How Does Medical Marijuana Work for Chronic Pain?
If you live with chronic pain, you may be interested in learning how medical marijuana can help. Marijuana has been used to treat pain for centuries and more recently, it’s been legalized in 37 states for medical use. Here’s what you need to know about how medical marijuana works for chronic pain.
Marijuana and the Endocannabinoid System
Marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help relieve pain. The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals that regulate many functions in the body, including pain, mood, appetite, and memory. Marijuana plants contain compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids attach to receptors throughout your body, including in your brain, spinal cord, and immune system. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like sleep, appetite, inflammation, and pain. When marijuana is consumed, the cannabinoids in the plant attach to receptors in the ECS. This interaction causes various changes in the body that can relieve pain.
Different Types of Marijuana for Pain Relief
There are different types of marijuana, and each type can provide other relief. The two main types of marijuana are Indica and Sativa. Indica strains usually provide relaxation and pain relief while Sativa strains provide more energy and uplifting effects. There are also hybrid strains that offer a combination of Indica and Sativa effects.
Here’s how MMJ works to relieve pain
Medical marijuana (MMJ) interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide pain relief. Cannabinoids attach to receptors in your nervous system and brain to alter the way your body perceives pain. While more research is needed, some studies have shown that medical marijuana can be effective in treating chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and chronic migraines. Talk to your doctor about whether medical marijuana is right for you.
Research shows that medical marijuana can be effective in treating chronic pain from conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic migraines
There are different strains of medical marijuana to consider like OG Kush, Godfather OG, and Girl Scout Cookies depending on your needs, and it can be consumed in various ways. Be sure to talk to a marijuana doctor before starting any new medical treatment plan, including medical marijuana for chronic pain relief. Cannabis as a medicine has been a “crowd” favorite for chronic pain helping millions of people around the world.
How to Use Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief
Medical marijuana can be consumed in different ways depending on your preferences and needs. It can be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or taken as a tincture or topical application. The best way to consume medical marijuana for pain relief is often determined by trial and error. Unfortunately, since it’s still considered a schedule 1 drug research and clinical trials have been limited so the efficacy of each delivery method is still being researched. Most marijuana doctors will recommend starting with a low dose and increasing gradually until you find the dose that works best for you. It is important to note that ingesting medical marijuana in various ways will dramatically alter the results. For example, the same milligram dosage of THC in an edible can increase the feeling of euphoria significantly. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medical treatment, including medical marijuana.
Many different ways to consume MMJ
Medical marijuana is available in a variety of forms that can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically. The form you choose will depend on your preferences and the severity of your pain. Your doctor can help you decide which form of medical marijuana is right for you.
Conclusion:
If you’re living with chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be and you may be wondering if medical marijuana could help relieve your symptoms. Sometimes it can feel like nothing will ever make the pain go away. You might have tried a variety of treatments with little to no relief. Some of those options might include opioids which are proven to come with numerous side effects, risks possibly death. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option, medical marijuana may be worth considering and you will need a Michigan medical marijuana card to take advantage of some tax savings at dispensaries and more importantly, get relief for chronic pain.
