Are you one of the over 100 million Americans currently struggling with debilitating chronic pain?
If so, then we’re willing to bet you’ve tried lots of different things — with varying results — to try to feel comfortable in your own skin again. Since chronic pain can range in severity and last for over 12 weeks at a time, we understand just how much this disability interferes with your relationships, your work, and your overall happiness.
The good news?
Marijuana may be able to help.
Read on to learn more about the pros of marijuana when used to treat chronic pain.
The Pros Of Marijuana For Chronic Pain
If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for several years, we’re fairly certain that this isn’t the first time you’ve heard about the pros of marijuana when used to treat the disability.
However, we’re also fairly certain that most of those discussions took place behind closed doors.
In recent years, thanks to the continual surge of growth within the marijuana industry, the stigma surrounding cannabis is, at last, starting to disappear. This has also lead to numerous studies on the effectiveness of marijuana as a pain management tool.
Let’s take a look at the pros of marijuana for managing chronic pain now.
1. It Helps You Sleep
When you’re dealing with chronic pain, one of the biggest things you have to deal with is the lack of sleep.
After all, it’s kind of tough to hit the hay when your entire back is in agony.
One of the pros of marijuana? A few tokes before bed (or just taking an edible) can make it much easier to fall asleep at night.
First of all, it physically relaxes your body, so that the level of pain becomes more manageable (more on that in a moment.) However, it also relaxes your mind, which means that not only will you be able to banish those racing thoughts — you also won’t be focused only on the pain.
2. It Lessens The Pain
You’re “probably” familiar with the sensations of both body and mind highs that marijuana can help to create. And while, undoubtedly, marijuana can make you feel good, how does it actually work to lessen your pain?
Let’s get a little scientific for a moment.
First of all, understand that marijuana interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are actually natural chemicals made within the body. The job of these chemicals is to help your body to manage pain on its own, especially by sending signals to your brain.
However, as you know from personal experience, those endocannabinoids don’t exactly work long hours. THC, which is the cannabinoid that marijuana is jam-packed with, helps to extend your body’s ability to manage pain. They also manage more severe feelings/levels of pain.
In addition to “standard” chronic pain, medical marijuana can also help to treat the symptoms of other painful illnesses and conditions. Often, chronic pain is a direct result of these conditions, and may even be due to a combination of several of them.
It’s effective for treating many issues, including:
- Pain in the lower back/neck
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Pain related to Multiple Sclerosis
- IBS
- TMJ
- Migraines
One thing we want to make sure you’re clear on. We’ve talked about the many pros of marijuana as a treatment for chronic pain, but we do want you to remember that it’s just that: a treatment.
So far, there has not been any evidence that marijuana can cure chronic pain or any of the above-listed conditions. Be sure that you’re viewing it as a pain management tool, and not as a cure.
3. It Boosts Your Mood
One of the lesser-known consequences of chronic pain for those who aren’t dealing with it themselves?
The social isolation and loss of the ability to function as you normally would can cause severe depression and anxiety.
There have been countless studies on the mood-boosting effects of marijuana. As with pain management, it re-routes the receptors in your brain, working to block those that cause negative moods and intrusive thoughts.
Plus, the social culture surrounding it can help you to ease back into a social life in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
4. It’s Not Addictive
Of course, you’re likely aware that marijuana is far from your only medical option when it comes to managing your chronic pain.
However, one of the biggest pros of marijuana is that you are not at risk for becoming addicted to cannabis in nearly the same way as you are with opioids and other pharmaceutical drugs.
In addition to avoiding addiction, you’ll also escape the severe and sometimes even life-threatening side effects that can often come with opioid use. To stay on the safe side, always maintain regular communication with your doctor once you start using cannabis as a pain management tool.
Where Can You Find The Right Strains For Chronic Pain?
Thanks to this post, you now know a lot about the pros of marijuana as a pain management tool for those suffering from chronic pain.
The good green stuff can help you to sleep, lessen the pain you feel, isn’t addictive, and even makes you feel happier. So, which strain is right for the level of pain you feel or the other conditions you’re battling?
Let us help you to find out.
Spend some time on our website to learn about the best strains and marijuana options for pain management.
If you have more specific questions, reach out to us to book an appointment with our certified Clinical Specialist or learn how to get your medical marijuana card.
Isn’t it time that you stopped letting chronic pain take over your life, and started getting back to the things you love?
We certainly think so — let’s make a change together.
