What you need to know about using medical marijuana for chronic pain
Discover the many benefits of using medical marijuana for chronic pain. To see how Compassionate Certification Centers can help you obtain your medical marijuana card, give us a call on 888-316-9085 or complete our online form!
Chronic pain is a medical problem people of all ages face. It’s estimated that about 20.4% of adults in the US suffer from chronic pain.
Given that most underlying causes of chronic pain are lifelong conditions that can’t be completely cured by modern medicine, patients have to manage their symptoms for a long period. Today, many forms of treatment are available to ease chronic pain and in recent times, medical marijuana for chronic pain has emerged as a potential option for patients in various states of the United States.
How does medical marijuana support pain relief?
Medical marijuana contains two major components: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two substances interact with cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can be found in nerve cells. Though its role in pain relief is still being researched, CBD has also been observed interacting with these receptors to provide relief for chronic pain.
THC is known to activate these receptors and provide pain relief. That said, given its psychoactive properties, it can cause users to experience feelings of euphoria. In light of this, it should only be administered for pain relief under the guidance of a physician.
Chronic pain can be a symptom or side effect of various conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Nerve damage
- Lyme disease
- Cancers
Medical marijuana vs. opioids: which is better?
While opioids are effective at providing pain relief, they have also proven to be highly addictive, with plenty of people becoming dependent on them. It’s common for individuals to take more than the recommended dose prescribed, leading to serious health consequences, including death.
Medical marijuana provides an analgesic effect similar to opioids but it is not nearly as addictive, and it does not cause the more adverse health problems that opioids do, making it a potentially safer alternative for pain relief.
What are the best strains of marijuana for chronic pain?
While medical marijuana can treat many different ailments, certain strains of it may be more effective at doing so than others. Here are a few strains that may be better for treating chronic pain:
- White Widow
- Northern Lights
- Master Kush
- Blueberry
- Sour Diesel
- Harlequin
Some of these strains, like master Kush, contain high levels of THC while harlequin contains a greater level of non-psychoactive CBD than THC, making it preferable for most people.
It’s important to remember that these strains will not affect everyone the same way. If you’re going to try medical marijuana for the first time, therefore, it’s best to undergo an evaluation to see which strains are best for your unique requirements.
We’re here to help!
At Compassionate Certification Centers, our goal is to support the treatment of chronic pain by giving you legal access to medical marijuana. When it comes to getting your medical marijuana card, we support you every step of the way to make this process an easier one for you. If you’re interested in getting started, just call us on 888-316-9085.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is medical marijuana taken?
Medical marijuana can be taken in several ways including smoking it or ingesting it. Inhaling marijuana in vapor form using a vaporizer, however, may be the most effective way to use it as the effects are almost immediate.
How long do the effects of medical marijuana last?
How long the effects last generally depends on each person and the amount of marijuana they’ve taken. In general, however, the effects should subside after one to three hours.
Can CBD oil provide pain relief?
Yes, it can but it needs to be applied to the affected area for it to be effective. For chronic pain in unreachable places like the gut, consuming or inhaling medical marijuana is more effective.
How do I know if the pain is chronic?
If you experience pain for over six months, your pain may be chronic.
