According to a new poll of 2,000 Americans, one in two has turned to a natural remedy to treat an ailment rather than a prescription medication.
The study examined their opinions on natural remedies, cannabis, marijuana and hemp, as well as the recent increase in opioid use in the United States.
Results found nearly three-quarters of respondents believe natural remedies – such as cannabis, marijuana or hemp – are safer than prescription medicines, with 47 percent strongly agreeing and another 27 percent with a more casual agreement.
Another 78 percent of respondents believe that cannabis should be more available as a pain treatment – with 52 percent in strong agreement and another 27 percent in slight agreement.
More than seven in 10 respondents, however, believed there is a negative stigma around using natural remedies for pain relief including medical cannabis use.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Remedy Review, the survey also found that aside from 78 percent of respondents reporting using a natural remedy at some point.
Respondents reported choosing to use a natural remedy rather than a prescription medication because the natural remedy was more affordable (66 percent) and it was easier to obtain (56 percent).
Half of those polled who said they had turned to a natural remedy rather than a prescription also reported feeling worried they would become addicted to prescription medication.
Respondents were then asked what they felt would be efficient ways to combat the increased use of opioids across the United States – with seven in 10 respondents describing it as a “crisis.”
Nearly eight in 10 respondents agreed with the sentiment that doctors should even be held legally responsible if they overprescribe opioids and patients become addicted.
The top avenue to combat the opioid crisis, according to those surveyed, is increasing regulations for drug companies and manufacturers that make opioids (59 percent).
Other avenues included legalizing medical marijuana (55 percent), as well as the legalization of recreational marijuana (43 percent).
However, 79 percent of respondents also said more research is needed to fully understand the medical properties and benefits of cannabis and marijuana.
“Hemp-derived CBD offers people the chance to find relief without fear of addiction,” said Marc Lewis, Executive Editor of Remedy Review. “But with this promise comes a need for more clinical studies, industry oversight, and clear quality standards to govern production.”
More people than you think are using products that contain compounds derived from cannabis, however.
Sixty-nine percent of respondents reported using a product that contains cannabidoil (CBD) at some point in their lives – with 33 percent currently using one.
Although cannabidoil (CBD) is not illegal, 46 percent of respondents incorrectly believed CBD products are fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
In reality, the FDA has only approved one prescription drug product and has not approved any other CBD products.
“Consumers should always do their research before buying CBD products online,” said Marc Lewis, Executive Editor of Remedy Review. “Products have been shown to contain pesticides and dangerous solvents, even synthetic cannabinoids. It’s very important to protect yourself in a market growing this quickly”
TOP 5 REASONS AMERICANS CHOSE NATURAL REMEDIES INSTEAD OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
A natural remedy was more affordable 66%
A natural remedy was easier to obtain 56%
I prefer natural remedies over prescription medications 55%
I was worried I would become addicted to prescription medication 50%
I did not want to go to a doctor to get a prescription medication 32%
TOP 5 WAYS TO COMBAT THE OPIOID CRISIS
Create more regulations for drug companies/manufacturers that make opioids 59%
Legalization of marijuana (medical use) 55%
Create regulations to hold medical professionals who prescribe opioids more accountable 49%
Legalization of marijuana (recreational use) 43%
Create regulations for natural remedies/alternatives 38%
ENDS
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