The use of cannabis-based treatments for pain management has become increasingly popular in recent years, as research has revealed its potential to provide relief from chronic pain without the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. This article will explore the various non-psychoactive cannabis-based therapies available for pain management, including the different types of cannabis products, and their benefits for providing relief from painful conditions. Additionally, this article will discuss the safety of these treatments and the potential risks associated with their use.
What are the benefits of using CBD to relieve pain?
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that can provide powerful relief from pain without the psychoactive effects of marijuana. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties that can help reduce symptoms of pain. CBD can also help to relax muscles and improve sleep quality, which can further reduce pain symptoms. Additionally, CBD can help to reduce the intensity of pain, allowing for more comfortable movement.
How long does it take for CBD to provide pain relief?
The amount of time it takes for CBD to provide pain relief can vary from person to person. Generally, relief can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour, but some people may need to wait longer. It is important to experiment with different doses, methods of taking and time intervals to determine what works best for you.
What types of pain can be managed with CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been found to have many potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief. CBD has been found to be effective in managing acute, chronic, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. Additionally, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and nausea, and help with muscle spasms and sleep disturbances. CBD can be consumed in many forms, including tinctures, oils, edibles, and topicals, providing a wide range of options for people seeking marijuana-based pain relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Are there any particular precautions to take when using CBD for pain relief?
When using CBD for pain relief, it is important to take precautions to ensure that the product is safe to use. It is important to purchase CBD products from reputable sources, and to make sure that the product is free from contaminants. Additionally, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually, as CBD can interact with some medications and can cause side effects. Finally, it is important to talk to a doctor before using CBD for pain relief, as this may interfere with existing medical treatments.
A growing body of clinical research and a history of anecdotal evidence support the use of cannabis for the relief of some types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, and spasticity ie, stiffness or tightness associated with multiple sclerosis. Studies also suggest some efficacy for cancer-related pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia, and other pain conditions. The chemical complexity of cannabis itself has made it difficult for researchers to untangle its effects on pain and, at the same time, difficult for clinicians and patients to find the most effective species and route of administration. Cannabis is the genus name for a disputed number of plant species. The two most widely accepted species are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica , though hybrid species are also common. Chemically speaking, cannabis is complicated. This system plays a key role in endogenous pain control. It can also reduce nausea and increase appetite. CBD does not provide the euphoria associated with THC and is associated with reduced pain and inflammation. Approval by the US Food and Drug Administration has, so far, been limited to synthetic or pharmaceutical-grade components of cannabis. Both are indicated for weight loss associated with anorexia and HIV. Marinol is also indicated for severe nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy, as is FDA-approved Cesamet Meda Pharmaceuticals. Cesamet contains the active ingredient nabilone, which has a chemical structure similar to THC. Medical cannabis comes in herbal marijuana , tincture, oil, and edible forms. It can be smoked, vaporized, ingested in edible or other oral forms, taken sublingually under the tongue , or applied topically oil. Research on the efficacy of different routes of administration for pain is sparse. However, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, double-blind study compared analgesic effects of smoked marijuana and dronabinol. However, compared with marijuana, dronabinol produced longer-lasting decreases in pain sensitivity and lower ratings of abuse-related subjective effects, which can be predictive of use and abuse patterns. Other studies suggest that smoking cannabis produces rapid effects, while oral forms take longer to work but may last longer. Strains of cannabis may come with names like Purple Diesel and Blue Sky. A study out of Washington state found that commercial Cannabis strains fell into three broad chemotypes chemically distinct plants that otherwise appear indistinguishable that were defined by the THCCBD ratio. The best advice is to read the label and understand it. Bearman is also the co-founder of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, and a board member of Americans for Safe Access a national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research,and of Patients Out of Time a Virginia-based nonprofit that works to educate all disciplines of healthcare professionals, the legal profession, and the public about medical cannabis. Its also important to know that dispensary cannabis is not regulated by the FDA so what you get in one state, or at one time, may be different from another. But what is hemp and how does it differ from marijuana? The conventional answer is that hemp and marijuana are two different species of the Cannabis genus of plants. Hemp, which is primarily used for industrial purposes particularly fiber products , is considered to be the Cannabis sativa species marijuana used for medicinal and recreational purposes is considered to be the Cannabis indica species. The science is more complicated. Differences in THC production held true. Medical cannabis is currently legal in 34 states as of spring , many of which require patient registry or identification cards for the purchase and use of the substance for specific diagnosed medical conditions. These conditions differ by state and continue to change. In many of the states with legalized cannabis, some type of product testing is required, however, testing varies by state and may be limited contamination tests or may include quantification of CBD and THC levels. California, for example, requires dispensaries to sell only marijuana that has been tested for pesticides, contaminants, and microbial impurities. This information is included on the product label. It is important to know that consistency and quality of the product received may vary from dispensary to dispensary and from state to state. Where does this leave chronic pain patients interested in trying medical cannabis? For those with concerns about the psychogenic effects, he recommends starting with a one-to-one ratio of THC to CBD for chronic pain. For pain relief, he recommends a dose of 15mg THC 0. The key to using medical cannabis for pain is two-fold. For starters, a personalized approach is needed.
