OP, if you dont find a strain that works or if the different consumption methods dont work, you could always grow poppies. You wouldnt be getting away from opiates, but you'd be cutting out the apap shit. I've thought about it too but myself, I've decided against it. I take my pain meds as prescribed because if I dont then the other half of the month I'm detoxing and feel like shit. If I had that shit on tap, I know me and I'd get carried away. Also the legality is probably worse growing a poppy than an mj plant.
Your friend could be more responsible than me though and live in a place were growing a poppy isnt illegal so putting it out there.
Just know you'll be playing with a dragons tail.