The Benefits of Using Marijuana for Pain Relief
Thousands of people are researching marijuana for pain relief as alternativemedicine, looking for a natural treatment for chronic conditions. Chronic pain affects more people in the USA than any other illness.
The prospect of consuming cannabis for pain doesn’t sound so crazy. Chronic pain isn’t something that only affects a specific part of your body. If you’re suffering from these issues, you’ll probably have to deal with anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, or even depression as well.
In this guide, we’re going to teach you why you should consider cannabis for pain. We’ll also take a moment to look at the best strains for pain and the many consumption methods aside from smoking.
How does weed help with pain?
When you consume marijuana for pain, the THC and the CBD in the plant activate a series of receptors named cannabinoids in your body. These receptors are CB1 and CB2, and they interact with the brain’s chemistry to create a sensation of relief.
Does marijuana help with pain? The answer is affirmative, according to private research. Medical studies in various college campuses across the USA have foundevidence of the benefits of using cannabis for pain. Some of these studies show how the molecular particles of THC interact with cannabinoid receptors and stimulate nerve cells to decrease the sensation of pain.
Many medical researchers have a better grasp at understanding how THC works. CBD, on the other hand, is still a mystery for many of them.
Many scientists think that CBD has a strong bond with the generation of serotonin in our bodies. Serotonin is the hormone that takes care of our wellness, regulating our moods and allowing brain cells to communicate better with each other.
While there’s no proven link between both yet, some scientists think that CBD increases the production of the hormone when we consume weed for pain. This translates into mental relief and better interaction of the THC particles within our bodies.
This idea is based on anecdotal evidence, but there are many people backing this idea. We should see a breakthrough at some point that would help make a case for the use of marijuana for pain relief to the folks at the FDA.
What cannabinoids help with pain
There are two core cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The best strains for pain usually have a high amount of both. These substances interact with your body on the molecular level to achieve the sensation of relief.
When you smoke cannabis for pain, the THC and CBD first contact the cannabinoid receptors(CB1 and CB2). They also interact with the endogenous cannabinoids produced by your body. Finally, they cooperate with enzymes to break down these cannabinoids and process them.
The CB1 receptors are those found in your central nervous system. When you consume marijuana for pain, these particles travel through your spinal cord and brain using CB1 receptors. The immediate effects improve your mood, making you feel warm and happy.
The CB2 receptors are the ones playing a prominent role in your sensory center. When you smoke weed for pain, your body uses these cannabinoids to activate the anti-inflammatory effect of the THC at a molecular level. You’ll experience an analgesic sensation that washes away the pain.
THC for pain
The pressing question here is: does THC help with pain? The answer is yes. When you consume weed, the THC stimulates your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. It’s what gives you the “high” you feel while interacting with nerve cells and reducing pain.
CBD for pain
Even if you consume the best medical marijuana for pain, it would be hard to tell what CBD does precisely. Here’s what we know: you don’t get high from consuming CBD, but the substance is processed by your neurological centers making you feel more relaxed and reducing inflammation.
Why use marijuana for pain relief?
Those who already consume cannabis to improve their health might ask, why wouldn’t you use weed for pain? According to the CDC, over 20% of the total population in the USA is affected by some form of chronic pain. The only FDA-approved medicine to treat these ailments is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs have a proven track record of dependency. They also increase the risk of heart failure and strokes and create dependency. On top of that, your body builds tolerance to prescribed dosages. Learning how to use marijuana for pain relief is a great alternative.
The FDA is renowned for taking a long time to approve new medication. For that reason, we’ve been dealing with an opioid crisis since 1990. Even in the face of increasing addiction, the FDA still regards marijuana as an untested method to treat pain.
By using marijuana as a painkiller, you’re not exposing your organism to half the risks contained in NSAIDs. By consuming cannabis-based products, you don’t risk addiction, and your body won’t build tolerance. Most importantly: you won’t risk an overdose.
Luckily, many states have slowly begun to drop their guard regarding medical marijuana, with many creating lawsto regulate the sale and consumption of weed. Other places have found their way around regulations with the sale of CBD oils and edibles for pain.
Marijuana as a painkiller vs. opioids
Once you learn about the benefits of consuming marijuana for pain control, you’ll wonder why this treatment isn’t widespread. When you search for data about the opioid crisis, you get a clear picture of how this social issue impacts the USA and the whole world.
The FDA has approved medications such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl for mass consumption. Fentanyl alone is more potent than heroin, and it’s easy to get with a prescription. In the last decade, over 2 million patients had medical emergencies related to opioid consumption.
Consuming weed for pain doesn’t pose the risk of the secondary effects of these medicines. Marijuana plants have been around for a long time, and they were used for medical purposes until the early decades of the 20th century.
There’s hard data out there proving that at least 97% of those using cannabis for pain management experience the same benefits as using medication. They make a case for the use of marijuana by stating they never experience the adverse effects they get with regular pills.
Even with the changing tide regarding weed for pain consumption, there’s still a long road ahead. A few pharmaceutical companies have already filed paperwork for FDA-approved medication. Most of the new products use synthetic THC to treat seizures and nausea.
How to use marijuana for pain relief
If you want to try marijuana for pain legally, the first thing you need to do is go to your doctor. They can give you the recommendation to treat your condition with weed. They can’t give you a prescription, but they can make a case for treatment.
Remember that weed is still a controlled substanceaccording to the federal government, so you need to follow the indications stipulated by the laws in your state. You’ll probably have to deal with some red tape, depending on your location.
Once you’ve done the paperwork, you can start your treatmentwith marijuana for pain control. You don’t have to limit yourself to smoking. There are other ways to consume weed to treat pain. We present you with the best methods and how cannabis interacts with your body based on each option.
Inhaling for pain
If you want to learn how to use marijuana for pain relief, inhaling is one of the best choices if you’re a beginner. This method is an easy way to help the components of your strain of choice take hold of your senses faster and provide you with the relief you need.
Inhalation is best for people dealing with neuropathic conditions and centralized pain. The best way to inhale is by using a vape. You only need to heat the vape juice that includes weed and take a deep inhale.
You’ll feel the effects in a matter of minutes, with the peak of the high hitting you after half an hour. If you want to go the classic route, you can always roll a joint and take a couple of puffs of cannabis for pain management.
Cannabis oil for pain
THC oil for pain is one of the safest ways to consume the active ingredients of marijuana plants. You can find so many different variations of these products that it becomes challenging to pick one.
You can mix THC oil for pain with drinks, such as tea or juices, and get the benefits of weed without having to smoke. Many CBD oils also have a great track record of dealing with inflammation. These products are a must-try for people with arthritis or sclerosis.
Edibles for pain
When you consume marijuana edibles for pain, you get to experience the maximum health benefits from weed. There are many presentations of cannabis edibles, many of them in dessert form, such as cookies, brownies, and other cakes.
Don’t let the delicious sight fool you. Even the best edibles for pain have the same content of THC as the plant in its raw state. Once your metabolism processes these tasty treats, you’ll feel high for more time—much longer than when you smoke.
There are gummies, lollipops, granola bars, butter, and other foods to infuse with cannabis. If your intent is consuming these marijuana edibles for pain relief, make sure their THC content is between 1 and 5 ml per serving.
Topicals for pain
One of the best ways to consume marijuana for pain relief is by using topical products. These are recommended to treat localized pain, and they’re great to prevent the high—if that’s not your thing.
Creams, lotions, and oils are available to apply directly on joints, muscles, or any part of your body. Why not try a massage using medical marijuana oil for pain?
Take care when using these products, though. The dosage of topicals varies according to your body chemistry.
Sublingual weed for pain
As the name implies, sublingual cannabis for pain is the consumption of THC-heavy products that dissolve under your tongue. You can find many variations of tinctures and concentrated cannabis pills for pain.
All sublingual marijuana products get absorbed through the mucosal membranes in your tongue, cheeks, and gums. They travel straight to your bloodstream and take effect immediately. If you’re using weed pain relief for the first time, it’s a great alternative to smoking or vaping.
Should I use indica or sativa for pain?
So, what kind of marijuana is good for pain? Do I go with indica or sativa for pain treatment? Many users contest that indica strains are the best to deal with chronic pain conditions, but it’s not that straightforward.
Some treatments require a substantial sedative effect, such as those for rheumatoid pain. These cases call for an indica strain.
Sativa is better suited to treat cases related to neurological pathologies—anything that affects the capacity to function properly, such as migraines. No preset numbers indicate which strain you should take and how much.
When it comes to the best medical marijuana for pain, the simplest answer comes down to what works best for you, depending on your condition. Cancer treatment, for example, won’t be the same as one for sclerosis. The process to figure that out can take time and some trial and error.
The best seven 7 strains for pain
There’s a vast catalog of strains that can quickly become your choice of marijuana for pain control. Some of them have an established reputation, while others are backed up by anecdotal evidence. We bring you here the most relevant list of strains you can use to treat chronic pain.
1. Sour Diesel feminized
This amazing sativa powerhouse is excellent to help you get rid of any localized pain.Sour Diesel feminizedgives you a cerebral boost that’ll keep you energized and stabilized during your waking hours. Due to its high THC content, it’s a great weed for pain relief.
People with minor ailments such as joint or muscular pain caused by excessive physical activity often use Sour Diesel. It’s fantastic for creating edibles for pain or making drinks with, such as teas.
2. Girl Scout Cookies feminized
This fantastic hybrid brings the best of both worlds. With a high THC content, this is one of the best medical marijuana for pain strains. Girl Scout Cookies feminized rewards patients with a cerebral buzz that’s soon followed by an evolving relaxing sensation.
This strain is terrific to help medical patients to deal with the secondhand effects of invasive treatments such as chemotherapy or dialysis. This cannabis for pain helps you increase your appetite and eliminate any nausea you may be experiencing.
3. White Widow autoflower
White Widow autoflower is an easy strain to cultivate, but if it’s used as cannabis for pain management, it can pack quite a punch to the senses. This indica-dominant hybrid is fantastic for treating chronic pain induced by illnesses such as sclerosis or arthritis.
White Widow washes away all forms of pain in a matter of moments and leaves you completely relaxed. Since the strain puts you in a sedated state, you can use this weed for pain to treat insomnia as well.
4. Blackberry Kush feminized
Blackberry Kush feminized is a compelling hybrid that leans towards its indica genes. Many people regard it as God’s gift for people in extreme physical pain. A single toke of this renowned marijuana for pain relief erases ailments without knocking you out.
The cerebral boost you get to experience with Blackberry Kush makes you forget about any pain for a long while. Not only is it amazing to treat the most extreme conditions, but it’s also great to relax your muscles and unwind after a hard day of work.
5. Northern Lights feminized
Northern Lights feminized is a super popular strain in many medical circles. This powerful indica plantis excellent for treating crippling anxiety and most neuropathic conditions. The mental high you experience washes away your worries for long periods.
You may be wondering: does this weed help with pain? Remember, all pain isn’t always physical. Many people struggle with mental issues that prevent them from properly functioning. Northern Lights offers the perfect relief for these conditions.
6. Harlequin feminized
Harlequin feminized is probably the single best strain for pain on the list. This sativa powerhouse has a low THC content, but it makes up for it with the highest CBD content of any weed plant. A single toke of this weed not only takes away physical pain—but it also brings mental peace.
Harlequin is known for taking hold of your nerve centers faster than any other strain. It has an established reputation among users of marijuana for pain relief as the plant that gets the job done without taking away your senses.
7. Afghan Kush feminized
Afghan Kush feminized is one of the best medical marijuana for pain strains because of how it shuts down your nerves. This indica wonder can help you kill the most unbearable pain with a single vape or toke in a matter of moments.
The only downside of Afghan Kush is that it can put you to sleep real quick. This marijuana plant is well-regarded in many medical circles for being a great entry-level strain. If you’re using marijuana for pain control for the first time, this is the best choice for you.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions asked about marijuana for pain treatments.
What kind of marijuana is good for pain?
If you’re going with the top medical choice, most doctors recommend indica strains. However, the actual answer lies with the strain that works for you better, given your medical condition.
Does smoking cannabis help with pain?
Yes, it does. You can smoke cannabis for pain, but you won’t feel the effects immediately. There are many different ways to consume weed, such as vaping, edibles, oils, or tinctures.
What strain of CBD is best for pain?
CBD Harlequin is the best strain for pain treatment. This plant is well-regarded by many medical patients out there since it offers relief without leaving you couch-locked.
Take control of your pain
As you can see, treatments with marijuana have the potential to be an incredible breakthrough in the medical industry. There’s a lot of additional benefits to be explored when it comes to patients with chronic pain conditions.
Now you understand how to use marijuana for pain relief in many different ways and some of the best strains for pain treatment. If you wish to get started with your weed garden and grow your own treatment, check out our wide range at Homegrown Cannabis Co and buy some seeds today.