While it may be tempting to use medical cannabis as a remedy for chronic pain, there is little evidence to support its use. The FDA has not yet approved medical cannabis products; much of what is available is unlabeled and unregulated.
THC
Growing scientific data support that cannabis’ THC can reduce or even eliminate pain. Most randomized controlled trials have shown that it can be a safe alternative to opioids for people with chronic pain. However, many doctors are hesitant to recommend it. One major group of pain specialists, the International Association of Surgeons in Pain (IASP), supports using cannabis as a pain treatment.
Cannabis can eliminate pain by blocking both inflammatory and nociceptive processes. Some people can take CBD alone or apply it to their skin. Moreover, cannabis-based lotions and oils are available. Some people also use transdermal patches, which are more effective than lotions. Another popular method is edibles, which involve infusing food with cannabis. However, the effect of edibles is hard to predict. Other methods include sublingual administration.
CBD
One of many people’s most important questions when considering cannabis is whether it can reduce pain. Studies include testing whether cannabis can reduce bodily pain. While some studies have not shown any significant change, other studies have found that cannabis can help reduce pain. Remembering that different people are affected by different types of pain is also very important. Before taking any medications, discuss with your doctor cannabis for pain treatment.
There are CBD methods for pain relief, including eating hemp oil, applying it to the skin, or breathing it. Each method has its pros and cons. For example, oral CBD products take longer to work because they pass through the digestive system. It’s also difficult to control the dose.
Inhalation
Inhalation of cannabis can relieve pain but also have side effects. Some of these are unpleasant, while others are completely harmless. The most common side effect of cannabis therapy is sedation. Most adverse effects of cannabis therapy are mild and self-limiting, scoring less than one on a scale of one to three. The study also did not detect a significant difference in adverse effects between the cannabis and placebo groups. Only one participant developed an acute pain crisis while using cannabis, and another developed a progressive liver failure.
Despite the potential benefits of inhaled cannabis, few studies have explored the impact of cannabis use on appetite in cancer patients. Many cancer patients experience chronic pain, which is often resistant to opioids. Studies have examined the effects of oral delta-9-THC on cancer pain, but most studies have been limited to pain intensity or pain relief, while some have reported appetite stimulation.
Topical
There’s evidence that cannabis can relieve pain. While the evidence is still limited, it shows promise as an alternative to prescription painkillers. Specifically, cannabinoids have been shown to reduce pain in cancer patients. Cancer causes a wide range of pain, including nerve injury, inflammation, and invasion of sensitive tissue. The pain is also often persistent and resistant to opiate painkillers, making it an excellent candidate for cannabis treatment.
There are many strains of marijuana available, and each has different effects. The highest concentrations of THC are generally best for inflammation and pain. However, these high levels also produce more psychoactive effects. For this reason, patients might choose to use a high-THC/low-CBD blend during the day and a lower-THC/low-CBD combination at night. For instance, Bubba Kush contains 22 percent THC but only 0.1 percent CBD. This strain is also great for reducing stress and muscle spasms.
