The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has become widespread in recent years, with many states legalizing its use. While marijuana’s potential to treat a variety of medical conditions is still being studied, its potential to act as an alternative pain reliever is becoming increasingly clear. This article will explore the effects of marijuana as an alternative pain reliever and the potential risks associated with its use. We will examine current research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of marijuana as a potential treatment for chronic pain and other medical conditions.
How does CBD work to help relieve pain?
Marijuana works to stop pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD, one of the active compounds in marijuana, binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the body and helps to reduce inflammation, which can help to reduce pain. CBD can also help to reduce anxiety and depression, which can also be contributing factors to pain.
How does marijuana help to reduce chronic pain?
Marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. The active ingredient in marijuana, known as THC, has been found to bind to receptors in the brain, which can reduce the sensation of pain. Marijuana can also produce an overall sense of relaxation, which can help to reduce pain intensity. Additionally, cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, have been found to reduce inflammation, which can further reduce the sensation of pain.
Is there a difference between THC and CBD when it comes to pain relief?
Yes, there is a difference between THC and CBD when it comes to pain relief. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana and is responsible for the “high” feeling when it is consumed. CBD, on the other hand, has no psychoactive effects but is known to reduce pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that THC can be helpful in relieving pain, but that CBD can be more effective for long-term pain relief.
Even though pain management is one of the most common reasons people report for using medical marijuana in the United States, 1 there is limited evidence that marijuana works to treat most types of acute or chronic pain. A few studies have found that marijuana can be helpful in treating neuropathic pain a specific type of chronic pain caused by damaged nerves. Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain and include prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. More than 70, people died from drug overdoses in in the United States, and two in three of these overdose deaths involved an opioid. Although some research suggests that states that legalize marijuana use for medical purposes experience a reduction in opioid prescribing and opioid-related deaths, other research that examines the impact of medical marijuana policies over a longer period of time indicates marijuana legalization is not associated with decreases in opioid overdose deaths and that prior research findings could be coincidental. Importantly, using marijuana either alone or in combination with opioids has been shown to increase risk for opioid misuse. FDA-approved medications are available to treat opioid use disorder. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Marijuana and Public Health. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Opioids and Marijuana Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain and include prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination websites privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Cancel Continue.
Long-term use of stronger drugs frequently leads to drug resistance, requiring larger doses to maintain pain reduction, or addiction, frequently an issue with opioid medications. One of the alternatives that currently enjoys a high profile is medical marijuana. Mikael Sarij and his team of pain management specialists, have helped many patients manage pain and reclaim active lives through the responsible use of medical marijiuana. Before entering the mainstream, medical marijuana was often surrounded by stigma. Its effects on chronic pain are supported by clinical study, and you may be surprised to learn that the most frequent use of marijuana in the US is to treat chronic pain and not recreation. Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol THC. When taken orally, topically, or inhaled, THC triggers the natural chemicals in your body and brain that decrease pain and inflammation your natural cannabinoid receptors. As a result, your perception of pain is reduced, so you may feel more relaxed and experience less discomfort from chronic pain. Medical marijuana may be effective in treating pain associated with. The use of marijuana for medical purposes dates to BC in China. In early 19th century-Europe and America, doctors researched and published over publications about the uses and effects of medical marijuana. In more recent history, many more studies and clinical trials indicate that medical marijuana is an effective pain therapy. Sarij and his team will review your medical history as well as performing an examination to explore your chronic pain symptoms. If pain management is indeed your best option, he and his team will discuss the merits of using medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan. Medical marijuana can be an effective alternative to addictive opioid pain medications. Opioids frequently come with significant, unpleasant side effects and significant withdrawal symptoms. The American opioid epidemic results in thousands of opioid-related overdoses that end in death each year. Reducing your chronic pain symptoms without addiction can improve your quality of life. Medical marijuana can make it possible for you to resume the activities you enjoy or function in your job more easily without cognitive interference from your medication. Find out more about medical marijuana and its applications, contact us at Integrated Spine and Pain Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarij or book online today. Opioid addiction can take over your life, but the withdrawal process feels daunting. Keep reading to learn how Botox can treat your headaches. Living with chronic pain is no life at all but many suffer without real solutions. Do you have chronic pain that seems to defy treatment? Learn more about ketamine and how its successfully used to relieve chronic pain. Migraine sufferers know how debilitating these relentless headaches can be. Ankle sprains are a common injury among athletes and nonathletes.