Chronic pain management is the number one reason medical cannabis users turn to the plant. With legal recreational cannabis in Washington state, more and more people are turning to cannabis to alleviate aches and pains that don’t respond well to other treatments. We hear it all the time at our dispensary in Snoqualmie and we are pleased to provide a solid selection of products to meet everyone’s unique needs. Whether you’re new to cannabis for pain or just interested in learning more, here’s a crash course on what you should know about cannabis for pain relief.
Key to cannabis for pain relief: the endocannabinoid system
All mammals–including humans–have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) composed of molecules called endocannabinoids and receptors that interact with said molecules. This internal system impacts a huge range of biological processes, from sleep and appetite to pain perception and much more. The ECS is believed to serve a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
Endocannabinoids (produced by the body) are very similar to phytocannabinoids (produced by the cannabis plant, ie THC, CBD). Endocannabinoid receptors respond to both types of molecules, making cannabis an effective option to target various symptoms.
Cannabinoids–both produced by the body and the cannabis plant–can help to regulate inflammation. Beyond this, cannabinoids may also play a crucial role in how we perceive pain by influencing our brain’s reward circuits.
To summarize: All humans have an endocannabinoid system made up of receptors that interact with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can be produced by the human body (endocannabinoids) or the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids). This system regulates many biological processes, including inflammation and pain perception.
Targeting different types of pain with cannabis
As anyone who has experienced chronic pain knows, it’s a complicated subject. There’s no easy way to pinpoint and target various types of pain. But we can narrow pain down into two broad categories: neuropathic and nociceptive pain.
Neuropathic pain is often referred to as nerve pain. It’s often considered a form of chronic pain, as it does not result from any specific circumstance. Rather, it develops when the nervous system faces damage or disease.
In some cases, cannabis may help with nerve pain. One study from 2013 found that low-dose vaporized cannabis significantly reduced neuropathic pain in subjects. Notably, the people in the study did not get relief from other conventional pain treatments.
While we don’t know everything about the role of cannabis in nerve pain relief, we know that cannabinoids may influence the way we perceive pain. One study found that CBD may reduce nerve pain by activating serotonin receptors.
Nociceptive pain, or pain that arises from physical damage to the body, is typically considered acute. Inflammation results from injuries and sends pain signals to the brain. When healed properly, the pain and inflammation should go away.
There are three ways to get relief from this type of inflammation-based pain: block the inflammation, block the pain signals, or a combination of both. Fortunately, cannabis can potentially do both. THC and CBD have been shown to potentially induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation of cells, and suppress the production of cytokines and T-regulatory cells. (In simple terms, this means to cause cell death to remove unnecessary cells from the body, stop or reduce the growth and division of cells, and reduce inflammatory processes.)
Cannabis for pain is much different than opioids
One thing we hear regularly from our Snoqualmie dispensary customers seeking cannabis for pain relief is a concern about dependency. Many people are hesitant to use cannabis to alleviate pain because they have seen the negative effects of opioids and other painkillers.
But long-term cannabis use does not lead to any heightened pain sensitivity, which is far different from opioids, which can cause users to become more sensitive to pain over time, thus needing more painkillers.
Studies have even found that states with medical cannabis access see a decrease in regular, non-medical opioid abuse. Another study found that an increase from one to two dispensaries in an area is associated with an estimated 17% reduction in opioid-related deaths.
Ways to use cannabis for pain relief
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cannabis for pain relief, we can look at different ways it’s used. Keep in mind that this is not medical advice. It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor about your options before trying a new method for pain relief.
Topicals
Products like creams, lotions, and roll-ons can be used for targeted pain relief. By rubbing the cannabinoids directly into the skin, the compounds can bind to cannabinoid receptors in that specific area.
Edibles
Those looking for pain relief without smoke may benefit from using edibles. The effects last longer than other methods and they can be consumed discreetly. Depending on the product type, they can take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to kick in.
Inhaling vapor or smoke
Smoking or vaping cannabis can provide near instantaneous relief, making it a popular choice. It’s also easy to control dosage with inhalation, as users can feel the effects quickly and tailor their needs accordingly.
Tinctures
Tinctures allow users to drop their preferred cannabis dosage under their tongue and let it dissolve. This provides a quick sense of relief as cannabinoids absorb through the mucous membranes under the tongue.
Snoqualmie Fireweed has you covered
While we never offer medical advice, our Snoqualmie dispensary is staffed with smart, caring budtenders who are happy to guide our customers to the best products available.
If you’re looking for vapes, topicals, flower, or edibles in the North Bend area, be sure to stop by and say high.
