An Oregon-based marijuana company is launching a program to help combat the opioid crisis, and is offering free cannabis to state residents in exchange for their pain pills.
Kaya Holdings Inc. operates medicinal and recreational dispensaries within the state and is currently talking with law enforcement about proper protocol for the proposed swap. They hope to have the program up and running by January.
“We are a little beyond the proposal stage and we intend to do this,” CEO of Kaya Holdings Craig Frank told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “There are some steps we need to take to bring ourselves on the right side of compliance, but we will find a way to give users an introduction kit and give them a chance to see whether or not cannabis will do for them what they need.”
Frank said the effort will aim to mimic other medication take-back programs, where law enforcement officials collect the pills and dispose of the them through incineration.
“The intent is to either to collect it via the authorities, or if collection is not an option, then just simply provide people the opportunity to see if cannabis can help them,” Frank added.
The starter kit would be free of charge to any patient who could prove they’ve been prescribed opioids and are looking for an alternative treatment.
Frank said the group is willing to accept other medications like Ambien or Xanax, for patients battling insomnia and anxiety — so long as they can provide proof of their condition.
“If there’s an opportunity for somebody to utilize cannabis in place of a dangerous medication, then I think we would be inclined to give them the opportunity to see whether or not that’s true for them,” Frank concluded.
You can Follow Nick on Twitter and Facebook
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.