Can Medical Marijuana Reduce Worker’s Compensation Claims?  

There has been a tremendous amount of discussion recently surrounding the legalization of cannabis and medical marijuana. With a massive political drive to reduce legal regulations surrounding these substances, more research is being conducted on cannabis. Already, research is coming out that suggests cannabis can treat seizures, reduce anxiety, and control chronic pain. Even the FDA has legalized a medication based on cannabis to help people who suffer from seizures. Now, a study has been released showing that medical marijuana may also reduce the frequency of claims related to worker’s compensation.

In this research study, a team of professionals took a look at the laws surrounding medical marijuana in certain states. The researchers looked at the rate of worker’s compensation claims. They discovered that in states with medical marijuana, there was a sharp decline in worker’s compensation claims. They also found that the claims that were filed were for shorter periods of time in states that had legalized medical marijuana.

This study shows that medical marijuana may play a role in the reduction of worker’s compensation cases. According to https://jasondmills.com/, “Injuries and illnesses only need to be work-related for the employee to be eligible for benefits” which includes worker’s compensation. There might be a lot of overlap in the types of medical disabilities for which people file these claims and the types of medical issues that people treat with medical marijuana. For instance, back pain is one of the most common reasons why people file for worker’s compensation or medical disability. People also use medical marijuana to control chronic pain, such as discomfort involving the back. With the legalization of medical marijuana, many of the common issues related to worker’s compensation now have an alternative form of treatment.

Indeed, many people may prefer using medical marijuana or CBD instead of prescription pain medication. The country is still in the midst of an opioid epidemic stemming from the over-prescription of opioid and narcotic pain medications. Many people do not like the way these medications make them feel. Furthermore, they are addictive and an overdose can place someone in the hospital. Now, people are excited that there is an alternative. This may play a role in reducing the frequency of overdoses and deaths stemming from chronic opioid and narcotic use.

While medical marijuana cannot cure chronic pain, it does provide a way for someone to manage it. This means that someone who is suffering from chronic pain might have a way to control their pain to the point they can return to work. This is better for small businesses and the employee. The results of this study may drive more states to legalize medical marijuana. With such a strong political push, it feels like it is only a matter of time before this happens.