Officials say opioid use will now be one of 13 qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in New York.

According to the New York state Department of Health, medical marijuana has been found to be a less addictive but equally as relieving option.

Officials say in addition to cutting back on pain, medical marijuana will also lower the number of opioid overdoses in New York.

"Medical cannibas has a very important role in safely alleviating pain and especially chronic pain," says Dr. Stephen Dahmer. He says states that have legalized medical marujuana have seen about a 25 percent reduction in opioid mortality rates.

The New York state health commissioner said in a statement, "As research indicates that marijuana can reduce the use of opioids, adding opioid use as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana has the potential to save countless lives."

Supporters of this decision say medical cannabis is still less addictive than opioids, alcohol, cigarattes and many other substances readily available across the state.