Pubdate: Thu, 17 Nov 2016
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: David P. Ball
Page: 6
Referenced: https://blogs.ubc.ca/walshlab/research-interests/

SMOKING POT COULD HELP DRUG USERS KICK ADDICTIONS: STUDY

Remember the old "gateway drug" theory that marijuana leads to harder
drugs like cocaine or meth?

Now researchers at the University of British Columbia believe the idea
might actually work in reverse.

A new study touted as one of the "most comprehensive" ever suggests
that drug users - particularly those addicted to opioids and alcohol -
could benefit from using marijuana as a reverse "stepping stone" away
from more dangerous substances.

According to UBC associate professor of psychology Zach Walsh,
"research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug
to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as
opioid pain medication."

Additionally, his international team found evidence that cannabis
could be helpful in treating the symptoms of social anxiety,
post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. But according to the
study, it "might not be recommended" for psychosis or bipolar disorder.

Walsh was lead investigator on an international team - including three
others at UBC, Florida State University, California's National Centre
for PTSD and Center for Innovation and Implementation.
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MAP posted-by: Matt