People for generations have recommended to others to use cannabis when trying to deal with pain. For those wondering how it works, let’s dive into the main ways that cannabis can help you with pain.
To start we must understand what happens in the body when cannabis is consumed. Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids otherwise known as THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with the brain, nervous system, and your cells. When they interact with the brain your perception of pain is reduced and your mood is boosted allowing you to deal with the pain on a mental level. Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can react with your nervous system. Allowing your muscles to relax and release any tension that may be causing you pain.
Studies into the effects of cannabis have found that cannabis will bind with receptors in the brain to ease discomfort and slow any pain impulses a user might have. Depending on what strain a user smokes most indicas are great for pain management. Indicas are often used as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce any swelling. Although, some studies still consider cannabis to be a placebo to those who are looking for cannabis to be a pain relief.
In recent years for athletes cannabis has been something that they have turned to as an alternative to pain relief. Post-game injuries happen and athletes are often given treatments for addictive opiates to reduce pain; these often have terrible side effects. Some athletes begin using cannabis for pain relief after realizing other types of medications were not working for them. It’s the naturalness of cannabis that is great for pain. Athletes after using opiates will question themselves; if this is an addiction causing me to go see a doctor about my pain or am I really in pain.
For those who are looking for cannabis products to help with pain but are afraid of its other effects can turn to CBD. Although less helpful for pain relief than that of delta-9 THC, CBD still can help the user relax. CBD has been said to help with arthritis. People have reported noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement and reduced anxiety when taking CBD.
Those who are looking for an alternative to medicine and want to try THC for pain should be aware of its effects. Some negatives include dry-mouth, redness in the eyes, and higher levels of anxiety. Other effects include a feeling of euphoria, heightened state of relaxation, and a boost in creativity. It’s important to start small when first trying THC for pain. If you take too much it can lead to more pain and your anxiety will make you tense. For first time users if you’re ever unsure do not be afraid to ask for help at the dispensary as all employees are well educated of the different effects of each strain.
If you are wondering what types of pain cannabis may help with, we got you. Cannabis has been used in studies to help people with neuropathic pain aka nerve damage. Cancer-related pain has been said to be reduced with cannabis. Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia or arthritis are perfect examples of things cannabis helps with. When someone is dealing with a recovery from surgery, cannabis can help. Not only with the pain management but also the mental side of post surgery. It keeps most people in a positive mindset set on healing. Of course cannabis is not going to cure you of any disease or heal your wounds or scars, but it will most definitely help with the associated pain in the healing process.
When looking for cannabis that helps with pain, try to find strains indicated on the label as Indica. Indica can be found in cannabis buds, tinctures, or edibles. Whatever you prefer can be found at a medical dispensary. In particular, Indica strains are high in both THC and CBD. Users will feel the effects of relief from pain and other symptoms associated with chronic conditions. Remember that indica strains are known for their sedative effects, so they are perfect for evening or bedtime use.
If you’re thinking about using cannabis for pain, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider familiar with medical cannabis. They can help determine the right form whether smoke, vape, edible, oil, or topical. A professional can also help you to determine a dosage.
When consuming cannabis, be safe and remember everything is going to be okay.