Medical marijuana could reduce painkiller abuse, study suggests Medical marijuana is packed for delivery in Los Angeles. A study suggests that opiate painkiller abuse may be reduced in states that have legalized medical cannabis. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) By Melissa Healy "It's so apparent that our patients can decrease, diminish or wean themselves completely off of opiates, and that it improves their quality of life."- Dr. Donald Abrams, a UC San Francisco oncologist who was not involved with the study #marijuana #cannabis #prop203 #mmj