As the debate over cannabis legalization rages on, it’s no secret that Big Pharma is feeling a little uneasy. And it’s not just because they’re worried about losing profits to the budding cannabis industry. No, it’s because several medications on the market today have therapeutic overlap with cannabis. That’s right, folks. Your trusty prescription drugs might just have a little something in common with that “devil’s lettuce” everyone’s been talking about.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these medications and crunch some numbers to see why Big Pharma might be feeling a little threatened.
First up, we have the painkillers. It’s no secret that cannabis has been used for centuries to alleviate pain and inflammation. And with the opioid crisis at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that people are turning to cannabis as a safer alternative. But did you know that in 2016, the pharmaceutical industry made a whopping $24 billion from opioid sales alone? That’s a lot of dough, and it’s no wonder they’re not too keen on cannabis taking a slice of that pie.
Next, we have the anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications. These are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world, and for good reason. But here’s the thing – cannabis has been shown to have similar effects on anxiety and depression. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis use was associated with a 50% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. That’s a pretty significant number, and it’s no wonder Big Pharma might