Marijuana has gained increasing acceptance as a medical treatment, and its effects on muscle relaxation have been studied extensively. This article explores the impact of marijuana on muscle relaxation, discussing the scientific evidence that supports its efficacy as a muscle relaxant. It also covers potential side effects and how marijuana can be used to address muscle tension effectively. Finally, it offers guidance for those interested in using marijuana for muscle relaxation.
Does CBD from marijuana have the same muscle-relaxing properties as marijuana?
Yes, CBD from marijuana does have the same muscle-relaxing properties as marijuana. THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is responsible for its muscle-relaxing effects, and CBD from marijuana contains the same THC as marijuana. Therefore, CBD from marijuana can be used to relax muscles and provide relief from muscle spasms and tension.
How does CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to relax muscles?
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors found in the brain and throughout the body. This binding helps to regulate the body’s natural homeostasis, resulting in reduced inflammation and muscle relaxation. In addition, CBD may increase the body’s production of endocannabinoids, which in turn can help to reduce muscle tension.
What are the benefits of using CBD-infused topicals to relax muscles?
CBD-infused topicals provide localized relief to the area of application, which can help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of CBD can help reduce muscle tension and spasms, leading to improved mobility and relaxation. Additionally, CBD-infused topicals can help reduce the pain associated with muscle tension, making it easier to relax.
Are there any potential side effects of using CBD to relax muscles?
Yes, there are potential side effects of using CBD to relax muscles. CBD can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, lightheadedness, and dizziness, as well as other side effects. CBD can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to check with your healthcare provider before taking it. Additionally, because CBD is not regulated by the FDA, it is important to be aware of what is in the product you are using.
What types of CBD products are best for muscle relaxation?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound found in the Cannabis plant that has been shown to have a variety of therapeutic benefits. CBD is thought to be particularly effective for muscle relaxation because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some of the best CBD products for muscle relaxation include topical creams, tinctures, and edibles. Topical creams are a great way to target localized areas of tension and provide relief, while tinctures and edibles can help to provide a more systemic effect for full body relaxation.
Updated on April 13, Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado , MD, M. A, Chief Medical Officer. Certain disorders and diseases also cause muscle spasms. Treating these diseases, as well as the common causes of muscle spasms, often means patients must rely on traditional prescription medicine or homeopathic treatments, such as changes to your diet to reduce the chance of muscle cramps. In some cases, especially with neurological diseases, traditional prescription drugs fail to alleviate or reduce muscle cramps for some patients. Because of this, medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular option and an alternative to traditional prescription medicine, especially in states where medical marijuana is now legal. States, such as Alaska, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and others approve using medical marijuana for muscle spasms caused by an underlying condition, such as MS. Certain states, like Massachusetts, also allow medical cannabis for muscle cramps if your physician recommends it. Marijuana works by reducing inflammation, which causes muscle spasms. THC also influences the endocannabinoid system ECS , which is a network of cell receptors throughout your body that impact your feelings of pain, which can result from inflammation in the case of muscle spasms. By binding to cannabinoid receptors, THC starts an anti-inflammatory response which prevents inflammation and muscle spasms after an injury, for example. A study on MS, which is characterized by inflammation that damages nerve fibers, also confirmed that medical marijuana relieves inflammation. Studies on the effectiveness of medical marijuana on muscle spasms tend to center on its use on muscle spasms caused by an underlying condition like MS due to the prevalence of these illnesses, as well as the fact that muscle spasms are often not chronic and are usually curable. More than half of the testers reported more than a 20 percent improvement in spasticity after a month of treatment with Sativex, an oral cannabis spray produced by GW Pharmaceuticals. Medical marijuana for muscle spasms varies in its treatment and application. Topical medical cannabis creams for muscle cramps are an effective treatment. Because activated marijuana, when used as a topical, numbs a localized area, it can numb your spasm and ease your muscle out of its contraction. When you use a topical medical marijuana cream, wait 30 minutes between applications. You can also massage the area or stretch the muscle to help relieve your muscle spasm faster. Localized treatments also help your immune system respond more efficiently to your muscle injury by influencing your white blood cells reaction via your ECS receptors, which helps you heal faster and lets you resume your daily life quicker. Several different strains of medical marijuana for muscle cramps are available in indica, hybrid and sativa strains. In fact, more than strains are approved for muscle spasm use. Each strain has unique characteristics. It has a high THC content, which can cause a psychoactive effect, but its effectiveness on pain, muscle spasms and inflammation is substantial. Head Cheese has a cheesy, earthy and pungent flavor. Snoop Dogg is an indica strain that takes its name from the well-known rapper. The strain has a strong diesel flavor, as well as an earthy and lemon taste. It relieves muscle spasms, pain and stress. Green Candy is a hybrid marijuana strain. The hybrid strain is also useful for treating nausea. The Hog is an award-winning medical marijuana strain and one of the strongest cannabis strains in the world. Side effects of medical marijuana do occur but are minimal in comparison to the potential effects of prescription drugs for muscle spasms. Common side effects of medical cannabis include. When you meet with a licensed physician, talk to them about finding a strain that treats your symptoms with minimal side effects. Choosing a strain and dosage amount should also be discussed between you and your medical marijuana doctor. As you try strains, keep a log noting their effect on your symptoms as well as your overall disposition. A symptom log is often helpful for physicians and patients when determining which strains and dosages work best. Physical therapy can help prevent the shortening of your muscles and maintain full muscle movement or joint rotation. As the studies mentioned earlier noted, medical marijuana is an effective treatment method for muscle spasms caused by MS, an immune-mediated disease. More than two million people worldwide suffer from the disease, with two hundred new cases diagnosed in the United States every week. MS patients who use medical marijuana for multiple sclerosis have a variety of options, including smoking, edibles, vaping using a vaporizer and others. One of the most popular methods for sufferers of the disease is the use of cannabidiol, or CBD, which is a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis.