How To Use Marijuana For Pain Relief

To use marijuana for pain relief, you will need to inhale the smoke or vapor from the plant. You can also eat or drink marijuana products, but the effects will take longer to kick in and they will be less potent. Start with a small amount and wait 30-60 minutes to see how it affects you before increasing it.

Some people find that smoking or vaping marijuana is the best way to relieve their pain, while others find that ingesting it works better. If you are not sure which method is best for you, start with smoking or vaping and then try ingesting it if you dont find the former to be effective.

So Exactly How Does Marijuana Fall Into The Medicine Category

Lets answer that question with another question: Would you put marijuana in the same bucket as LSD? How about heroin? The federal government says yes to both. In fact, in 1970, the US Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, due to its addictiveness and propensity for abuse. Fifty years later, its still illegal on the federal level. But its legal for medicinal use in 33 US States and the District of Columbia. California was the first state to permit legal access to and use of botanical cannabis for medicinal purposes under physician supervision with the enactment of the Compassionate Use Act.²

That schism makes navigating marijuana potentially confusing for consumers, and the federal classification creates many obstacles in the scientific study of marijuana for medicinal use.

Luckily, researchers have found some ways to get the science done. Data demonstrates, and many states support, that for managing symptoms of:³

• Anxiety

But understanding how marijuana works and how to use it for maximum benefit requires more information, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. Theres still a lot we dont know, but we do know that medical marijuana is a beneficial option for many.

Risks Of Using Marijuana For Pain Relief

There are a few risks associated with using marijuana for pain relief. First, marijuana is not legal in all states, so you may be breaking the law if you use it. Second, marijuana may have adverse side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired memory.

Finally, marijuana may interact with other medications youre taking, so its important to talk to your doctor before using it.

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Acdc Is A Staple Medical Marijuana Strain For Neuropathy

Like Harlequin, ACDC also has a very high CBD-to-THC content ratiousually about 2024% CBD compared to less than 6% THC. This makes it an excellent choice if you want the pain-relieving benefits of CBD without the intense psychoactive effects of high-THC strains.

While you may still experience some psychoactive effects, theyre typically extremely mild. Instead, this is a good marijuana strain for pain management, one that still allows you to go about your day without feeling an intense high. It also tends to be especially effective at combatting nausea.

Medical Marijuana In Inflammation And Pain:

But how marijuana helps?

To understand this, we must understand that Weed always aims at our endocannabinoid system framework which keeps our bodys internal functionalities on track.

There are two main cannabinoids THC and CBD inside cannabis strains. Of which CBD is quite similar to the endocannabinoids produced in our system and thus acts like the endocannabinoid receptors similar to in our body.

CBD works both on Inflammation and pain and thus helps our body heal.

Now, you must be thinking, which strains will be better to treat Inflammation and pain!

Here is the answer:

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Types Of Chronic Pain

Unlike other health complications which may afflict certain portions of the body, chronic pain can be widespread and is likely to influence patients differently.

However, there are three primary forms of chronic pain that impact patients the most. Common types of chronic pain include the following:

• Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain results from any damage to the nerves. Rather than an injury provoking pain, neuropathic pain may manifest from irregular signals to the brain that create unwarranted aches.
• Visceral pain: Visceral pain stems from a disturbance in the organs. Because not every organ has the capacity to signal pain, discomfort that is difficult to pinpoint should be reported to your primary care physician for further evaluation.
• Somatic pain: Somatic pain occurs when an individual experiences pain due to an external factor. Chronic pain stemming from somatic pain can include damage from broken bones, joint injury, arthritis or general injuries.

Cannabis Strain #1 White Widow

White Widow is a hybrid marijuana strain. It derives from two different strains South Indian indica and South American sativa.

This cannabis strain offers excellent pain relief as well as an uplifting, energetic, and euphoric feeling. Patients also use this strain for stress, depression, and lack of appetite.

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What Strains Of Cannabis For Menstrual Pain

When you are looking for the best cannabis for menstrual pain, the general consensus is to look for some of the more potent, high-THC strains that have the most analgesic effects. You really could go in a lot of directions, but most prefer a good high-THC strain that has the support of other cannabinoids and terpenes that could target the negative aspects of menstruation. Here is a look at a few good strains to consider and why.

Cannabis Strain #2 Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a hybrid marijuana strain, a crossbreed between the sativa Haze with Blueberry indica. It has a sweet flavor and is favored by many smokers.

Patients report that this strain has significant pain-relieving properties, and they also use it for depression and stress relief. The THC content of Blue Dream falls between 17-24%. Its CBD content ranges from 0.1-0.2% consistently.

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Cannabis Strain #5 Jack Herer

Jack Herer is named after a renowned cannabis activist, and similar to Jack himself, this strain is extremely effective. This powerhouse strain may potentially help to ease pain while providing you with the benefits of a sativa strain.

People often use it for depression, lack of appetite, and fatigue in addition to pain. The THC content of Jack Herer ranges from 18-23%, and the CBD content ranges from 0.03 -0.2%. This strain is a cross between Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights #5 and a Haze hybrid.

Cannabis Strains To Help Ease Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy occurs when theres damage to the peripheral nervous system. This system is a network of nerves that branches out from the central nervous system in the brain and spine to the entire body. Its responsible for our sense of touch and for involuntary body movements, like:

• Breathing
• Digestion
• Heart rate

You can think of the peripheral nervous system as the messenger between your brain and your body. It helps tell you when something is too hot to touch, and it keeps your heart beating.

When this system is damaged, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include:

• Twitching
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal blood pressure

While folks can cure mild cases of neuropathy, in most cases theres no such cure and the only option is to manage the pain. Unfortunately, many traditional pain medications have only limited effects on neuropathic pain symptoms or else they come with dangerous side effects.

Fortunately, theres some evidence that cannabis can help people with neuropathy to find relief, particularly by reducing generalized pain and inflammation, and by helping muscles relax.

Granted, while much more research into cannabiss effect on neuropathy needs to be done, cannabis is widely used for pain relief, and it may be a good option for those looking to manage their own neuropathic pain.

Lets take a look at six of the top marijuana strains that could help manage neuropathic pain.

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Choosing The Best Cannabis Strains For Pain

Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and diseases in many cultures across the globe. As far back as 2,900 BC in China, cannabis was a popular treatment for anything from joint pain to malaria. Today, many people still use this plant to heal themselves and alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain. However, if youre new to medicating with cannabis for pain, you may not be sure where to start. In this article, well explore how cannabis alleviates pain, what ailments it can treat, and the best cannabis strains for pain.

How Can Cannabis Alleviate Pain?

Doctors and scientists alike have conducted a variety of studies on the subject of cannabis for pain relief. One of these studies, in particular, found that cannabis was effective when it came to treating chronic pain, such as neuropathy. A smaller study conducted on cancer patients also saw positive numbers with 70% of patients experiencing less pain and more overall well-being. Furthermore, people who commonly suffer from migraines reported a noticeable when medicating with cannabis.

Ailments Cannabis Can Help Treat

While there are still studies being conducted on how cannabis can improve peoples health, there is evidence to show that it helps with chronic pain. Cannabis may help treat your pain, if you suffer from one of the following conditions:

• Headaches
• Neuropathic pain

THC vs. CBD

Cannabis Strains for Pain

These strains have been shown to provide relief to those suffering from pain:

Current Treatments Available And Their Side Effects

The main goal of conventional chronic pain treatment is to improve your physical function and reduce the pain youre suffering so you can return to your usual daily activities. There are several treatments your doctor may prescribe. These include:

• Acupuncture
• Nerve blocks
• Surgery

Many of these treatments, such as painkilling medications, can have unpleasant side effects. In fact, commonly prescribed opioids are potentially toxic and are highly addictive. Additionally, long-term use of conventional pain relievers, like NSAIDs, acetaminophen and opioids, is associated with many negative impacts on your health, such as hepatotoxicity, heart attacks, erectile dysfunction and strokes.

Chronic pain can be so debilitating that sufferers often turn to powerful opioid narcotics to find relief. These drugs are not only addictive, but theyre also notoriously toxic. Nearly 30,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2014 alone.

If you suffer from pain, medical marijuana could significantly alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Research has shown that medical cannabis for chronic pain can be an effective method of treatment that is far safer than many other options.

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Why Your Mental Health Matters When Using Medical Marijuana

Many people use medical marijuana for psychological ailments, such as PTSD and anxiety. While cannabis can ease symptoms of these conditions, some people may experience additional feelings of anxiety and paranoia so youll need to track your response. If you end up spiraling out, call your doctor right away and be sure to note which strain/brand caused the effect so that you dont take it again.

People with psychoses may wish to avoid medical marijuana as it can increase the risk of or symptoms of these disorders.¹²

One collection of studies associated heavy use of marijuana during adolescence with increased rates of mental illness and cognitive impairment. This may be due to the endocannabinoid systems important role in brain development. This does not necessarily preclude young adults from medical marijuana use but it should be taken into consideration.

And remember, medicinal or not, marijuana can still get you high. If you dont do well feeling out of control, cannabis may not be the best choice for you.

Best Strains For Pain: How Cannabis Fights Pain

Just like theres not just one kind of weed, theres not just one kind of pain. The three main types are:

• Nociceptive Pain: The easiest type to understand, nociceptive pain results from a physical injury its often treated with anti-inflammatory medications
• Neuropathic Pain: This can be caused by an injury, but is specific to an injury to a nerve anti-inflammatory medications arent usually effective
• Central Pain: Sometimes called the mystery pain, central pain arises without a physical injury. Fibromyalgia is one well-known example.

The good news is that cannabis has the potential to treat all three types of pain, in different ways.

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How Will Using Cannabis Affect My Sleep

Many patients with all kinds of chronic diseases report better sleep quality with cannabis, including those with chronic pain. More research is needed to understand whether cannabis helps people fall asleep, have uninterrupted sleep, or sleep longer or some combination of these benefits. Interestingly, cannabis could also help people sleep better by preventing the sensation of needing to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Some people report fatigue and sleepiness as unwanted side effects of their cannabis use. This may be due to taking cannabis at the wrong time of day, when feeling tired is not compatible with daily tasks . People also report feeling dizzy, nauseous, and having dry mouth and dry eyes when using cannabis.

Best Strains Of Marijuana For Chronic Pain

Whether you use edible forms of medical cannabis for pain, roll it into a joint or use a vaporizer, there are many different strains of the plant that can substantially reduce discomfort. Perhaps you feel better when you smoke the drug, whereas someone else may find that taking low-dose edibles works for them.

Of course, the chemical composition of the strain you choose as well as your method of ingestion may affect your painkilling outcome. Keep in mind that its likely you might need to take a trial and error approach before you hit on the right strain and dosage for you.

Generally speaking, less is more when it comes to treating this type of pain. Many people find that sativa strains higher in THC the primary psychoactive substance that gives you a high work better for them than hybrid or indica strains. These also work most effectively in doses that are low to moderate and can potentially make your pain worse in higher doses.

No matter how you plan to ingest medical cannabis, there are various strains that can help reduce your discomfort. These include:

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Strains Of Marijuana Used For Back Pain

Here are some of the strains of medical cannabis which may help to reduce back pain:

• Bubba Kush : This strain contains up to 22 percent THC and up to 0.1 percent CBD. It is good for decreasing stress and decreasing muscle spasms.

• Candyland : With around 24 percent of THC and one percent of CBD and CBN. Candyland is good for reducing muscle spasms and tension, to reduce pain. It does have a stimulating effect, so it also helps with fatigue.

• OG Kush : Contains up to 23 percent THC and around one percent CBD. Indica is a better strain to reduce muscle spasm while providing pain relief.

• ACDC : Sativa is high in CBD but low in THC. It contains up to 24 percent CBD and around 1.2 percent THC, this allows one to be more functional during the day, without causing psychoactive side effects.

Cannabis Use For Pain

One of the most common reasons people use cannabis is to relieve pain. In fact, a study in 2019 showed that more than 62% of people use medical marijuana for pain . There are many conditions cannabis can help treat. Some of these include cancer pain, migraines, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Furthermore, medical marijuana is a safe, natural alternative to opioids. People also report a better quality of life after using cannabis. Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain . As a result, many have turned to medical marijuana to help manage pain.

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The Best Cannabis Strains For Pain

One of the most common applications for medical cannabis ispain, whether itsinflammation,headaches, neuropathic pain, muscle soreness,spinal injury,fibromyalgia, orcramps. Consumers have seen varying degrees of success with cannabis in treating pain-related ailments, depending on the type of pain, the intensity, and the individuals biology.

This guide is informed both by user-submitted strain reviews on Leafly and chemical profile data.

• For pain, its generally recommended to try strains with a balance of THC and CBD. Look for strains with a mix of circle and diamond shapes below.
• Early research suggests that the terpene caryophyllene may be beneficial for pain and inflammation, but more studies are needed. Look for strains that are maroon-colored below.

Smoking and vaporizing are great ways to feel cannabis effects quickly, but read up on non-intoxicating topicals, long-lasting edibles, and potent cannabis concentrates to get an idea of the full spectrum of options available to you.

Best Medical Marijuana Strains For Chronic Pain

When it comes to choosing the best marijuana strain for pain relief, consumers have many high-quality options. There are both sativa and indica strains for pain, as well as plenty of hybrid strains. When selecting a strain for regular use, youll want to choose an option with a balance of THC and CBD. A well-balanced strain helps to prevent you from developing a tolerance over time. Here are some of the best strains for pain and fatigue.

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The Best Weed Strains For Depression

For many seeking relief from depression, weed is a blessing that delivers a measurable improvement of depressive symptoms.

For some others, cannabis brings little or no improvement but does no harm. For some, it leads to worsening of depression, especially with long-term, heavy use.

For some, depression is borne by chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions. By effectively addressing these chronic conditions, weed can help alleviate depression. For others, depression is the primary ailment, and weed is often just the thing for it.

Because cannabis has so few adverse side effects compared to other treatments, utilizing it as a first-line approach makes sense.

Different strains often have different effects depending on the individual. A good rule of thumb is to start low and slow with sativas and sativa-leaning hybrids like Tropaya or Dole Whip.

Exploring well-suited strains of weed with your Wellness Expert is the best way to find what works best.