Cannabis is a plant that has many different chemicals and is used for different purposes. The chemistry of each plant is influenced by its genetic makeup and the environment in which it was grown.
The chemical compounds in cannabis may ease pain in some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. This is because it depends on the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, in each dose, as well as how often you take it.
What is it?
Cannabis is a plant that is commonly used for medical purposes. It contains chemicals called cannabinoids, which cause drug-like effects all throughout the body. This can help relieve the symptoms of some chronic pain conditions.
The effects of these chemicals can vary from person to person and depend on the amount of cannabis used and how it is ingested. Some people feel drowsy and restless while others experience relaxation and a feeling of euphoria.
While there is a lot of controversy about how and why cannabis works, researchers have found that it can be a useful treatment for many types of pain. This is especially true for pain related to chronic diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Some studies have also shown that using cannabis alongside opioids can reduce the number of pills you need to take, which can reduce the risk of side effects and addiction. The best way to find out if using cannabis for pain is right for you is to talk to your doctor about it.
There are several different types of products that contain cannabis. These include inhalable, topical and vaporizer cartridges. It is important to choose a product that has a balanced cannabinoid profile, either a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD or more CBD than THC.
A balanced cannabinoid profile is key for getting the most out of cannabis in the long-term. Taking too much THC can cause side effects such as anxiety and depression. So it is important to start with low doses and gradually increase the dose over time.
If you want to use a cannabis-based product for pain, it is important to choose one that has been carefully tested and has proven to be effective. It is also important to know that each person’s experience of cannabis will be different, so it may take some trial and error to find a product that gives you the relief you need while avoiding side effects.
Some people with pain prefer to smoke cannabis or chew it. However, these methods of consumption are not safe for everyone and should be avoided in children. If you decide to try smoking or chewing cannabis, it is important to do so in a private place and not around other people.
How does it work?
As more and more countries legalize medical marijuana, patients are turning to it to help manage their pain. But many doctors aren’t sure how cannabis works or whether it’s safe.
The good news: Studies show that cannabis can help ease pain and other symptoms, especially if you take it in the right way.
One reason is because cannabis contains a group of chemicals called cannabinoids, which interact with your body’s pain receptors to relieve symptoms. But you need to find the right type of cannabis for your particular condition.
Researchers have discovered that certain cannabinoids in marijuana – such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – can trigger different effects on your brain, depending on which pain receptors they activate.
For instance, THC can increase your heart rate and make you feel sleepy or lethargy, while CBD can decrease appetite, improve your mood, and boost energy levels. And a balanced mix of both cannabinoids can be more effective in the long term than either one by itself.
But even when cannabis works well for pain relief, it can cause side effects, including sleepiness and dizziness. It’s important to talk with your doctor before trying it, and choose a product that has low-intoxicating effects so you can get the most benefit from it.
In a recent study, for example, researchers found that participants who took an active form of cannabis (i.e., THC or CBD) felt less pain than those who took a placebo. But the difference wasn’t dramatic.
So, if you want to try cannabis for pain, it’s a good idea to start slow and work your way up from there. It’s also important to avoid using too much at once.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to get your pain under control. Often, this is easiest with a combination of medicines.
For example, if you have chronic pain, you might want to try a combination of narcotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Or you might want to consider a pain-relieving herbal supplement, such as turmeric or ginger. You may also want to try acupuncture or massage, which can also help reduce pain.
Is it safe?
The impact of cannabis on pain management is a topic of debate, with some studies showing that it does not relieve pain effectively, while others show that it does. There are many factors that could contribute to these conflicting results, including the type of pain you have and the brain’s ability to sense pain.
Generally speaking, the pain-relieving effect of marijuana comes from a chemical called cannabinoids. These are compounds found in the plant’s dried leaves and flowering tops.
One of the most active cannabinoids is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its “high” feeling and also has a number of other benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Other cannabinoids in marijuana, such as cannabidiol (CBD), may also be helpful for pain management.
In a recent study, researchers examined the effects of various types of marijuana on patients suffering from chronic pain. The researchers assessed the amount of pain relief that patients experienced after using marijuana and compared it with the pain relief reported by participants who received a placebo treatment.
The participants were asked to rate the effectiveness of marijuana and a range of other treatments for their pain, including pharmacologic (prescription opioids), prescription nonopioid analgesics, and common nonpharmacologic pain treatments. These included physical therapy, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Several of these treatments have been shown to decrease opioid use. But the authors of this study note that more research is needed to understand if cannabis can replace these treatments and decrease opiate use overall.
While cannabis can be a good alternative to opioids, it is important to remember that opiate drugs are addictive and cause tolerance and dependence. They can also produce unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness and constipation.
If you are considering using cannabis for pain relief, start with small doses and a short period of time to see how it affects you. Be sure to take breaks from the drug to allow your body to rest.
It’s also important to consider the type of cannabis you are using and its THC-to-CBD ratio. High-THC cannabis strains are known to cause more adverse effects, and they also weaken in efficacy with the development of a tolerance. CBD-rich products, on the other hand, are known to have fewer negative effects and may provide longer-term pain relief.
Where can I get it?
If you’re looking for an effective and safe alternative to pain medications, look no further than cannabis. With its growing popularity, and the fewer side effects associated with cannabis compared to opioids, more and more people are turning to it as a way to manage their pain.
The most popular method for taking cannabis is through edibles. These are infused with the drug and are easy to use. However, the results of edibles can vary from person to person. It’s best to start with a product that contains a balanced cannabinoid profile (the ratio of THC and CBD).
Inhaling cannabis is another popular option for pain management. It is easier to control the amount of cannabis you take by inhaling it, and the effects can last up to 12 hours.
Topicals are also a good option for pain management. They can be applied to the skin, and can relieve many types of pain and inflammation.
You can get these topicals in many different forms, including salves and lotions. These products are usually non-intoxicating, and can be used in conjunction with other pain-relieving methods like heat or acupuncture to help reduce pain.
While research is still underway, there are many studies showing that marijuana and cannabinoids have positive effects on reducing chronic pain. These include pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
There are some risks associated with using cannabis for chronic pain, but they are minimal if used appropriately. It can also be habit forming, so it’s important to avoid using it in excess.
If you’re considering a medical marijuana prescription for your pain, call our office to schedule an evaluation with one of our doctors. They will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for this type of treatment and discuss the benefits and potential risks with you.
If you’re a New York resident and would like to learn more about medical marijuana, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors. We can help you find the right type of medical marijuana and get started on the path to living a pain-free life.
