> We still have to rely on this ancient 150+ year old dangerous drug that's barely effective because of a major failing of medical science/pharmaceutical resear

> We still have to rely on this ancient 150+ year old dangerous drug that's barely effective because of a major failing of medical science/pharmaceutical research. No it's because we care more about stopping people from getting high than stopping them from being in pain. You said it yourself: > the big guns—the opiates—are totally inappropriate painkillers in all but the most severe pain because of potential for addiction Who cares??? It's better to be addicted than suffer. And I have lots of doubts about their addiction potential, because of all the people who have a backwards sense of medicine.