Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids that produce drug-like effects. Two well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system and changes how the body perceives pain. CBD affects opioid receptors and reduces the intensity of pain.
Studies show that medical marijuana products alleviate multiple sclerosis muscle spasms and nerve pain. It also appears to ease the tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease and fibromyalgia.
THC Oil
THC is a cannabinoid known to help alleviate chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid system. This system comprises receptors and enzymes that control several bodily functions, including the sensation of pain.
When using cannabis for chronic pain, starting low and going slow is best. Like with any medication, the goal is to titrate upward until you’re getting adequate effects and no side effects. Your doctor will recommend starting with a quarter or half a milliliter of THC oil and gradually increasing the dose until you find your ideal dosing. They will also recommend that you take it sublingually under the tongue, which allows the medicine to bypass the stomach and reach your bloodstream more quickly.
CBD Oil
While CBD is a cannabinoid that is also present in cannabis plants, it differs from THC in that it does not result in the euphoric “high” that is associated with marijuana. Instead, it has been shown to help relieve pain and reduce anxiety.
The Arthritis Foundation says CBD products can be used for various chronic conditions, including arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The organization notes that research on medical cannabis is ongoing.
Other studies have found that CBD can reduce neuropathic pain, which affects the nerves and is caused by some illnesses and injuries. Neuropathic pain can cause tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and sharp, shooting, or burning pain. Research has also found that adding CBD to opioids can help people reduce their opioid dose while experiencing better pain control. This combination has a lower risk of side effects than using opioids alone. The research included 25 rigorous trials involving 15,000 people. The studies were so-called randomized controlled trials, the gold standard of clinical research.
CBD Capsules
Cannabis has been a pain reliever for many years, but research has recently focused on its effectiveness. Research shows that THC and CBD decrease nociception, or the feeling of pain, by mimicking the effects of natural substances the body already has, called cannabinoid receptors.
Medical marijuana is also less habit-forming than opioids. Studies show that patients who use it can gradually reduce the opioids they take to manage their pain, which may help prevent opioid addiction.
Another option is to purchase CBD capsules, which look like regular vitamins and are absorbed through the digestive system. They usually contain a low amount of THC or no THC at all but can have higher amounts of other natural components, including omega-3 and vitamin C.
A prescription medication called Sativex, a mouth spray containing THC and CBD, effectively reduces pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). Other trials support its effectiveness in treating chronic pain from spinal cord injury and migraine headaches.
CBD Vape Pens
CBD vape pens are a simple way to deliver CBD directly into your bloodstream through inhalation. They look like regular e-cigarettes and work by heating the CBD e-liquid to vaporize it and inhaling the resulting cloud of flavourful terpenes.
Disposable vape pens are the easiest option and require no maintenance since they come prefilled. However, make sure the CBD liquid is specifically formulated for vaping so it won’t clog your pen or cause damage to your respiratory tract.
CBD Capsules
As a more convenient option than oils or sprays, CBD capsules allow you to consume consistent servings of cannabis throughout the day. This makes them ideal for those with an active lifestyle who cannot smoke or inhale. Capsules also have a slower onset than inhaled products and are easier to swallow.
Even though cannabis is not FDA-approved for pain management, research has found it effective at treating some types of chronic pain. It appears to be particularly useful for neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves.
Opioids are typically prescribed to treat neuropathic pain but can cause addiction and potentially cause fatal overdoses. Medicinal cannabis appears to be an effective and safer alternative, but larger studies and long-term safety data are needed. Talk to your doctor to try medical marijuana for pain management. They’ll be able to give you an idea of the best dosages and products for your symptoms. They may also refer you to a specialist who can help manage your chronic pain.
Hemp Oil
Several studies have found medicinal cannabis to be effective for chronic pain, and patients may be able to reduce their use of other drugs. However, it’s important to note that these results are based on limited evidence, and more research is needed.
Medicinal cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to serve multiple functions, including pain relief. A study found that CBD oil was a viable pain reliever for some people with arthritis. It also showed that cannabis helped them decrease their use of other medications, such as opioids and prescription nonopioid analgesics.
Another option for managing chronic pain is nabilone, an oral medication that acts similarly to THC but does not make you high. It’s prescribed to adults with MS-related muscle spasticity when other medicines have not worked.
A more recent study found that nabilone was as effective as other medicines in treating chronic pain and was well-tolerated. It was especially effective in reducing neuropathic pain, which causes tingling and burning sensations. It also reduced the amount of other medications used to manage pain, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs.