Why More People Are Turning to Cannabis for Pain Relief

Why More People Are Turning to Cannabis for Pain Relief

Attitudes on cannabis use have changed dramatically in recent years. Many states have legalized it for recreational use, and even states where it is illegal, understand the medicinal benefits of cannabis and allow its use in some medical cases.

Additionally, as America is still reeling from the opioid crisis that has torn apart communities and destroyed families for years, states realize that allowing cannabis use for pain relief is in everyone’s best interest. Whether you want a high THC strain like apple fritter, or one that has a higher level of CBD, many people find relief in cannabis.

Let’s examine how cannabis helps with pain and why more people are turning to it for pain relief.

How Cannabis Helps with Pain Relief

Cannabis helps with pain relief by directly interacting with the Endocannabinoid System, relieving stress and anxiety around pain or injuries, and assisting muscles in relaxing and releasing tension. Let’s break that down in more detail.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Pain Regulation

Cannabis interacts with the ECS by binding and influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, central nervous system, immune system, and peripheral tissues. Each receptor has different responsibilities in the body.

• CB1 receptors: Primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, THC binds to them to alter pain perception and produce a euphoric effect.
• CB2 receptors: Primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues, CBD interacts with them to reduce inflammation and modulate pain.

In addition to THC and CBD binding to these receptors, THC mimics anandamide. Anandamide is a naturally occurring compound that promotes muscle relaxation and has anti-inflammatory effects, both of which help with pain relief. At the same time, CBD found in cannabis inhibits FAAH, an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, allowing anandamide to stay longer in the system, reducing pain and inflammation.

Popular Strains and Cannabis Products for Pain Relief

Whether you use a high-THC strain like apple fritter or a more CBD-rich strain like Harlequin, if you smoke flower, there are plenty of popular strains that are marketed for their pain-relieving reputation. Some other honorable mentions include the following.

• ACDC
• Northern Lights
• OG Kush
• Blue Dream
• Afghan Kush
• Blueberry
• Sour Diesel
• White Widow

If smoking is not your thing, there are still plenty of cannabis products designed for pain relief. Here are some of our favorites.

• Edibles: Provide long-lasting relief and can come in CBD only to ensure you do not experience the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Topicals: CBD—and THC-infused topicals are excellent for targeted pain relief, directly targeting the muscles, joints, and ligaments.
• Tinctures and Oils: Ideal for precise dosing, and it is simple to add some to a smoothie or other food or beverage.
• Vapes: Provide instant relief with less smoke inhalation.

All of these options can provide pain relief; however, what is available to you depends on the legal status of cannabis in your state. Please be sure to follow local laws.

Cannabis vs. Traditional Painkillers

Traditional painkillers like opioids and NSAIDs are effective for pain relief; however, the damage they can do to the body after prolonged use and their addictive qualities, especially opioids, mean that people need a healthier alternative. For this reason, cannabis has emerged into the mainstream as a low-cost pain relief method that works without the potential for the same long-term consequences as traditional painkillers.

• Opioids: Extremely effective for pain relief. High risk of addiction, overdose, and death. Additionally, with addiction, after an opioid prescription has run its course, some people may look for black market sources, putting themselves at serious risk.
• NSAIDs: Safer than opioids and overall effective for pain relief. It requires many doses throughout the day and over a long period of time, impacting liver and kidney health.
• Cannabis: Safer than opioids and NSAIDs, effective pain relief, but comes with some side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and THC-infused products come with cognitive impairment.

No matter which method you choose for pain relief, it is best to consult a doctor or medical professional before starting any medical regimen.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Although cannabis use is the most natural painkiller, there are still some potential risks and considerations to make before starting to use it medicinally to treat pain. Let’s review those now.

• Side effects: Dry mouth, dizziness, slowed reaction time, sedation, short-term memory loss, and an inability to focus. In higher doses, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, and anxiety or paranoia may also occur.
• Proper dosing: You will need to make sure you understand how much cannabis to consume. Start small and work yourself up until you find your ideal dose. You never want to take too much, especially with edibles.
• Dependency: Although cannabis is not physically addictive like opioids, some people can become physiologically dependent. Also, people typically develop a tolerance over time, requiring larger doses to obtain the same effects.

Final Words

Cannabis has been used for pain relief for centuries, but is only now being recognized by modern medicine. Cannabis offers many of the same benefits as traditional painkillers, only with fewer serious risks. With responsible use and proper guidance, cannabis can improve the quality of life through pain reduction.