Are you looking for an alternative to opioid medications for pain relief? You can try medical marijuana. Studies show that cannabis can actually help ease chronic pain. It’s now legal in the majority of the US states, and you can access it by getting an MMJ card online.
Related– 5 Things You Must Know Before Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
But, how does medical marijuana work in the body? How can it help you relieve chronic pain? What are the top cannabis strains for pain management? Let’s discuss in detail.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a key endogenous system that regulates pain sensations. Science says that it is responsible for regulating important bodily functions, such as mood, memory, learning, etc.
Since the ECS plays a key role in homeostasis, learning about it is important. It comprises three major components – endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and metabolic enzymes, which work together to perform certain bodily functions.
There are two main receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are among the most abundant receptors found in the brain, which interact with THC, a main psychoactive cannabinoid. THC is still illegal as per federal regulations. But, in cannabis legalized states, you can get THC-based products by applying for a 420 evaluation.
How Marijuana Works For Chronic Pain?
In the United States, people use medical marijuana for many conditions. Of them, chronic pain is listed among the top. Cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant are similar to endocannabinoids, and they can help relieve pain.
According to a review of research on cannabis compounds, cannabinoids are helpful in fighting some types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain.
THC has a similar structure as some neurotransmitters, which are produced by the body naturally. So, it can mimic the functions of the latter, i.e binding to receptors in the brain. In fact, THC can help activate the reward system, thus managing pain.
Is marijuana better than commonly prescribed pain medications, such as opioids? Opioid medications are addictive and can cause many side-effects.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers found that 41 percent of the participants reduced dependence on opioids. Additionally, 63 percent of them reduced opioid use by 25 percent.
In our previous blog, we have discussed cannabis vs opioids for pain management. Click here to read it.
Cannabis can help you relieve pain, but in some cases, it can lead to paranoia, nausea, etc. And, a recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry reported that chronic pain patients who use are at higher risks of developing a use disorder. So, it’s necessary to learn about the potency of cannabis and how to use the herb right for pain management.
Top Strains For Chronic Pain
If you want to use cannabis for relieving pain, you must buy the right strains using your medical marijuana card.
Related-Tips to Buy Cannabis For The First Time
Here’s a list of the best medical marijuana strains for fighting chronic pain-
- Blueberry
- White Widow
- Sour Diesel
- Blackberry Kush
- ACDC
- Harlequin
- Blueberry Headband
- CBD Critical Mass
Since everyone’s symptoms are different, one set of strains working for one patient may not work for another. However, you can try different strains with different concentrations of THC and CBD. Experimenting will help you have an idea about what’s working for your condition.
How to Get an MMJ Card Online?
To get an MMJ card online, you need to see a doctor using telemedicine technology. It takes less than 10 minutes. Here’s the complete process of applying for a 420 evaluation online-
- Sign up for an account
- See a doctor online
- Receive MMJ recs in PDF format
With a medical marijuana card, you can buy cannabis from authorized sources legally. Unlike recreational users, you need not be at least 21 years old to access the herb. Other benefits include legal permission to grow own cannabis plants for personal use and tax saving.
Final Thoughts
Marijuana can help relieve pain, boost relaxation, thus promoting overall wellness. Studies have found that the herb is packed with cannabinoids that have therapeutic properties. When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and provides various health benefits including pain relief.
Before you use marijuana for pain, make sure you have a doctor’s recommendation. We at Healing 420 Temecula are a leading MMJ clinic. We offer medical marijuana evaluations online, helping patients save time & money. Talk to our doctors to apply for an MMJ card online today.