Cannabis for Pain
For most people, pain is temporary. But for some, pain is a constant thing that they have to live with. It prevents them from enjoying their lives, keeping them prisoners of their own bodies.
Cannabis has powerful painkilling effects. According to statistics, it is one of the top reasons why people use cannabis for pain in the first place.
What is the best marijuana for pain?
Cannabis produces over a hundred different types of cannabinoids as well as terpenes. They interact with the human cells, producing effects that can benefit us. Not only can marijuana for pain help control this symptom, but it can also reduce inflammation which exacerbates pain.
Types of marijuana plants
Marijuana has two major types – Indica and Sativa. Between these two are hundreds of different types of strains. Some are pure Indica and pure Sativa strains, while a good number are Hybrids. Hybrids are basically a crossbreed between Indica and Sativa, and their characteristics can either lean more on the Indica or Sativa side. There are Hybrids, too, that are evenly-balanced; meaning 50% Indica and 50% Sativa.
All these different strains produce cannabinoids and terpenes. However, the levels of concentration of these chemical compounds vary. Some strains have high THC, while others have high CBD. Some strains have higher painkilling terpenes, while others don’t.
What are the best 20 cannabis strains for chronic pain relief
As mentioned earlier, there are many types of cannabis strains. So if you are going to use them to treat your chronic pain, then you have to know the best marijuana for pain relief. Below, and in no particular order, are the top 20
cannabis for back pain and chronic pain: AC/DC, Blue Widow, Death Star, Blackberry Kush, Kimbo Kush, Blueberry Kush, Harlequin, LA Confidential, Cannatonic, Blueberry Headband, Mendo Breath, Canna-Tsu, CBD Critical Mass, Quantum Kush, Jack Herer, Master Kush, Sour Diesel, Tangerine Dream, White Dream, and Skunk Haze.
How does cannabis for pain help?
There are several ways that cannabis can help control pain. Cannabis doesn’t just activate one biological system, but others as well.
What are the medicinal properties of marijuana?
Cannabis oil for pain either contains pure CBD or a mix of CBD and THC. The cannabinoids will stimulate the cells’ endocannabinoid system or ECS. Our ECS functions to control and regulate pain perception. In addition to these, the cannabinoids also stimulate other receptors in the cells. These receptors also function to modulate pain perception. Cannabis’ activation of these receptors can significantly reduce chronic pain and discomfort.
Moreover, the cannabinoids also control inflammation. Inflammation, according to studies, worsens pain since the process prompts the cells to release pain generating chemicals. Now, by reducing or controlling the inflammatory process, pain is also reduced.
What do doctors say?
Our society is now more accepting of cannabis and its therapeutic effects. So it’s no longer that difficult to look for medical cannabis doctors who help patients with their dosages. However, because the endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery, having only been discovered in the early 1990s, many doctors are also still hesitant to prescribe cannabis to their patients. The fact that cannabis has long been considered a dangerous drug is also another reason for this hesitation.
If you’d like to try cannabis pain products, we suggest that you discuss it with your primary care physician first. He may be able to refer you to a medical cannabis doctor for proper dosage.
Is cannabis a cure for chronic pain or cause of drug addiction?
An increasing number of people are trying cannabis pain relief products. They find that cannabis can significantly reduce their pain and, at the same time, improve their quality of life. However, some people are still hesitant to try medical cannabis because of the risk of drug addiction.
Drug addiction is, indeed, a risk if you are a heavy and chronic cannabis user. But when it comes to medical cannabis products like oils and tinctures, the THC level is not enough to cause addiction. Furthermore, its CBD works with THC to produce therapeutic effects. At the same time, CBD also controls THC’s negative side effects.
Are medical cannabis products addictive? No.
Clinical experience and research studies on cannabis
Numerous studies on cannabis and chronic pain have shown that the cannabinoids are potent painkilling chemicals. One study on the analgesic effects of CBD and THC showed that these cannabinoids can control nerve pain or neuropathic pain.
Another cannabis chronic pain study showed that the cannabinoids can also help reduce nerve pain caused by damaged nerves. Patients with multiple sclerosis reported significant improvement in their symptoms after the administration of medical cannabis.
A study on arthritis and cannabis also showed that the cannabinoids not only significantly reduced pain but also helped control inflammation. The patients also reported significant improvement in their quality of life.
Are there alternatives to high-THC medical cannabis for chronic pain?
There are actually several alternatives to smoking cannabis for chronic pain. Some of these include:
CBD
Some people cannot tolerate even low doses of THC. They find its side effects very uncomfortable. If you have an intolerance to THC, then you can try CBD products. Some CBD products contain only pure CBD with no traces of THC. CBD, similar to THC, is also a very powerful painkilling cannabinoid. It also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory compound. A few drops of CBD oil under your tongue can already help decrease your pain.
Medical CBD comes in many forms, not just CBD oil. There are also CBD tinctures, gummies, candies, capsules, and even topicals for your muscles and joints.
Edibles
Edibles are perfect for those who do not want to smoke or vape cannabis for back pain or chronic pain. These cannabis edibles are also perfect for those who can’t tolerate the grassy flavor of cannabis.
However, care should be taken when you eat edibles though, especially since you will not immediately feel the effects. You will need to wait a while before you adjust your dose. The onset of effects can take anywhere between half an hour to even a couple of hours, depending on your body’s metabolism.
The onset of effects of edibles may take longer, but the duration of the effects is longer.
Final Thoughts
Numerous studies have already been done on medical marijuana and chronic pain, and they show good results. Cannabis can help control pain, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life.
