So, should you take cannabis oil for pain? What is the best cannabis for pain? What form should you try? Let’s take a look.
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- Using cannabis for pain
- How does cannabis relieve pain?
- Best forms of cannabis for pain
- FAQs about cannabis & pain
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Pain could be referred to as the most concerning human ailment. Pain causes people to miss work, miss out on time with loved ones, and even lowers their quality of life. Therefore, the search for options to help people in pain never ceases, and cannabis has held a steadfast place in the search efforts for quite some time.
Cannabis for Pain – A Closer Look
Throughout history, cannabis has been thought of as a natural option for people in pain. It has only been within the last several decades that we have gotten a more scientific look at actually what it is inside the cannabis plant that offers support for people facing discomfort. Numerous studies have been carried out to show that cannabis may help with pain-like symptoms, some of which have offered promising results. In some states where cannabis is only legal for medicinal purposes, chronic pain is one condition that can get you approved to visit a dispensary for help.
How does cannabis relieve pain?
The specific mechanisms of how cannabis may reduce pain symptoms are speculated to be multifaceted, partially because cannabis offers a diverse collection of constituents that may offer pain support. Each cannabinoid that is found in cannabis offers unique actions in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). For example, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) shows a direct binding action for CB1 receptors, which may help with pain disassociation in the brain. On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) may target inflammation to help deter what is actually causing the pain.
You may also like: Top Strains for Pain & Inflammation.
THC is psychoactive, and it seems to activate the reward system in the brain by interacting directly with cannabinoid receptors. On the other hand, CBD does not interact with the brain’s reward system of pain receptors but seems to instead offer specific properties that target root causes of pain. These are only two of the most-studied cannabinoids found in cannabis. As time goes on, we are bound to learn more about the mechanisms of action behind how cannabis helps with pain.
Best Forms of Cannabis for Pain
The days when cannabis was only available in flower form are gone, so the modern-day individual looking to try cannabis for pain does have a number of options.
Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil for pain is a go-to option for people who want to avoid smoking, don’t like the smell of cannabis, or simply want a more discreet solution. The valuable cannabinoids in the cannabis are extracted and then combined with a carrier oil for easy ingestion or dosing either in the form of a liquid or a capsule. One major benefit of using cannabis oil for pain is the fact that you can easily gauge how much THC you are using.
Cannabis-Infused Topical Creams
For more localized issues with pain, many people prefer cannabis cream for pain. These topical products are infused with THC and other cannabinoids that may offer more targeted relief for pain-like symptoms. For example, if you want cannabis for back pain at the base of your spine, a topical would target that specific area.
Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flower is simply the cured buds from the cannabis plant, which can be used for smoking, making your own edibles, or even vaporizing. Flower gives you a lot of different options. Every strain profile is unique with its own collaboration of cannabinoids and terpenes. Therefore, every strain of cannabis may offer benefits for different types of discomfort. For example, one strain may be good cannabis for chronic pain patients who have difficulties with sleep, while another strain may be more suitable for those who need more uplifting effects.
Related: Cannabis for Insomnia.
Cannabis for Pain: Other FAQs
What cannabinoids are good for pain?
Cannabis contains dozens of cannabinoids, many of which have yet to be fully researched for their therapeutic potential. The preliminary research has suggested that some of the most well-known cannabinoids may have analgesic qualities, such as THC, CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol). Some cannabinoids may be more equipped to target pain when used together, which is an example of what scientists refer to as the entourage effect.
Can cannabis oil help arthritis pain?
Potentially, but it is too soon to make any definitive claims. Many anecdotal reports are available that show people have good experiences with cannabis oil when it comes to arthritic pain support. Some prescription, cannabinoid-based medications have been prescribed for certain types of arthritis, however. And, cannabis oil with THC and cannabidiol may target the inflammation that is commonly associated with arthritis in the joints.
Do terpenes help with pain?
Some terpenes may offer qualities that could be valuable for people in pain. Linalool, for example, has been pointed out as a clinically relevant prospect for the management of more persistent types of pain, even though it has primarily been examined in animal studies. Another terpene, beta-caryophyllene, which is one of the few that activates cannabinoid receptors, may also be good for pain related to the nervous system. Because terpenes may enhance the analgesic properties of cannabis, the best cannabis for pain is thought to be a full-spectrum product that offers both terpenes and cannabinoids.
What is the best cannabis strain for pain?
While there has not been a lot of formal research done to determine which strains of cannabis are best, the general consensus is that Indica-dominant strains may offer the most support when it comes to pain. Of course, the best strain can also vary depending on the type of pain. For example, some strains may work best for everyday pain management, while others may be more effective for more acute types of pain.
Find a Path to Relief at Uma Flowers
By scheduling a wellness consultation at Uma Flowers, we can discuss the type of pain you are dealing with and help you track down which of our premium products would work best for you. If you would like to know more about Uma Flowers and our wellness approach to cannabis, take a look at our background.
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