People have linked cannabis and chronic pain relief for centuries. According to Mark Ware, MD, an assistant professor of anesthesia and family medicine at McGill University, 10-15% of patients treated for chronic pain use cannabis. Cannabis is a natural and healthier pain management alternative to pharmaceuticals. Learn about the link between marijuana and pain relief.
Relieving Pain with Cannabis
Studies show 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. That number jumps to over 1.5 billion people worldwide. In 2016, one in three Americans were prescribed painkillers. Other reports say 38% of Americans use prescription painkillers with a percentage of them obtaining painkillers through obscure means.
Patients new to medical marijuana often feel overwhelmed with all the knowledge needed to consume cannabis including strains, THC, and CBD ratios. Cannabis is a natural and effective pain reliever.
It’s a healthier alternative to prescription painkillers. What’s your pain relief Remedy?
Choosing a strain: Indica or Sativa for pain
The three strains of cannabis (Indica, Sativa, and hybrid) have different effects on pain management. Sativa strains provide patients with uplifting euphoria. Many use Sativa to remedy neuropathic pain and headaches. For chronic pain relief, indica and hybrid strains are more effective than pure sativa strains.
Indica strains provide the best pain management because they generally calm and sedate. Additionally, these types might be better for daytime use and relieve body pain, spasms, and relax muscles.
Best strains for pain relief
When it comes to marijuana and pain relief, Afghan Kush is an example of a pain reliever. This potent strain is nearly 100% indica and relieves patients with complete body relaxation. Loaded with THC and terpenes, Humulene, and Caryophyllene, it makes for an excellent pain reliever, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
The hybrid strain, White Widow, eases pain with a blissful uplift. It’s a perfect cross between Indica and Sativa, giving patients the best of both worlds. White Widow contains Linalool, a strong pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory terpene. Linalool is responsible for giving lavender its iconic therapeutic scent.
White Widow contains Linalool, a strong pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory terpene. Linalool is responsible for giving lavender its iconic therapeutic scent.
Harlequin is a Sativa dominant strain with a 3 to 1 sativa to indica ratio. Harlequin gives patients a unique experience due to its 5 to 2 CBD to THC ratio. This strain relieves pain. Moreover, the CBD to THC ratio creates a balanced mellow in the patient’s mind while still allowing them to focus.
CBD oil for pain management
CBD balms for pain relief show a lot of potential for medical marijuana patients. However, some still widely debated if it’s the best choice for pain relief. Research suggests CBD oil and creams may help relieve pain, but more scientific research is needed.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine supports the link between CBD and pain relief.
The Best Remedy for Your Pain
Cannabis and pain relief go hand-in-hand. At Remedy, we’re dedicating to not just relieving, but also educating medical marijuana patients.