain to methadone for heroin addicts.
Currently there are no effective means of helping users of the drug who are wanting to battle their continuous cravings, researchers say.
The study suggests that cannabis – the world’s most popular recreational drug – is an effective, but unconventional, substitute for crack cocaine
Experts recently warned of their detection of fentanyl, similar to morphine but up to 100 times more powerful, in batches of crack.
Health officials in British Columbia, Canada, believe this could be exacerbating the problem of opiod overdoses – which killed nearly 1,000 people last year – in the region.
On a wider level, this problem is responsible for 70,000 deaths across the world each year, the World Health Organisation says.
Could walnuts and olive oil prevent food poisoning? Omega-3…
Aim for seven to seven-and-a-half hours sleep: Any more OR…
Long-term use of anabolic steroids damages the heart, study…
Revealed: The life-saving first-aid tips should you ever…
But this isn’t the only threat users of the short-lived stimulant face, as sharing pipes can pass on HIV and hepatitis C.
Long-term side effects of regularly smoking the drug, which is said to be one of the most powerful illegal substances, are dangerous to the body.
They include a heightened risk of heart attacks, malnutrition and even severe bouts of depression – which can lead to suicide.
If the findings prove true in further trials, it could lead to the herb being used in similar vain to methadone for heroin addicts (stock)
Researchers at the BC Centre on Substance Use in Vancouver found addicts who chose to smoke cannabis to limit their crack usage took less of the drug.
This tactic helped slash the amount of daily crack users from 35 per cent to just 20 per cent, they wrote in a piece for The Conversation.
CANNABIS IS NOT AS DANGEROUS AS WE THINK, EXPERTS SAY
The risk of developing psychosis as a result of smoking cannabis is much lower than first thought, scientists reported last month.
Over the years, a host of previous research has pointed to a link between the popular recreational drug and mental health conditions.
But a new review of existing studies published yesterday on 4/20, an unofficial day to celebrate cannabis, has found that cases are relatively rare.
However, those who smoke high amounts of weed should still be careful, according to researchers at the University of York.
Their findings were drawn from a survey of 122 crack users in a downtown suburb of the city where the drug, made of powdered cocaine and bicarbonate of soda, is commonplace.
Ian Hamilton, a cannabis researcher at the University of York, spoke of his excitement at the findings which mirror other studies.
He told MailOnline: ‘This study adds to the increasing evidence that cannabis could have the potential to treat many health related problems.
‘Many of these patients have found that cannabis helps to relieve withdrawal symptoms and improve their chances of becoming abstinent.
‘It is important that we listen to these patients and investigate rigorously the potential benefits of using cannabis to aide their recovery.’
However, he critiqued current laws surrounding cannabis in the UK which make further research difficult.
The findings of the new study were presented last week at the Harm Reduction Conference in Montreal.
Share or comment on this article
- EXCLUSIVE: First photos of Ariana Grande since Manchester…
- Schoolgirl, 14, is named among latest victims of the…
- ‘He was chanting Islamic prayers loudly in the street’:…
- Theresa May warns a fresh terror attack is feared to be…
- PIERS MORGAN: The Manchester murderer may have been a…
- Lounging on a Libyan beach with his childhood mates, the…
- KATIE HOPKINS: Despite all the politicians’ clichés of…
- Help for the homeless heroes: Millionaire West Ham owner…
- ‘Like bits of fire’: Mother and daughter share photos of…
- EXCLUSIVE: Ariana Grande’s hero mom – who helped bring…
- Mother of teen, 18, killed in Manchester terror attack…
- More than 24 hours on, desperate families still search…
- Tourists watch in horror as armed police arrest man…
- Here come the troops: Army sends 1,000 heavily-armed…
- Lorry driver is arrested after four women and one man are…
- She STILL doesn’t wanna hold his hand: Melania leaves…
- Aaron Hernandez’s hell behind bars: NFL star killed…
- ‘Our little princess has been so lucky’: Father’s joy as…
Comments 4
Share what you think
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Close
Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual.
Close
Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual
We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook.
You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.