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Understanding Weed for Back Pain

November 3, 2021

If you’re having back pain and seeking a natural alternative to prescription drugs, you’re not alone. Now, there’s great news. We’re talking about using weed for back pain. You heard us!

You may have reservations about using pot for your condition, and that’s perfectly normal, considering cannabis is still prohibited in many US states. However, many also allow medical marijuana for back pain.

Join us as we explore nature’s gift that’s brought pain relief to many people. We’ll look at the health benefits of marijuana for the ailment and the medical studies that support the claims. You’ll also find out how to use the many available forms of cannabis and the best strains for back pain. 

Let’s get started!

Smoking marijuana
Smoking weed for back pain

Does weed help with back pain?

Non-cannabis users usually ask, does weed help with back pain? Before we answer that question, let’s take a quick look at the problem that many people endure.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says that up to 80% of the world’s population experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the most reported type of pain.

More people consider medical marijuana for back pain because of their apprehension that prescribed meds have detrimental side effects. Many medications, such as narcotics, can be addictive as well. 

There’s also the concern that most drugs aren’t effective in providing pain relief. The CDC confirms this concern by stating that doctors continue to prescribe opioids to treat acute lower back pain despite a lack of evidence to support its efficacy. 

Fortunately, we now have cannabis for back pain. The herb has been used for centuries as a cure with numerous anecdotal evidence.

Today, there are medical studies that prove marijuana is an effective remedy for the condition. When consumed in the proper doses, there are no conventional drug’s side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and ulcers.

How does marijuana help back pain?

Cannabis has two main components, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The former is psychoactive and stimulating, while the latter is relaxing and doesn’t have psychoactive properties. 

For back conditions that are nerve-related, higher THC levels may offer greater relief. Combining the two substances works better for inflammatory problems because they synergistically enhance the herb’s pain-relieving effects.

Many studies about the effects of marijuana and back pain have produced positive results. A University of Colorado study showed that patients who consumed medical weed 1–2 times daily found moderate pain relief. Some of them found that it worked more effectively than narcotic medications.

A 2016 study on marijuana for back pain was published in the International Journal of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine. It found out that besides providing pain relief, weed also improved the physical and mental function of the patients.

The main benefit of using weed for back pain is to eliminate or reduce chronic pain to a level that allows you to be active in your life. Cannabis use can also alleviate anxiety and depression, which can result from back pain. 

More importantly, the herb is a natural alternative to potentially addictive drugs and their side effects, some of which can be severe, like kidney failure.

Can you get a medical card for chronic back pain in your state? That’s a critical issue as medical marijuana is still not legal in many states. You’ll have to do the research and find out what current rules and regulations say.

How to use marijuana for back pain?

There are several ways to use medical marijuana for back pain, topically or internally. To help you choose the suitable one, here are the top methods and their benefits:

  • Inhalation: As back pain occurs periodically, inhalation is preferred because it’s fast-acting, and you’ll feel its effects within minutes. You can smoke the herb or vape it.
  • Oral ingestion: You can consume edibles. Many users prefer this method of administering cannabis for back pain because it’s safer than smoking the herb. Note that the absorption rate is slower, so it’ll take some time before you feel its effects. However, the relief is longer-lasting, which is ideal if you suffer from constant pain.
  • Under the tongue application (sublingual): The sublingual method is one of the most popular ways patients are using medical marijuana for back pain. Administering tinctures allows the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream swiftly. 
  • Topical: Topicals are preferred when the pain is localized. There are differing views about the efficacy of creams, ointments, and lotions. There are no clinical studies to support the ability of the topicals to be absorbed by the skin, but there’s lots of anecdotal evidence.
CBD oil for back pain
CBD oil for back pain

How long does weed for back pain take to work?

Most people want to know how long it takes for the effects of marijuana for back pain to be felt. It depends on the way it’s administered.

It’s reported that inhaling weed by smoking or vaporizing gives users the fastest effect within a couple of minutes. Tinctures also offer speedy results due to their quick absorption rate. The other methods take longer.

However, it’s important to note that the effects from inhalation wear off quickly as well. By comparison, when you ingest weed for back pain, the effects take between 30 minutes to one hour to be felt but last as long as 4–6 hours.

Choose the form that gives you the results you desire. If you need instant relief from chronic pain, then go for the inhalation method. For prolonged relief, opt for edibles.

Are there any side effects associated with cannabis for back pain?

Medical marijuana for back pain is highly sought after because conventional medicine is known for its side effects. For instance, opioids can cause nausea, dizziness, and respiratory depression. Some drugs lead to addiction.

Although weed for back pain is a natural alternative to prescription drugs, it doesn’t mean it’s free from side effects. However, they are less severe and only occur when consumed in excess doses.

Here are some common side effects of marijuana use:

  • Dry eyes: You can find relief by applying eye drops.
  • Cottonmouth: Stay hydrated, and you’ll be fine.

When using weed for back pain or any purpose, always consume it in moderate doses. If you’re a beginner, you could experience severe side effects such as heightened anxiety and paranoia if you take in too much.

There are also short- and long-term psychoactive side effects, but they’re usually not associated with medical marijuana for back pain. These sensations are related to higher doses of THC, which is common among heavy recreational cannabis users.

If you consume weed at lower doses for therapeutic purposes, you needn’t worry. You won’t experience the severe types of side effects that result from opioid use.

Ways to consume weed for back pain

With the legalization of medical marijuana for chronic back pain in many US states, you can find cannabis in various forms. Here are the different ways to consume these products:

  • Inhalation: You smoke or vape the weed. It’s the fastest way to feel the effects.
  • Raw juice: If you use marijuana through juicing, you’ll find pain relief without any psychoactive effect.
  • Edibles: Edible marijuana for pain takes longer to be absorbed through your gut, but the relief is longer-lasting.
  • Tinctures: You place tinctures under the tongue and swallow. Due to quick absorption through the mucosal membranes, you can see fast results. 
  • Topicals: Cannabis creams, lotions, and ointments are used for localized pain.
CBD gummies
Weed gummies for back pain

3 best edibles for back pain

With so many cannabis products on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one. Here are some of the best edibles for back pain, selected based on potency, testing procedures, and reputation:

1. Everest’s Delta 8 THC gummies

You know what you’re consuming because Everest’s gummies are double-tested by an independent third party. They use top-notch ingredients, including full-spectrum hemp.

Each blue raspberry flavor gummy contains 20mg of Delta 8 THC.

2. Diamond Delta 8 & CBD Gummies

The next product on our list of best edibles for back pain offers excellent results if you love CBD gummies. The company has more than five years of experience offering the finest CBD products. These gummies, with a 1:1 ratio of Delta 8 THC & CBD, will melt your pain away. You can enjoy them in six different flavors.

3. 3Chi Delta 8 Gummies

No list of best edibles for back pain would be complete without mentioning 3Chi. It’s one of the original Delta 8 manufacturers, with more than 10 years in the business. Each gummy contains 25mg of pure Delta 8 or Delta 8 THC & CBD with a 1:1 ratio. They come in different flavors, such as black raspberry and watermelon.

Grow your own: 7 best strains for back pain

If you’re interested in cultivating your own weed, here are our choices of the best strains for back pain. Be sure to check if it’s legal to grow cannabis in your state. You don’t want to end up in jail or face a hefty fine.

1. OG Kush feminized

OG Kush feminized, a renowned indica-dominant hybrid, is a much sought-after weed for back pain. It’s extremely potent, with about 23% THC and 1% CBD content. Beginners and users sensitive to THC should avoid this strain or start with very low doses. Otherwise, you risk experiencing severe side effects, including paranoia or intense anxiety.

OG Kush feminized
OG Kush feminized

2. Gorilla Glue feminized

Another one of the best marijuana strains for back pain is Gorilla Glue #4 feminized. Due to its average content of 25% THC, it’s often used to treat severe back injuries and other chronic pain. Know that it can send you into a deep slumber, so it’s best to consume it before bedtime.

Gorilla Glue feminized
Gorilla Glue feminized

3. White Widow feminized

White Widow feminized is another outstanding weed for back pain. It’s an indica-dominant hybrid that offers users excellent pain relief. The effects of this potent strain can last several hours, making it an ideal cultivar for daytime and evening consumption.

White Widow feminized
White Widow feminized

4. Northern Lights feminized

An excellent addition to the list of best strains for back pain is Northern Lights feminized because it’s a potent natural painkiller. While its powerful indica effects make it an ideal remedy for chronic pain, it’s not recommended for first-timers. As it can lull you to sleep, it’s perfect for nighttime use.

Northern Lights feminized
Northern Lights feminized

5. Bubba Kush feminized

Touted as one of the best marijuana for back pain relief, this mostly indica hybrid can also alleviate pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis. We recommend you opt for Bubba Kush feminized if you have prior experience with high indica strains.

Bubba Kush feminized
Bubba Kush feminized

6. Blue Dream feminized

This hybrid is a popular strain of cannabis for back pain because it offers long-lasting relief. It doesn’t sedate you, so you can use it in the day or night. Beginners don’t have to worry about consuming Blue Dream feminized as its effects are mild. 

Blue Dream feminized
Blue Dream feminized

7. Sour Diesel feminized

If you’re looking for a pot for back pain that’s fast-acting, this pure sativa will provide you relief almost immediately. We advise newbies to avoid Sour Diesel feminized because its powerful THC content can be overpowering. Seasoned users can use this herb in the daytime as it has an uplifting effect. 

Sour Diesel feminized
Sour Diesel feminized

Medical marijuana for back pain is here to stay

With many studies providing evidence that weed for back pain works, your search for natural pain relief is over. Many states have legalized medical marijuana because they realize the therapeutic benefits cannabis offers patients.

We’ve shared a variety of products to choose from, and you can administer them in ways that suit your condition and needs. Best of all, you can grow your choice of the best strains for back pain, so you never have to depend on dispensaries for your supply.

You can select many quality seeds from our Homegrown Cannabis Co. extensive seed collection. What are you waiting for? Get rid of your back pain today.

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