According to research published in Health Affairs, chronic pain was among the top conditions patients prefer to use medical cannabis. The authors reported that there were 813,917 registered medical marijuana patients in 2017. However, the actual number is greater than this.
Since many studies about cannabis use for pain management are available, more patients are preferring medical marijuana treatment. How does it work? Is it better than opioids? What’s the complete process to get a medical marijuana card in Temecula?
Opioids For Pain Management
Opioid medications are often preferred by patients for pain management. Doctors prescribe them for managing acute and chronic pain associated with a medical condition. The most common opioid drugs for reducing pain are Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxymorphone, and Hydrocodone.
Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body. This helps in blocking the pain signal processing from the spinal cord to the brain. Although opioid drugs are effective for pain relief, they carry certain risks. The common side-effects of opioids are constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. Moreover, these medications can be highly addictive, especially when used for a long time.
Opt For Cannabis Treatment
Medical experts believe that cannabis can be used as an alternative to opioid-based medications. Marijuana has over 100 cannabinoids, which are responsible for providing medical benefits, such as pain relief, anxiety relief, boosting sleep, etc.
THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids. THC is a psychoactive compound, which plays an important role in pain relief. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive, and it’s responsible for relaxing the body and mind. Combining THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids can deliver stronger effects. It’s known as the entourage effect.
What Does Science Say?
Research says that THC has a similar chemical structure as neurotransmitters in the body. It stimulates cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus reducing the perception of pain.
Marijuana’s non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD has amazing pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published in Neurotherapeutics, CBD can help inhibit certain neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system. For example, it stops the reabsorption of anandamide—a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling pain.
According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD is effective in managing the side-effects of cancer chemotherapy, such as vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, etc.
A recent study published in the journal Advances in Therapy reported that cannabis use is increasing among chronic pain patients. Researchers reported that marijuana treatment is effective in reducing the average pain intensity. Additionally, it isn’t linked to increased risks of cognitive function.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in December 2018 was focused on evaluating the effectiveness of marijuana on patients with cancer and rheumatological patients. Researchers noted that 41 percent of the patients reported a reduction in dependence on opioids. Moreover, 63 percent of the participants reduced opioid use by 25 percent and 37 percent of them by 26 percent or more.
Cannabis consumption can be helpful in treating chronic pain, fibromyalgia pain, arthritis pain, etc. According to a study published in the Journal of Headaches Pain, cannabis containing myrcene and caryophyllene (terpenes) was effective in managing headaches, migraines, and other types of pain associated with conditions, such as arthritis.
Smoking Isn’t The Only Way to Consume Marijuana
When it comes to cannabis use for medical purposes, smoking is the most common method. People usually prefer rolling joints and smoking them for immediate relief. Additionally, water pipes can be used for inhaling cannabinoids. The use of water helps in cooling the smoke, thus allowing consumers to have a smooth smoking experience.
It’s important to note that smoking isn’t the only way to consume cannabis. You can use other methods. For instance, vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. In this method, the combustion of the substance doesn’t occur. Instead, cannabis flowers or concentrates are heated at a low temperature for extracting the cannabinoids, which are then inhaled in the form of vapors. Using the latest technology vaporizers, you can easily control the temperature at which cannabis is heated. Many medical experts say that vaping reduces the risks of lung problems associated with smoking.
Additionally, topicals can be applied directly to the skin to get localized relief. These cannabis-infused lotions and creams are absorbed by the skin to provide relief from pain and inflammation. However, trans dermal patches can reach the bloodstream, thus can make you high.
Now, the question is—which ones are the best cannabis consumption methods? Well, it depends. Everyone has different symptoms and personal preferences. We recommend you to talk to a licensed doctor, and seek professional help for marijuana consumption methods for managing your symptoms.
Choose The Right Strain
There’s a wide range of cannabis strains available. Some provide strong effects while others help in calming the body and mind. Which strains you should consume depend on the severity of your condition. So, when buying cannabis for pain relief, make sure you check the cannabinoid profile. It’s the complete information about the concentration of different cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
Related- Top Cannabis Strains For Chronic Pain Management
However, you can use different types of strains and note down your experience with each. Thus, you have your journal with you, allowing you to select the strains based on the medicinal effects you want.
Dose Marijuana Properly
When using marijuana for medical purposes, such as pain management, anxiety relief, etc., the dose is important. The amount of cannabinoids you consume directly impacts the kind of effects your body and mind receive. Some researchers say that taking too much THC can increase anxiety or worsen the symptoms. So, always dose cannabis properly.
According to a study from Harvard Medical School, taking average doses of 2.5g/d in current marijuana users may be safe when conventional pain management treatments have been inappropriate.
Well, there’s no standard formula for cannabis doses for pain management. Every patient’s condition, tolerance, and metabolism is different. So, it’s important to talk to a licensed doctor to find out how much cannabis will work for your symptoms.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card
To buy high-potency marijuana products for medical purposes, you require a doctor’s rec. This shows that you are suffering from a condition, which is approved for cannabis use. Thus, you can talk to an MMJ doctor to get your card.
Luckily, with telemedicine technology, applying for a medical marijuana card in Temecula has become very easy. Here’s the complete process-
- Sign up an account for 420 evaluation
- See a doctor online through HIPAA-compliant software
- Receive an MMJ rec letter via email
Key Takeaways
With scientific evidence related to marijuana and chronic pain available, more patients are replacing opioid medicines with cannabis. The best part is it doesn’t lead to side-effects and risks of addiction.
Marijuana for pain management works by stimulating the body’s endocannabinoid system. Both THC and anandamide have a similar chemical structure. When you consume THC, it binds to cannabinoid receptors, thus reducing pain. CBD has amazing pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
For managing chronic pain or pain-related conditions, you should learn how to use the herb right. Select the right strains, dose, and consumption method, and improve your health. However, you can seek professional help for using marijuana for chronic pain management.
Get your medical marijuana card in Temecula today.