If states throughout the United States decide to make marijuana legal, it could potentially reduce opioid abuse in adults under 40. Furthermore, it could also prevent death via overdose on the drug.

New research has stated that opioid use has decreased in those aged 21 to 40, but only for those who live in states that have legalized medical marijuana, and with residents with prescription to take cannabis.

It's a different scenario in states that have yet to legalize marijuana, but the study did not share how much of a difference. What we do know is that in states where medical marijuana is not legalized, opioid abuse has not decreased, though we cannot say as of now if abuse of the drug has increased.

"After the implementation of a medical marijuana law, there appears to be less opioid use, at least among young and middle-aged adults," according to study lead author June Kim.

The interesting thing about this study is the fact that it could prove medical marijuana might be an alternative to opioid for those in the 21 to 40 age bracket. This is usually for folks with severe chronic pain, but the drug has other uses as well.

It would also appear as if legal marijuana could be the breakthrough to end lethal overdose on opioid. A study posted by the JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014 claims that in states where medical marijuana has been legalized, overdose death on opioid has fallen tremendously.

The study also states that researchers have decided to analyze information from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System database.

They collected information on over 69,000 drivers, and concluded that half of those who died in a car crash one hour after the accident, who are also aged 21 to 40, have opioid in their blood when compared with similar aged drivers before the medical marijuana law was implemented.

This is indeed an interesting find, one that could go on to change the way how certain drugs are consumed.

The use of this drug is on the rise across the United States and some parts of the world. Researchers have proven that pot reduces migraines, but those who have been smoking the substance for years might say this is something they have known for quite some time.

Also, the largest marijuana plant in Latin America, has been helping over 4,000 patients in Chile. The beginning of something huge? It looks like the drug is going places and could replace or aid multiple other drugs on the market in the future.

Photo: Neon Tommy | Flickr