Cannabis has been utilized as a natural remedy for pain. From arthritis to neuropathy, to back pain, and other debilitating pain, cannabis has promising benefits. Some studies show the link between the use of cannabis and pain relief in chronic pain conditions that are not difficult to treat such as cancer, phantom limb pain, multiple sclerosis, migraines, and arthritis. Cannabis may be a better solution than opioids like codeine and users are more satisfied with fewer side effects and less risk of addiction than opioid users. While more research is needed, evidence reveals that the plant has the potential for pain relief. To find out more about the potential of cannabis, click here.
Understanding the Human Body’s Endocannabinoid System or ECS
To better understand how cannabis can offer pain relief, you must learn about the ECS. This complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors is found in your brain, nervous system, immune system, and other parts of your body. ECS receptors are categorized into CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabinoids activate both receptors, which help regulate different functions in the body. These functions include emotional regulation, immune response pain perception, temperature control, digestion, and sleep. Cannabinoids come from endocannabinoids that the ECS produces and phytocannabinoids from cannabis and other plants.
When you consume cannabis, its active compounds like CBD and THC interact with the body’s ECS to offer relief from pain and other therapeutic benefits.
How Cannabis Relieves Pain
Cannabinoids are active cannabis compounds that may help relieve pain. They interact with the ECS to reduce pain perception and inflammation. CBD and THC are the most prevalent cannabinoids. THC is known to produce psychoactive effects and has pain-relieving properties. Meanwhile, CBD is non-psychoactive and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. A lot of people consume CBD to alleviate their pain and for relaxation.
Both CBD and THC can help with pain management. But because of the entourage effect, they work best when used alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis. Thus, for optimal results, consume whole cannabis products or products that have full-spectrum CBD and THC.
The Best Cannabis to Relieve Pain
Cannabis can be consumed in different ways to alleviate pain. It can be smoked, vaped, eaten, applied to the skin, or used under the tongue. Below are recommended cannabis products of each kind that may help relieve pain.
- Flowers or vapes. Vaping and smoking cannabis offers the quickest effects for pain relief. However, these effects do not last for a long time. For pain, use flower that has high CBD, CBD, THC, and terpene contents. Terpenes offer every cannabis strain its unique aroma and has therapeutic benefits.
- Edibles. Edibles take a long time to produce effects; however, the effects are long-lasting. Since edibles need to pass through your digestive system and your liver before reaching the bloodstream, it can take up to two hours to take effect. When THC is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC after passing through the liver offers a more intense effect that lasts longer than THC. That is why some users use edibles to address their chronic pain.
- Tinctures. While these products are also taken by mouth, they enter your bloodstream differently. To feel their effects, tinctures must be administered under the tongue. The tongue has a network if blood vessels that allow the tincture to enter your bloodstream directly, offering quick relief.
- Topicals and transdermals. Topical cannabis products such as gels, creams, or balms are directly applied to the affected area to offer localized pain relief without psychoactive effects. Also, transdermal products are applied externally; however, they let the cannabinoids penetrate your skin and enter your bloodstream. A lot of topicals and transdermals contain the same amount of THC and CBD.