Sen. Warren: Medical Marijuana May Be Answer To Opioid Crisis

Massachusetts senior senator said "medical marijuana may be a viable alternative" way to treat those in pain and help to tackle the "opioid crisis."

"One way to tackle the opioid crisis is to invest in more research on alternative pain therapies, including physical therapies, and new drugs that don't have abuse potential," said Sen. Elizabeth Warren. "Medical marijuana may also be a viable alternative. The truth is we just don't know."

Sen. Warren gave her statement during a Feb. 24 hearing entitled: "Opioid Use Among Seniors – Issues and Emerging Trends."

"Twenty-three states have enacted laws permitting the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, which means it is being prescribed for pain right now today," said Sen. Warren.

"But serious research on the potential benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana is largely blocked by outdated federal laws and policies," said Sen. Warren.

The Massachusetts Democrat said she has sent numerous letter to federal agencies "asking that they reduce these barriers but so far these agencies have taken virtually no action to expand research opportunities."

She said she also asked the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to "step up" with more information on "how medical marijuana might impact the opioid epidemic."

Sen. Warren said "it is irresponsible not to study the science."