Many sufferers of chronic pain turn to marijuana to provide relief. Claims about the health benefits of using cannabis are all over the internet and many people swear by it.
Painkillers and prescription drugs such as opioids are hard on the body and many people turn to other methods to manage their pain.
And it isn’t only young adults either. Many seniors started smoking weed for pain as an alternative to prescription painkillers. But is there any factual connection between marijuana and pain?
Find out if cannabis is beneficial to people suffering from pain and if you should try it yourself.
Medical Marijuana vs Recreational Marijuana
Both medical and recreational marijuana is used by individuals suffering from pain. The two main compounds in the cannabis plant are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC creates the high that most people associate with marijuana. CBD doesn’t produce that effect and medical prescriptions usually have a higher amount of CBD than recreational weed.
You don’t always need a doctor’s recommendation to buy recreational marijuana. If it’s legal in your state, you can simply buy some from a dispensary. However, you will need a medical marijuana card to buy medical marijuana.
The Benefits of Marijuana
So does marijuana relieve pain?
Evidence from studies connecting marijuana and pain relief are often inconclusive. This may make it difficult to separate data from personal opinion. And yet, many people swear by the medicinal effects of cannabis, either the recreational or medical variety.
There are many reasons that people turn to marijuana. Cannabis is often used to treat everything from high levels of stress to extreme nausea.
These are some of the ways marijuana helps with pain and other symptoms.
Helps Cancer Patients
Cannabis is often used to treat the symptoms of cancer patients and improve their quality of life. Most commonly, it reduces nausea felt after chemotherapy and stimulates the appetite. It is also often used by cancer patients suffering pain that cannot or choose not to take opioids.
Treats Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis impacts both the brain and spine. As such, pain and spasms are common symptoms. Medical cannabis can help patients suffering from pain and reduce tremors and spasms.
Used to Treat Spinal Cord Injuries
Any damage to the spine can result in muscle spasms and pain. Additionally, trauma to the spine can impact motor skills resulting in loss of function. Marijuana can help relieve these symptoms and provide a better quality of life.
Effective at Treating Epilepsy
Medical cannabis can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in epileptic patients. An extreme seizure can come on unexpectedly and result in loss of awareness and function. CBD treatments can lessen the impact or reduce the frequency of seizures.
Helps with HIV/AIDS Treatment
People suffering from HIV or AIDS often struggle with anorexia, weight loss, and nausea. To improve their quality of life, cannabis is often prescribed to reduce nausea and help with appetite.
Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief
Arthritis and joint pain impact many adults and can result in swelling and redness at the joint, reduced mobility and motion, and pain. Cannabis can treat the pain associated with the different types of arthritis.
Helps to Treat Insomnia and Sleep Issues
People that frequently have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night often turn to marijuana to relax them and make them sleep. Cannabis reduces sleep latency, creates a feeling of drowsiness, and improves the overall quality of sleep.
The Best Strains for Pain Relief
There are two main types of the cannabis plant: Indica and Sativa. Each strain has different effects on both the body and mind. Indica strains are usually best for relaxation and sleep while Sativa strains provide energy and focus.
Since there are different strains of cannabis one may work better for someone than another. Some strains may help treat specific types of pain while others work best for depression or anxiety.
These are the most popular strains used for treating pain:
- ACDC
- Harlequin
- Blue Widow
- Afghan Kush
- Blueberry Headband
- Jack Herer
- Redwood Kush
- Cannatonic
- Cataract Kush
- AK-47
Different strains are used for different purposes. Thus, the best cannabis strains for pain can vary depending on what someone needs.
The best way for someone to get the more potent medical cannabis is to get their medical marijuana card first.
How Medical Marijuana Cards Work
Marijuana is often used to treat pain despite being illegal on the federal level. If a patient acquires their medical marijuana card then the recipient cannot face charges or criminal penalties. Once someone has their card, they can buy medical cannabis from a dispensary.
People that get their card receive benefits as well. Many states have dispensaries that offer medical cannabis at a lower cost and higher potency. This is crucial for patients that rely on it to manage symptoms of pain.
However, it isn’t as simple as going to your doctor and asking for one. If a patient wants a medical marijuana card they must first see if it’s legal in that state. Each state has different rules and regulations on recreational and medical marijuana.
Next, that person will need to gather medical records and speak with a doctor. Anyone that wants their card will need a signed recommendation from a physician that agrees medical cannabis will be beneficial.
Once cleared, applicants can buy medical marijuana through approved dispensaries.
The Marijuana and Pain Connection: How Its Helping
Every day studies are being conducted on the connection between marijuana and pain. As a result, people are turning to cannabis to manage symptoms.
Medical marijuana is often used to treat severe pain, muscle spasms, nausea, insomnia and more. Even recreational pot can relieve stress or help with pain. Both Sativa and Indica strains help with a variety of medical problems.
Many people can attest that marijuana helps with pain. For those suffering from frequent pain or looking for an alternative to opioids, cannabis can help.
Do you have questions about marijuana consulting for your business? Contact us for a cannabis consultation.
