In a new paper published in the journal Trends in Neuroscience, a neurobiologist argues that using cannabis for opioid withdrawal and pain relief is a promising area of research that has been largely neglected in the scientific community. And in light of the current opioid epidemic and positive early trials of cannabis, this needs to change.

The author, Yasmin L. Hurd, Ph.D., studies the molecular and neurochemical effects of both cannabinoids — extracts of cannabis legally sold as medical marijuana — and opioids. She is the Ward-Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of the Center for Addictive Disorders for the Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System.