Cannabis is effective in relieving pain. Since the pain can arise from a number of reasons, choosing the right marijuana products can help you alleviate your symptoms effectively. So, before you visit the medical dispensary, it’s good to increase your knowledge about different types of pain conditions. And, how cannabis can help in managing each.
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Chronic pain is a common condition, which can last six months and even longer. In some cases, the pain continues even after the injury or illness that caused it is treated.
Marijuana has amazing pain-relieving properties. It works by stimulating the body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which bind to the receptors in the system, thus reducing the sensations of pain. A recent study found that over 62 percent of chronic pain patients use marijuana.
A 2015 review was based on examining the effects of cannabinoids on different pain conditions. Researchers noted that cannabis can help in treating neuropathy pain and other types of chronic pain.
Smoking is the most popular cannabis consumption method for pain management. It involves heating flowers and delivering cannabinoids directly in the bloodstream via smoke. However, it’s not safe, especially for patients with lung problems. Smoking alternatives such as vaping, topicals, tinctures, etc. can help avoid the negative effects of smoking.
Marijuana compounds can help in managing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis by reducing the effects of inflammatory proteins. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the release of inflammatory proteins by the immune system.
A new study reported that more people are using cannabis for managing arthritis pain and muscle aches. Dr. Timothy Leroux, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toronto said that 20 percent had past/current cannabis use with the intention to reduce pain.
Moreover, the researchers reported that ⅔ of non-users are interested in trying marijuana for managing muscle and joint pain. The results were based on the feedback from 600 patients who visited a Toronto orthopedic clinic.
For managing arthritis pain and other symptoms, you can find a wide range of flowers, edibles, tinctures, etc. with different cannabinoid levels. For instance, you can buy high-THC low-CBD, low-THC high-THC, or equal THC and CBD. If you haven’t smoked cannabis before, we recommend you to start with low doses of CBD oils or edibles.
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Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which can lead to pain in muscles and bones, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances.
Cannabis can help in easing pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. There are a few studies about marijuana and fibromyalgia available. In a study of 28 participants, 43 percent of them reported strong pain relief, 43 percent mild relief and the remaining participants reported no results.
The cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system for reducing anxiety. Research says that CBD increases 5-HT1A transmission and increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, just like SSRIs do.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reported that marijuana is effective in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression levels. However, the herb is helpful for short-term use. Long-term use may lead to adverse effects.
Some of the best cannabis strains for fibromyalgia are—Harlequin, Cannatonic, Tahoe OG, Granddaddy Purple, Girl Scout Cookies, Blueberry, and Bubba Kush.
Medical studies have found that the body’s endocannabinoid system when stimulated by the endocannabinoids, can play a role in managing migraine pain. Endocannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by the body naturally.
For example, anandamide is an endocannabinoid, which is responsible for activating pain signals and managing inflammation.
An animal study published in 2014 found that migraine patients had deficiencies in anandamide levels.
THC, a major psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, has a similar chemical structure as anandamide. It can activate the cannabinoid receptors, thus reducing pain.
In 2016, a study published in Pharmacotherapy found that marijuana use helped in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks to 4.6 from 10.4 within a month. The study was conducted on 121 adults who were suffering from migraines.
Some of the best marijuana strains for migraine headaches are—OG Kush, ACDC, Harlequin, Pineapple Express, Remedy, Northern Lights, and Canna-Tsu.
Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for cancer. However, it can lead to various side-effects, such as aching in the joints, headaches, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc.
According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD is effective in managing various cancer chemotherapy side-effects, such as pain, vomiting, etc. Additionally, it can help in reducing cancerous tumors.
It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t affect the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug used for treating cancer.
In 2010, a study was published related to cancer-related pain and marijuana. The participants were given oral sprays containing THC-CBD extract in conjunction with opioids. Researchers reported that the extract delivered more promising results than opioids alone.
Opioids medications are commonly used for pain management. However, medications can lead to various side-effects, such as nausea, constipation, sedation, slowed breathing, etc. On the other hand, marijuana provides natural results and is safer than opioids.
Cannabis can replace or supplement prescription medications such as antidepressants, pain medications, sleep pills, etc.
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 80 percent of the 1000 participants reported that cannabis was extremely helpful. Additionally, 88 percent of the participants stopped taking opioids.
A study found that the number of deaths from prescription medications reduced between 1999 and 2010. The use of opioid drugs was reduced to 25 percent in the US states that legalized marijuana. Moreover, reduced opioid use reported a reduction of $165.2 million in Medicare expenditure.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced organizing a series of conversations regarding alternatives to opioid medications for pain management. A member of the Americans for Safe Access (ASA) submitted the request to join about 100 individual conversations.
Heather Despres, the Director of the Patient Certification Program of the ASA said, “I’m interested in participating in the conversations on a personal and a professional level.”
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Marijuana has medicinal properties, which can help ease pain, thus promoting wellness. Research says that its cannabinoids bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus reducing sensations of pain. Cannabis is effective for chronic pain, fibromyalgia pain, arthritis pain, and migraine headaches. Additionally, cancer patients can use it for alleviating pain and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Since cannabis use doesn’t cause any unpleasant side-effects, patients can use it as an alternative to opioids and other pain medications.
However, when using marijuana for pain management, choosing the right dosage, delivery method and strains is important. So, always check the cannabinoid profile of strains, start with a low dose when using a new product, and monitor your results regularly.
Apply for 420 evaluations to become an approved medical marijuana user today.
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