By Pat Anson, Editor

Marijuana and hydrocodone are two of the most widely used and abused drugs in the U.S. But according to a new study by one of the nation’s largest drug screening companies, chronic pain patients who are prescribed hydrocodone are less likely to take the painkiller if they are using marijuana.

Ameritox analyzed over 100,000 urine samples from patients nationwide who were prescribed hydrocodone, which is sold under the brand names Vicodin, Lorcet and Lortab. Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed drug in the country.

Nearly five million Americans use marijuana daily. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have approved medical marijuana, which is used by many patients to reduce their pain and nausea.

Read more at National Pain Report.