The Opioid Crisis
Globally, we are in the midst of an opioid crisis. There have been more than 500,000 apparent opioid-related deaths between 1999-2019. These lost lives make the opioid crisis a leading public health and safety concern.
Recent estimates indicate that 10.1 million Americans misused prescription opioids in the past year (e.g., taking in amounts greater than prescribed, tampering with the product before taking it, or using to get high or improve mood). Understanding the health and social impacts of opioid use is critical for reducing related risks and harms, as well as for controlling access for therapeutic applications.
What are Opioids?
Opioids exist in both licit and illicit forms. A variety of opioid medications — such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone and diacetylmorphine — are produced and used most often to treat pain. People consume these products for medical and non-medical purposes.
Opioids have the potential for problematic use because they can produce a feeling of well-being or euphoria — a “high.” Most of the harms currently being experienced are due to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be prescribed to patients or acquired illicitly. The presence of fentanyl in other substances dramatically increases the risk of overdose as it is an extremely potent drug that can cause fatality even in trace amounts.
Our Mission
CMRAF has been established to ensure that research and development has a social cause and purpose by helping those most in need, while recognizing the need for the pharmaceutical industry leadership to confront the clear and present perils of the opioid and related addiction crisis.
The foundation goals include
Conducting Research
Conduct research on CBD, other cannabinoids, psychedelics and other complementary medicines that can be used as an alternative to currently prescribed medications.
Addressing Issues
Address the clear and present opioid and drug addiction crisis in Canada and beyond.
