As cannabis becomes more mainstream, many people are learning about the therapeutic applications of the substance. These beneficial effects can range from helping those with insomnia to alleviating discomfort. Consequently, numerous consumers utilize cannabis for inflammation and other pain-relieving purposes.
Furthermore, marijuana is gentler on internal organs and has fewer side effects compared to many conventional painkillers. As a result, more people prefer using weed to help with pain instead of typical pain pill prescriptions. Even so, you must understand how weed helps alleviate pain and which strains are ideal for pain relief to ensure you get the best results.
Understanding How Cannabis Helps with Pain Relief
The two principal compounds that enable people to use marijuana for pain relief are THC and CBD. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and invoke different effects.
THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, producing a euphoric feeling that can effectively distract users from their pain. CBD connects with CB2 receptors throughout the body, providing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. Together, these two compounds work in harmony to offer powerful pain relief.
Categories of Pain Amenable to Cannabis Treatment
Although using THC for pain management doesn’t cure all discomforts, it has demonstrated potential for addressing several specific conditions.
Neuropathic Pain
Cannabis has proven to be effective in treating neuropathic pain and providing patients with relief. This type of pain is caused by nerve impairment or dysfunction. It’s also associated with various medical conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Cancer Pain
Cancer patients can benefit immensely from using medical marijuana for pain relief. This encompasses both the direct pain from the disease and the side effects stemming from chemotherapy.
Nociceptive Pain
Nociceptive pain is a sharp, aching, or throbbing discomfort resulting from tissue damage. Since it causes inflammation, cannabis can be excellent for alleviating this type of pain.
Optimal Strains for Pain Mitigation
Cannabis is divided into Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains. While Hybrids and Sativas possess some pain-relief potential, the most effective pain-relieving strains are Indicas. Fortunately, most cannabis packaging usually indicates the type of weed inside them. This allows you to pick out the most effective products for your condition. Here are a few popular strains used for pain relief.
ACDC
A strain dominant in CBD, ACDC delivers robust pain relief without inducing a potent psychoactive response. It is an exceptional choice for those seeking respite from neuropathic pain or inflammation.
Harlequin
Featuring a balanced CBD-to-THC ratio, Harlequin confers both analgesic and anti-inflammatory advantages, rendering it suitable for an extensive array of pain types.
Blue Dream
Acclaimed for its soothing effects, Blue Dream is a popular selection for individuals afflicted with chronic pain due to its high THC content and moderate CBD levels. This strain can aid users in achieving a tranquil mental state while easing their physical discomfort.
Blackberry Kush
Owing to its Indica-dominant genetic composition, Blackberry Kush is prized for its capacity to relieve pain while fostering profound relaxation and sleep. It is particularly effective for patients with muscle spasms or chronic pain that impacts their sleep quality.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis presents a versatile and natural alternative to conventional pain medications for numerous people. Still, with multiple marijuana strains in the market, it can be hard to discern which products best suit your needs. Our guide provides an excellent overview of the strains you should get to treat different types of pain. Fortunately, medical dispensary supplies like THC and CBD packaging have details of the products they house. This allows you to confirm the strain and select the most appropriate one. The tips provided in this guide will help you understand how cannabis helps with pain and pick ideal strains. Even so, ensure you consult with a medical professional before using cannabis for pain relief.
