The opioid epidemic has profoundly increased drug overdose deaths globally and continues to be fueled by rising levels of untreated chronic pain and drug addiction. However, neuroscientist Vishakh Iyer thinks that there is a way to “weed” out this epidemic. Vishakh explains how the biological system responsible for cannabis, THC and CBD working in our body - the endocannabinoid system - could potentially help us overcome both pain and addiction. From the origins of the opioid epidemic to the latest scientific research, Vishakh shares how the unique endocannabinoid system within all of us can be harnessed to not only overcome chronic pain but also reduce side-effects such as addiction, withdrawal, physical dependence, and respiratory dependence caused by long-term opioid use. He explains that drugs that specifically target this endocannabinoid system when combined with opioids can improve opioid-induced pain-relief while reducing their many unwanted side-effects. Images used with permission from Shutterstock.com.
The College of Arts