Medical Cannabis For Chronic Pain: Explained

Before we jump into medical marijuana, it’s helpful to understand chronic pain. This type of pain lingers longer than expected for healing, often lasting more than three months. It affects over 80 million of Europeans, limiting their daily lives.

Many things can cause chronic pain , like injuries, arthritis, and nerve damage. Often, conventional pain treatments, like pain medications or physical therapy, only offer partial relief. So, people look for alternatives, including medical cannabis, for potential pain relief.

Medical cannabis offers a potentially different path. It involves using cannabis and its compounds, like CBD and THC, for medical purposes. While scientific research on its effectiveness for pain control is mixed, there’s growing interest and anecdotal evidence from cannabis patients claiming its benefits.

A recent online survey published by the National Library of Medicine studied chronic pain patients and found some positive feedback. It determined that medical cannabis helped some with symptom management and quality of life improvement. It provided relief when other medications or treatments did not and seemed safer than other pain meds.

Our bodies naturally have an endocannabinoid system, which regulates things like pain and mood. Cannabis compounds, called cannabinoids, can interact with this system. For instance, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), known for its psychoactive effects, can bind to CB1 receptors in the brain and nerves, potentially altering how we feel pain.

It also has the potential to impact inflammation through interacting with the immune system. Cannabidiol (CBD), another key compound, is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests medical cannabis could play a significant role in treating chronic pain by targeting cannabinoid receptors within our body’s endocannabinoid system.

You have different choices when using medical marijuana for chronic pain. The survey noted smoking flower was the most popular option at 46.2% but respondents mentioned concerns with the smell and their lungs. Vaporizers (23.4%), edibles (13.8%), and tinctures (12.0%) followed and, although costlier, extracts (3.9%) had some supporters.

Ultimately, what you use and how much comes down to individual needs, tolerance, and advice from healthcare providers. There's no universal dose because each variety of cannabis contains varying levels of cannabinoids and produces different effects. It's important to start slowly with low doses under the guidance of your doctor to gauge your response and tolerance.

You might also experience challenges accessing medical cannabis, due to affordability. Because insurance coverage often does not extend to medical cannabis, many struggle financially to keep up with the expense. This is especially concerning given the ongoing opioid epidemic and the potential for medical cannabis to offer a safer alternative to prescription opioid medications.

It is often paid for out-of-pocket. And it’s not cheap. The cost of cannabis varies depending on location and type, ranging from around €60 to €100 weekly. Extracts are the most expensive costing approximately €3,910 annually. Comparatively, the average yearly expense of smoked cannabis comes to around €3,118.

Medical marijuana offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling to find effective, long-lasting relief. It warrants a cautious approach. More research is crucial to understanding its long-term safety, effectiveness, and place alongside conventional treatments. The current legal landscape complicates the picture.

Always consult with your doctor for guidance about using medical cannabis. Weigh its potential risks and benefits, and stay informed about your local laws. This way, you make the most responsible and well-informed decision about your health.