Opiod use/mususe has not declined in states with medical marijuana or even recreational MJ.
I just had this discussion with a pain specialist (who did the same anesthesiology residency I did only 3 years later) and she told me the evidence is stacking up that no, “medical marijuana” doesn’t help with pain and does, in fact, interfere with endogenous opioid receptors but in a BAD way.
I recall from my youth dopers arguing that because our brains HAD cannabinoid receptors, we were meant (nice teleology there) to use them.
Same has been argued for opium alkaloids.
I just don’t wanna get stuck without ANY as this arthritis wracks my body so I’ve been sure to plant a LOT of poppies at my farm.