When cannabis becomes legal in Canada on October 17, it will take marijuana out of the illicit market, reducing the stigma associated with its use and increasing availability to all users.

Looking at U.S. Medicare data from 2010 and 2015, researchers found that after a state legalized medical cannabis, filled opioid prescriptions fell by 2.11 million daily doses. States that opened cannabis dispensaries saw even more dramatic results: opioid prescriptions fell by 3.74 million daily doses.

What do you think? Could cannabis help with the opioid crisis in Canada? Join the conversation using #DiscussCannabis on social. Or, read more #DiscussCannabis posts.

Learn more about Emerald Health Therapeutics, and find out how to apply for medical cannabis.