Readers React: Want chronic pain patients to avoid opioids? Then legalize pot.

To the editor: The blame for opioid painkiller abuse now goes from recreational users to doctors. How about the pharmaceutical companies peddling their drugs throughout the media? (“Opioids are bad medicine for chronic pain, say new federal guidelines,” March 15)

The federal recommendations leave a void in treatment for many chronic pain suffers in claiming that over-the-counter medication could do the job. Academic physicians don’t appreciate the liver and kidney problems associated with these so-called benign medications that I see as a practicing physician.

The elephant in the room is that this void can be filled with the use of a natural, less addictive herb: cannabis. Yes, marijuana and its many forms could be the intermediate pain reliever we are seeking.

We must get over our “reefer madness” and better explore the use of marijuana as a pain reliever. I have never seen this become a gateway drug for my middle-age or elderly patients. Of course, we must remain vigilant when it comes to use by younger people who might be more susceptible to influence by their peers.

Gene Uzawa Dorio, MD, Santa Clarita

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To the editor: People with serious chronic pain take painkillers to function, rather than giving up their lives to stay in bed until they die. Most have no choice.

The alternatives suggested, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are useless in the face of severe pain, and there are no pharmaceuticals available which are effective, non-addictive and side-effect-free.

Clearly, the doctors quoted in this article have never experienced migraines, crushed bones, torn ligaments, neuropathy or inoperable spinal stenosis. When they have, then they may recommend exercise regimens, behavioral therapy and just saying no.

Doctors who listen to their patients will not come to the conclusion that legitimate chronic pain is a party.

Suzan Lowitz, Los Angeles

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