
As a part of anyone’s daily care plan, the legalization of the sale of cannabis oil has proven to integrate a whole new collection of medicines which could be useful in managing chronic pain. Even though its use is considered controversial in some circles, the results from those who have used cannabis oil for a number of different pain conditions is astoundingly positive.
In fact, marijuana and cannabis products have been shown to be equal to or more effective than some common pain medications. For some users, cannabis oil may have positive effects than acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and even opioid medications in treating certain pain conditions.
Here is a guide on how to use cannabis oil for pain relief:
1. What’s in cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil can be used as one of three categories – CBD oil, THC oil, or CBD-THC oil. These are compounds pulled from the more than 120 which exist in cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive which means it doesn’t make you high. THC stands for ‘tetrahydrocannabinol’ and does the opposite from the CBD in the sense that it does make you high.
2. Does cannabis oil work?
In the human body we have what is called an endocannabinoid system. This system receives, translates and communicates signals from the cannabinoids it receives from cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system regulates things like sleep, immune system function, and pain. Supplementing this system with CBD or THC, it helps to regulate responses in the body including pain.
3. What does CBD oil do for pain?
THC taps into the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors and activates a dopamine release, producing pleasure and getting a person high. THC generally doesn’t have a direct impact on pain, while CBD does.
Cannabis oil can be used to help the body from absorbing a pain-regulating compound known as anandamide. This keeps more anandamide in the circulatory system, bringing down pain levels.
4. Can cannabis help inflammation?
Cannabis has anti-inflammatory components to it, including CBD. Inflammation in the body can cause a number of problematic responses including affecting the immune system, increasing pain, and causing insomnia.
When using cannabis oil for pain relief, you reduce inflammation both in the body and brain which again helps to lower the pain threshold in the body.
5. How to take cannabis oil
You can use cannabis oil for pain relief in a few different ways. Some people rub it into the skin, though not all cannabis oils are meant to be used like this. The most common way to take cannabis oil is sublingually, aka under the tongue.
This involves putting the amount of oil under the tongue, holding it there so that it absorbs quickly into the blood, and then swallowing. One can also add cannabis oil to a food or drink, although how much of it actually gets absorbed will be affected by moves like this.
6. Not all cannabis oils are made equally!
Cannabis oil, like other medicines, can be made to different strengths. When you take CBD, you may not feel anything and might need a higher dose. Exact strengths in cannabis oil can vary pretty wildly, from weaker concoctions to oils that are very, very strong.
It’s also possible for cannabis oil, traditionally pure CBD, to be mixed with THC which can cause psychoactive responses to come into play. Definitely consult with a doctor before you decide to begin on a cannabis oil routine for pain.
7. Always start slow and then increase the amount
Start slow with cannabis oil. You don’t want to take too much, CBD or THC. A single drop at a weak strength is recommended to get started. Remember, when it comes to pain, the exact amount of cannabis you require to supress your pain may not be the same as the next person.
You don’t want to expose your body to too much, in the event that your body slowly adapts and you require a higher dosage further down the line. It’s also not inexpensive. It’s the minimal functional dose what we’re chasing after and to this extent, a few drops on the tongue is oftentimes all a person needs.
8. Cannabis oil for arthritis pain
Cannabis oil for arthritis is usually applied in a cream or gel direct on the area causing pain. Applied directly on where you’re feeling arthritis pain, researchers have found a significant decrease in inflammation, significantly reduced pain, and with no side effects!
9. Cannabis oil for multiple sclerosis pain
MS is an autoimmune disease affecting the body’s nerves and brain. Because it’s system-wide, taking the cannabis oil orally is best. After taking it, cannabis oil has been shown to help with muscle spasms and calming the constant pain those muscles are in.
10. Cannabis oil for chronic pain
Taking cannabis oil for chronic pain, you can apply it topically or orally. Though studies are still being published and researched is still being conducted on the many compounds found in marijuana in its whole form, the oil currently has shown a lot of promise in reducing pain.
It’s not just for chronic pain, either. A lot of promising results have been shown among athletes using cannabis oil for acute pain as a result of an injury.