Americans are in pain. Over 2.5 million people in the US are addicted to opioids, the US Department of Health and Human Services reports. About 80 die daily from opioid overdoses. It’s gotten so bad that even conservative state legislators want to legalize medical marijuana, arguing it’s a safer, less addictive pain killer.

A new clinic is experimenting with a concept made possible by the growing legalization of marijuana: that pot, rather than being a gateway into drugs, could be a gateway out.

Physicians like Francis D’Ambrosio have substantial reason to believe that cannabinoids may indeed be effective medical treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest set of guidelines for opioid-prescribing doctors discourages drug testing patients for THC — the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

Some clinical studies suggest that the plant may have medical value, especially for difficult-to-treat pain conditions.

In the United States, 25 states have legalized medical marijuana, including 19 that let patients with a prescription buy pot from dispensaries. Proponents argue that expanding the availability of medical marijuana reduces opioid abuse and overdose deaths because it gives people an alternative for pain relief.

MADISON, Wis. — As a marijuana extract used to treat seizures becomes more widely embraced, even by former Republican opponents, the conversation in Wisconsin is shifting to whether the time is right to approve medical marijuana.

MADISON, Wis. — As a marijuana extract used to treat seizures becomes more widely embraced, even by former Republican opponents, the conversation in Wisconsin is shifting to whether the time is right to approve medical marijuana.

States that implemented medical marijuana laws experienced an especially notable drop in painkiller prescriptions.

The suggestion is that rather than using powerful painkillers, people are instead turning to legal pot.

A new review suggests cannabis may help mental health disorders.

Retired NFL players use opioids at four times the rate of the general population, according to one study, and marijuana advocates say there’s a safer, healthier alternative available.

Can marijuana help solve the opioid epidemic?

Research shows people with chronic pain or mental health issues prefer taking cannabis over prescription opioid medications to treat symptoms.

Firefighter and former Marine hopes to convince lawmakers to legalize medicinal use in Indiana.

Firefighter and former Marine hopes to convince lawmakers to legalize medicinal use in Indiana.

The program offers veterans an alternative to addictive pharmaceutical drugs.

Recent studies indicate that the drug is making seniors healthier and helping stem the tide of the opioid epidemic - all while making their health care cheaper.