The potential of cannabis to alleviate pain has been a topic of interest for decades, and with the legalization of cannabis in many states, the potential of this plant to treat chronic pain is gaining more attention. In this review, we will explore the current literature on the effects of cannabis on pain, its potential for use in the treatment of chronic pain, and the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based treatments. We will also discuss the implications of using cannabis for pain relief and the challenges of using this medication for pain management. Finally, we will consider the potential for cannabis-based therapies to provide lasting pain relief for those who suffer from chronic pain.

Does smoking marijuana help reduce chronic pain?

The research is inconclusive on whether smoking marijuana helps reduce chronic pain. Some studies have suggested that marijuana can help to reduce inflammation and provide some relief from chronic pain, while others have not found any significant benefit. Ultimately, more research is needed to determine if smoking marijuana can help reduce chronic pain.

Does cannabidiol (CBD) help with inflammation and pain relief?

Yes, cannabidiol (CBD) is known to be an effective natural remedy for inflammation and pain relief. Studies have found that CBD can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief without the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Additionally, CBD has been found to reduce swelling and improve mobility in patients with arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.

Are there any long-term effects of using marijuana to treat pain?

Yes, marijuana has been found to reduce pain in the short-term. However, there is not enough evidence to show if there are any long-term effects of using marijuana to treat pain. Although marijuana has been used to treat pain for centuries, more research is needed to determine if there are any long-term effects associated with marijuana use.

Are there any risks associated with using marijuana to reduce pain?

Yes, there are risks associated with using marijuana to reduce pain. Marijuana can have both short-term and long-term effects on the body, including increased heart rate, slowed reaction time, and decreased coordination. It can also lead to anxiety, memory problems, and psychosis. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before using marijuana to reduce pain.

What are the differences between using CBD oil and smoking marijuana for pain relief?

CBD oil and marijuana have both been shown to provide pain relief, but there are some differences between the two. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant, and is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high” feeling, but it can still reduce pain. Smoking marijuana, on the other hand, does produce a high, as it contains THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis. While smoking marijuana can be effective for pain relief, it can also cause side effects such as dizziness and memory issues.

Joni Sweet. Home Alternative Medicine. People with arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal pain are increasingly turning to cannabis products for relief from different symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety. In fact, a recent CreakyJoints survey of people with arthritis found that more than half had tried marijuana or CBD for a medical reason. While cannabis plants are complex and different varieties have different chemical compositions, almost all of them contain some combination of two medically important compounds tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol CBD. These two chemicals both show potential in easing pain, but in different ways. Choosing a product rich in THC, CBD, or both could make a difference in the kind of pain relief you experience if any. Here are reasons your CBD product might not be working for you. CBD and THC activate different cannabinoid receptors in your body that can stimulate or inhibit brain chemicals and cause certain effects. The high that THC provides can also play a role in how people experience pain. Bryan , PhD, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, who has studied cannabis and health. CBD is much less understood than THC by researchers, although there is anecdotal evidence that it may provide pain relief in some people. Researchers have not found much evidence that CBD can offer mental relief from pain. However, the placebo effect may help some individuals experience less pain after taking CBD. Scientists suspect that CBD may help relieve anxiety, though. That said, CBD may offer pain relief in more physical ways. It seems to show promise in reducing inflammation, which could provide pain relief from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, says Dr. The bottom line THC seems to have a greater effect on the way the mind perceives pain, whereas CBD may work to ease pain at the local source. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government a legal status that limits the kinds of research that can be conducted. Using the current research available, Dr. THC might not be an option for everyone, though. In those cases, it might be worth trying CBD on its own to see if it offers pain relief for you. Many states in which certain CBD products are legal require them to contain less than 0. CBD can also interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and either increase or decrease the concentration of certain drugs in the bloodstream. THC has its own set of side effects, including sleepiness and lethargy, increased appetite, increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, memory loss, anxiety, and mood changes. CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We present patients through our popular social media channels, our website CreakyJoints. We represent patients through our popular social media channels, our website CreakyJoints. Only fill in if you are not human. Alternative Medicine. Share Facebook Twitter Email. Will It Help? Subscribe to CreakyJoints for more related content. About CreakyJoints CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. Our Resources ghlf. Stay Connected. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. All rights reserved. Part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, a c 3 non-profit organization. Reservados todos los derechos. Login to comment on posts, connect with other members, access special offers and view exclusive content. Username or E-mail. Keep me signed in. Forgot your password?
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.