Today, chronic pain is the most common condition in patients. Many of them often seek relief from the pain with medical marijuana. From headaches and migraines to fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, and more, marijuana has become a strong ally in treating various types of pain.
Many traditional medical treatments are used to treat pain, but many have realized the benefits of medical marijuana and its ability to relieve related symptoms.
Finding one marijuana strain for chronic pain requires knowledge of the different types. Read to learn which strains are among the best for treating chronic pain and what you need to know about treating pain with weed.
How Cannabis Can Help Treat Chronic Pain
Cannabis contains many beneficial compounds for the human body, including THC and CBD, which play an important role in chronic pain relief. These cannabinoids are found in different strains and ratios and can positively influence the brain and nervous system receptors.
The main role of CBD, or cannabidiol, is to reduce pain and chronic inflammation. Its job is to interact with the pain receptors to exert pain relief effects. Unlike CBD, which doesn’t cause a high, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol can have intoxicating effects. It stimulates cannabinoid receptors in the brain and helps reduce pain levels.
Medicinal Cannabis vs. Opioids
There are many comparisons between the safety and use of opioids vs. medicinal cannabis for chronic pain relief.
Opinions differ, but studies are bringing the facts to light. Namely, opioids can cause addiction and can lose their effect because the body builds a tolerance to them. These lab-made narcotics are prescribed for short-term use and are reported as the leading cause of drug-related deaths.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is a natural medicine that is restricted for use because of its psychotropic effects. However, cannabis is considered a long-term solution for treating chronic pain, and it is much safer with correct dosage use. Research shows that 81% of patients agree that cannabis is a more effective treatment for chronic pain than opioids.
Possible Side Effects of Cannabis
Everyone deals with pain in their own way and seeks treatment based on their tolerance level. When using medicinal cannabis for chronic pain relief, be prepared to experience some side effects. These include dizziness, rapid heart rate, breathing problems, and impaired reaction times.
When starting your chronic pain treatment with cannabis, keep the initial dosages low and see how your body responds to the strain. Notice how the THC content interacts with your body and experiment with different strains to test the ones that eradicate pain the fastest. Once you learn this reaction pattern, you can slightly increase doses when and if necessary – but always exercise caution, too.
Ingestion and Different Forms of Cannabis
Cannabis comes in different forms, hence its different ingestion methods. In general, the oral use of cannabis is the most common and best method for the treatment of chronic pain. The effects from oral ingestions usually last 4 to 12 hours. Different types of cannabis you can take for chronic pain include:
- Edibles. A popular way to ingest cannabis is through cannabis-infused food. The effects are difficult to foresee because they need to metabolize through the liver before entering the bloodstream. It may take around 90 minutes to feel the effects.
- Oil. The oil extracted from cannabis – using ethanol and grain alcohol – should be used in small quantities. The effects usually emerge within 30 minutes.
- Inhalation. Cannabis can also be ingested through inhalation, with the effects kicking in 15 to 30 minutes after the inhalation. The effects last 2 to 3 hours.
Marijuana Strains Used for Chronic Pain Relief
Indica cannabis has proven to be a top-ranking marijuana strain for chronic pain. It is the combination of a high level of THC and moderate levels of CBD that makes it the best option for treating pain. Some of the strains used for pain treatment are:
- Northern Lights – contains high THC concentration and causes sleepiness due to its muscle-relaxing effect. Myrcene is another pain reliever found in this strain and helps fight pain.
- Purple Punch – an Indica dominant hybrid with almost sedative properties. It helps relieve pain whereas the significant amounts of CBD allow for a full state of relaxation.
- Gusher – a low-CBD and High-THC cultivar used for wellness, insomnia, and pain relief management. It may have a euphoric effect which then turns into a sedating sensation.
- Harlequin – the strain offers the perfect balance of THC and CBD to avoid the psychotropic effects and feel all pain-relief effects. Given the low THC level, you can focus much better.
- Jealousy – a strain high in THC – around 17%. It reduces symptoms of mild stress and helps with pain treatment. It offers mental relaxation while at the same time helping users stay energized.
Find the Best Marijuana Strain for Chronic Pain
The Green Indian is Maryland’s best medical marijuana dispensary that carries only the highest-quality weed. Visit our website and browse through our wide selection of strains to find the best marijuana strain for chronic pain to provide you with the necessary relief.
Choose between Purple Punch, Blue Zushi, Gusher, or others from our wide selection and feel the benefits of pain relief from medical marijuana. Shop today or reach out to our team for more assistance.
