Pain is the common side effect of the strenuous lifestyle we live today. As a result, many pain-relieving medicines and creams have crossed the market, but the increase in the popularity of medical marijuana is outstanding. Over the years, hemp and marijuana products have proved to
alleviate pain, prevent nerve damage and treat inflammation. According to reports, chronic pain is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States, affecting millions yearly.
Most of the pain-relieving products from CBD are FDA-approved, and they suggest that the compounds present in marijuana help in relieving chronic main, depending on the distinct strain used to create the product.
There are mainly three different kinds of cannabis plants:
- Cannabis indica
- Cannabis sativa
- Hybrids
According to an online survey in 2014 conducted by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people preferred the Indica strains for pain relief, sleep, and sedation, while they chose sativa strains to elevate their energy and mood. Indica is popularly used to relieve spasticity, Neurotherapy, joint pain, and non-migraine headaches. Organically grown Indica and Sativa strains are also helpful in managing the effects of HIV and alleviate nausea to a certain extent.
The miraculous pain-relieving property of cannabis is induced by cannabinoid (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) components. Therefore, the presence of these two components in different cannabis strains is essential to get relief from pain and nausea. The human body comprises a unique system called the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating functions like pain sensation, sleep, appetite control, and immune response. These endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that primarily bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. When medical cannabis is consumed orally or applied on the surface in the form of creams or rubs, the tiny particles of the product interact with the endocannabinoid receptor activity and help in reducing pain and inflammation.
THC vs. CBD
THC is similar to the CBD chemicals that naturally occur in the body. Hence, when a person is subjected to THC, it stimulates the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which induces a sedative or mood-uplifting effect, hence relieving pain. In addition, when inhaled in recreational cannabis, they induce a high state. However, this does not happen with medical cannabis, mainly known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-pain-relieving effects.
Synthetic and medical cannabis
Medical cannabis refers to the unprocessed form of the plant or its extracts, which are used to treat various ailments in the body. Most medical cannabis products are FDA approved to treat various contortions. One of the significant examples is the severe form of epilepsy that involves seizures which any other drug has failed to control. Epidiolex, a cannabis-based drug, manages to bring epilepsy seizures under control. Many other medicines have also used synthetic CBD and THC extracts in their medicines to treat nausea and pain in people undergoing cancer and HIV treatments.
Cannabis products for pain relief
Although over the last few years, the FDA has failed to approve the use of pure cannabis for pain relief, they are used in synthetic forms with the induction of CBD and THC components in the following forms:
CBD oils
Many medicinal industries use grain alcohol or ethanol to fully extract cannabis oil (FECO). However, people generally consume the oil directly to experience its benefits of pain relief and the mild effects of sedation.
Topical treatments
Joint pains and muscle soreness are the two fundamental reasons people invest in CBD lotion, CBD rubs, balms, and other products containing cannabinoids. They not only help in relieving inflammation and pain, but they are also beneficial in alleviating muscle soreness caused due to strenuous activities.
CBD edibles
Consuming CBD edibles is one of the most popular methods of using cannabis. CBD edibles can be in the form of cookies, candies, gummies, food, and also in the form of drugs. Although they are the simplest way to use CBD in the system, the results are hard to predict.
What do CBD products do for you?
It is a no-brainer that when CBD products are ingested or inhaled into the body, they react with the body’s chemicals and start showing their benefits. However, one question that constantly runs through a user’s mind is – do they actually work. Are they effective in treating pain and inflammation and inducing a sense of relaxation? In short, the answer is yes!
- When a few drops of Delta 8 CBD oils are placed directly under the tongue, they are instantly absorbed by the system and begin to reflect their benefits. Studies have also shown that CBD oils are the best alternatives for chronic pain relief and to induce a sense of relaxation in the body. For instance, when people visit cleanremedies.com, they can get their hands on CBD oils made from premium quality hemp or cannabis extracts.
- Topical products like CBD creams and rubs are often applied to the affected area to help patients ease their pain. They also produce sedative effects that help people relax and alleviate inflammation or skin-related conditions. Sometimes, these topical treatments are also used as alternatives to prescription medications, which have minimal side effects compared to allopathic medications.
- CBD edibles are widely available in the market, which has helped people induce the product’s benefits within seconds of consuming it. One of the primary benefits of consuming CBD edibles as gummies arereducing anxiety and elevating the consumer’s mood.
Potential side effects and risks of CBD products
Though medical marijuana or other CBD products are considered safe for use, they can cause the
following side effects on some people:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Abnormal liver function
- Pneumonia
- Sedation
However, the side effects can also be due to the reaction of CBD with other medications. Hence, it is always best to consult your physician if you’re taking CBD-induced medications, primarily oral medications. Topical medications can be applied to the wounded area or the area of inflammation, which might not have side effects on the body.
Key takeaway
Pain relief has been a challenging concept in the medical field, which is caused either due to muscles or joints or as a side effect of other chronic illnesses. However, the vast field of medicine has newly discovered the use of CBD and its extracts to relieve patients from their ailments. By using CBD topical treatments and medicines, people can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without getting high. However, since CBD extracts are sometimes known to cause harmful side effects, they should always be taken under a medical professional’s prescription. However, topical treatments like oils and creams can be used without the supervision of a doctor.
