Medical Marijuana and Pain relief

Medical Marijuana and Pain

Marijuana is a natural drug used for thousands of years. It is made from the cannabis plant and can be smoked or eaten. THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main ingredient in medical Marijuana. It interacts with receptors in your brain that can make you feel relaxed, happy, forgetful, and more comfortable. Medical Marijuana also contains other cannabinoids that may affect your body's health differently.

Many uses of Medical Marijuana are to relieve pain. This article will address how this process works and what you should remember when using Marijuana for pain relief. Before starting a supplement or medication regime, always consult your doctor.

How does cannabis work for pain?

The brain and nervous system are both involved in a complicated process that leads to pain. To understand how cannabis works for pain relief, we need to know how pain generally works.

Pain can be described as an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation that warns of danger or damage to prevent further injury. It's important to note that this warning sensation doesn't necessarily indicate your body is injured.  For instance, It might simply be a sign of hunger or fatigue.

While there are many types of pain, most people associate it with some physical injury, like cuts or burns. Still, there are also types of non-physical pain, such as emotional trauma or stress, that can cause what feels like physical discomfort (though these experiences may be difficult for some people to describe). In any case, the experience of pain itself depends on factors including location within the body (stomach vs. shoulder), intensity ( mild vs. excruciating), duration (e.g., short-term vs. chronic), frequency (occasional vs. constant), and type(s) involved ( sharp pains versus throbbing aches). Studies have found that Marijuana can aid in treating neuropathic pain, a chronic pain caused by damaged nerves.

So, how does Marijuana fit into the category of medicine?

You might be wondering, "What exactly is marijuana?"

Marijuana is a plant that can be used for medical purposes. The active ingredient in Marijuana is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), and the effects of this chemical are similar to those of the drug heroin.

Marijuana has been used as medicine worldwide for thousands of years. However, it was not until the early 1900s that Western countries also began to use it. Today many states across America have legalized medical Marijuana. However, even if you live in one that hasn't yet been legalized, you may still be able to obtain a prescription through your doctor or another healthcare provider, depending on how strict your state's laws are regarding MMJ cards and prescriptions.

Some states only allow certain types of patients to use MMJ cards: people who have cancer or HIV/AIDS; children under 18 with seizure disorders; individuals diagnosed with glaucoma; multiple sclerosis patients; AIDS/HIV-related muscle wasting syndrome called cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe pain due to cancer or other diseases. You will also need your physician's approval before applying for an MMJ card so make sure you keep them informed about any changes in your health status over time (i..e colds).

Synthetic and medicinal cannabis

Synthetic cannabis, also known as synthetic Marijuana, mimics tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the active ingredients in Marijuana. Unlike medicinal cannabis, it's not made from natural materials—it's manufactured in a lab and can be mixed with other chemicals.

Synthetic cannabis has been around since 2003; it was first sold as "Spice," but later became known as K2 or "fake weed." These drugs are sold legally because they're not illegal under federal law, yet they have similar effects to actual THC. They're often used by teens or young adults who want to get high without being detected by drug tests at work or school because they don't register on those tests. But these products aren't safe: Some people have had seizures after smoking synthetic Marijuana, and others have ended up in emergency rooms with psychosis (distorted perception) and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there).

What Else Can You Expect From Medical Marijuana?

The best way to ensure you get the most out of your experience is to start low and slow. Begin with a small dose, such as one puff or half a joint, and wait at least an hour before increasing the dosage. This allows your body time to process the effects of each dose before you add another.

If you're using Marijuana to relieve pain, don't be surprised if you still feel some pain afterward. If a particular strain does not work for you in reducing symptoms or improving mood, try another strain or method of consumption (such as vaping). If this doesn't help, consider talking with your doctor about other options that might provide better results for your condition.

Risks and side effects

Medical Marijuana is not a cure for all ailments. It is important to note that there are some risks associated with using medical Marijuana, such as:

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth

These side effects can be minimized by beginning with low doses and waiting several hours between doses (if necessary). The best way to avoid these negative side effects is to find the right strain of medical cannabis for your condition and dosage requirements.

If you are struggling with chronic pain, discussing your options with a doctor may be helpful. Doctors use various medications to treat pain, so many ways to get relief without cannabis. However, if you have tried all other treatments that aren't working for you, medical Marijuana could be a good option.

Headshot of Steven Fiore, MD

This article has been reviewed by Steven Fiore, MD.

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