What You Need To Know About Using Cannabis For Pain
Cannabis users all have their own reasons for using cannabis. As a fairly expansive plant that comes in many different strains, each designed for different uses, cannabis can serve many different purposes. One area in particular where many people are becoming more interested in cannabis use is with pain management. Current studies are showing promise with pain management, so much so that doctors are prescribing it to people who suffer from chronic pain. In this article, we will discuss cannabis for pain management and why it might be the right choice for you.
Do People Use Cannabis For Pain?
Already, doctors are prescribing cannabis for pain management. While there are laws around making claims that cannabis can be used in such a capacity, the fact is that it is already being utilized by doctors to help improve the comfort of their patients. Currently, doctors are using cannabis to treat a wide range of ailments including back pain, pain associate with cancer, and pain in the joints. Medical marijuana can be used for many different conditions, but chronic pain users are actively drifting towards this alternative to traditional pain medications. In addition to medical marijuana, CBD can be used independently for those interested in avoiding the “high” marijuana brings.
How Does It Work?
As far as we know, the pain relief that some seem to experience is a direct result of our body interacting with cannabinoids. While research is still being conducted to determine exactly how cannabis brings out these effects, it is largely believed to be linked to THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body and stimulate a wide range of effects.
Even though it is believed that both THC and CBD have an impact, CBD has a bigger reputation for pain management. Many people rely on CBD from hemp, another form of cannabis, rather than marijuana. This allows the individual to get concentrated amounts of CBD without having to worry about the psychoactive effects that come with THC use. Hemp is routinely bred to have higher and higher CBD doses, all while breeding out concentrated amounts of THC.
Though CBD is more accessible and has a wide reputation for use with pain, many users simply prefer marijuana. This is because with marijuana you can receive good amounts of CBD and THC. While some shy away from the effects of THC, some prefer it. This is because of the slight buzz that can be associated with THC works well to distract them from pain as well. It can help the body to relax a little more, which can also influence the intensity of the pain.
What Are My Options?
Cannabis products are available in a wide range of formats that make it easy to choose an option for you. If you are looking for simple relief without the high, you can head over to your local grocery store or jump online to order hemp CBD products. Otherwise, you can visit your local dispensary.
Since cannabis is available in so many forms, it makes it easier for you to choose one that is right for you. Many people who are looking for pain relief in a specific area like to use topicals, which include lotions and creams that can be applied to the area directly. These seep through the skin and deliver the cannabinoids in that way. Beyond this, you can also smoke flower, use vape pens, or even take edibles.
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to use cannabis. You will get the cannabinoids either way, so choose a method that works well for you. Using cannabis in this capacity is about choosing a treatment option that works for you, so feel free to try different options to see what you like.
Why Should I Use Cannabis?
Ultimately, you might be wondering why you should choose cannabis to manage your pain. What separates cannabis from traditional methods? It really comes down to the influence. Cannabis does not carry the same addiction risk that comes with traditional pain medications. It also lacks a lot of the chemicals that you will see in other products. At the end of the day, it is a matter of testing out your options and finding a product that suits your needs whether that is cannabis or not.
Conclusion
Managing pain can be a bit of a pain itself. There are different products with different side effects, and some might not suit your needs. When you choose cannabis products, make sure to talk with your doctor or local budtender to help you choose the right kind of cannabis for you. When in doubt, it never hurts to get an expert opinion so ensure that your treatment approach has the highest chance of success. Whether you are trying to manage a simple headache or long-term pain, cannabis might be a good option.
