Many patients experience chronic pain from an underlying condition.  Chronic pain can be daily pain from back issues or cancer, or it may be intermittent but repetitive, such as women with severe menstrual pain or endometriosis. For patients with chronic pain, medical marijuana offers an alternative to NSAID’s such as ibuprofen that carry the risk of bleeding and kidney damage and to opioids and the well-known risk of addiction.

How well does Medical Marijuana work for Pain Management?

There is an abundance of anecdotal evidence that supports using marijuana to manage chronic pain conditions.  Recently, scientific and medical communities have been catching up with what many marijuana advocates have known for a long time.

Researchers at Harvard reviewed twenty-eight different studies that evaluated cannabinoid use for certain medical and pain issues. The results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and suggest that marijuana use for chronic pain is as effective, if not more effective than opioid-based medication for chronic pain.

In addition, a study from the Faculty of Michigan from 2016 and published in the Journal of Pain showed that marijuana:

• Improved quality of life.
• Reduced opioid usage by an average of 64%.
• Decreased negative effects of various other medicines.

Our bodies produce their very own cannabis like chemical substances, called endocannabinoids, that are produced as a response to tissue injury, pain, and inflammation. It is thought that cannabis is effective to treat chronic discomfort as a result of these natural cannabinoid receptors all of us have inside our bodies, though more research is needed to determine precisely how marijuana works to alleviate pain.

Chronic Pain Symptoms Treated by Medical Marijuana

Chronic pain is often one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Sometimes an underlying cause cannot be identified.  Medical marijuana has been shown to help alleviate pain in patients suffering from chronic pain. Some more common chronic pain conditions include:

• Overall non specific persistent pain – for instance, cancer pain or perhaps chronic neuropathic pain
• Lower back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• TMJ disorder
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Neck pain
• HIV/AIDS-related pain
• Several Sclerosis
• Central nervous system issues
• Accident and injury related pain
• Sciatica
• And more

Ways to Use Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

While marijuana is frequently praised for its therapeutic benefits and favorable safety profile, many users like the simple fact that cannabis provides a treatment alternative with multiple modes of delivery, and because it gives them more control over their disease and symptom management.
Many patients with severe or chronic pain enjoy smoking or vaporizing their cannabis. This is because inhalation has a more rapid effect on the entire body and provides relief quickly.

For localized pain treatment, you might consider a topical, like an ointment or cream. You will experience more targeted pain relief while minimizing the possibility of systemic effects.

Many individuals think it is helpful to integrate several different methods of consumption into their treatment program. For even more info regarding the cannabis supply and strategies which are best designed for the needs of yours, discuss the options of yours with our marijuana doctors.

Best Strains of Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Whether you make use of edibles, roll it right into a joint, or even make use of a vaporizer, you will find that many different strains may be effective in reducing discomfort from chronic pain. You may feel happier if you smoke the flower, while someone else may discover that taking low dose edibles works best for them.

The cannabinoid concentrations of a particular strain, as well as the method of ingestion, will have an effect on the end result. Remember that you will need to try several different strains in varying before you can narrow down the strains that are most effective for you.  As with most other conditions, more is not always better. Many people are surprised to find that their best dose is much lower than they expected.

Some popular strains for pain:

1. ACDC

Though it may be hard to locate, ACDC contains high levels of the cannabinoids THC and CBD Advocates of this particular strain suggest that there are quite a few therapeutic benefits.

2. Afghan Kush

A powerful basic pain reliever, Afghan Kush is nearly 100% indica.  Afghan Kush contains anti inflammatory and painkilling terpenes.  This particular strain additionally contains caryophyllene, which is recognized to work against cancer.

3. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a hybrid Sativa which was first cultivated in California. Some users experience complete relaxation, and others find it to be invigorating.  This particular strain creates a mellow euphoria that produces a soothing effect.

4. Granddaddy Purple

Another Californian strain, Granddaddy Purple has been around for roughly fifteen years. This particular strain can be powerful. Patients use Granddaddy Purple to alleviate pain, stress, muscle spasms, insomnia, and more.

5. Girl Scout Cookies

This is another hybrid with a lovely aroma and the flower is easy to spot with its orange hairs and purple leaves. This particular strain is well known for creating a sensation of pleasure all through the body and it is popular among individuals who suffer from severe pain. It can also boost your appetite.

6. Jack Herer

Named after the author and activist, Jack Herer is a widely recognized strain known for easing nerve pain.  Pinene is the prevalent terpene, which also has anti tumor properties.

7. White Widow

A cross between a pure Indica and clean sativa, this strain lifts your spirits while reducing your body’s perception of pain. White Widow also contains linalool, an anti-inflammatory which is also found in lavender.