For pain relief, many Americans believe the use of a physician's prescription for opioids poses a greater health risk than regular use of marijuana, according to a new Yahoo/Marist poll released Monday.
The poll, conducted early last month, included 1,122 adults. A vast majority (67 percent) of respondents indicated using a physician's prescription for an opioid such as Vicodin or OxyContin is a greater health risk than using a physician's prescription for marijuana.
The poll also found many Americans believe regular use of tobacco or alcohol poses a greater health risk than regular use of marijuana. A total of 76 percent of respondents said they believe the regular use of tobacco is riskier than the regular use of marijuana, according to the poll. Similarly, 72 percent of respondents said drinking alcohol regularly is riskier than regular use of marijuana.
Overall, 30 percent of Americans said their top concern regarding marijuana use is not related to health, according to research. Instead, their top concern was that the drug is illegal.
Read the full poll findings here.