First, Do No Harm: The Role of Cannabis Education in Response to the Opioid Crisis

Abstract

In 2016, British Columbia experienced an increase in mortality rates associated with opioid mediation. In response, the College of Physicians and Surgeons released guidelines to reduce over-prescribing. Unfortunately, many Canadians continue to suffer with chronic pain and offering suitable treatment alternatives is a priority. Since 1999 the courts have recognized patient’s rights to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP) and the government recently tasked physicians as gatekeepers to CTP. However, there is need for greater educational opportunities about CTP so that patients can receive greater standard of care and access to a substance with a better safety profile than opioids.