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MEDICAL MINUTE WITH NURSE JORDAN
In this column, our readers have the opportunity to ask our staff nurse anything they want to know about using cannabis plant medicine. She will provide quick and concise answers to big questions. In this issue, we dive into pain of all kinds and why people are turning to cannabis as an alternative treatment or in conjunction with their current therapy.
Pain is often broken down into two categories, acute and chronic. Acute pain tends to last a short period of time, up to 3 months, and is sharp and severe. Whereas chronic pain can last forever and can be an intense hurt or a constant dull ache. According to a study 1 done in early 2019, chronic pain is currently and historically the most common qualifying condition reported by medical cannabis patients.
Currently there are 50 million 2 Americans suffering for various reasons. Many suffer in silence, taking countless pharmaceuticals only to feel new compounding symptoms from the use of too many OTC (over-thecounter) or prescription pills. Read on as we explore some commonly asked questions about making the switch to using cannabis for various types of pain.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON REASONS PEOPLE USE CANNABIS FOR PAIN?
Pain can come from a variety of things including the common headache. A recent study released in November 2019 by Washington State University showed, “inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%.” 3 This is fantastic news for chronic migraine and headache sufferers. Another common cause of pain is neuropathy, and science is showing great use for cannabis with this type of pain as well. A 2018 study 4 by the University of California showed that using cannabis via vaporization or oral delivery was an effective treatment for pain caused by neuropathy.
Another common reason for using cannabis is the daily pain caused by arthritis. One in four adults report they experience pain from arthritis. 5 The question of whether or not cannabis is effective for arthritis pain is so common, the organization that represents the voice and needs of those suffering, The Arthritis Foundation, now has a dedicated tab 6 on their website offering guidance.
In my personal opinion, one of the best ways to receive cannabinoid therapy is through our largest organ - the skin, via the use of topicals. We have been offering cannabis massage using topicals in Colorado for six years at Primal Therapeutics, and we have helped thousands of patients feel relief. Using topicals focuses on the health aspect and not the high sometimes associated with using cannabis plant medicine. Infused topicals can be an effective treatment for several types of pain. Other methods of consumption include smokeables such as using a vapor device or consuming the flower or bud in a joint, bong, or cannabis pipe, or consuming various forms of hash, now commonly called concentrates, for the very high concentration of THC they possess. A great consumption method can be ingestibles. These products can be purchased in almost all medical cannabis dispensaries in legal states and come as tinctures, capsules, and edibles. CBD manufacturers make these products as well.
Pharmaceuticals, specifically those used for pain come with high addiction rates and countless side effects, including death. 7 Cannabis has never caused a death, ever. This means experimenting with the plant in its various forms can cause little detriment. However, on occasion there can be a contraindication for using CBD with certain pharmaceuticals, so it is best to check with your doctor to see if you are on one of those medications.
CAN I RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF PAIN RELIEF FROM CANNABIS WITHOUT THE HIGH?
Absolutely. As mentioned above, topicals are a great option for wanting to receive all the benefits of plant medicine without a psychoactive experience. Another way to use the plant for pain is to work with various cannabinoids. Not all cannabinoids make you feel high. Science has shown us that THC is the part that makes us feel “high.” To avoid that feeling, there are other great ways to use cannabis plant medicine. Tinctures, edibles, or capsules that are high in CBD with little or no THC may provide exactly the relief you seek.
Experimenting with cannabis plant medicine may provide relief to those suffering. It is important to remember, pain is a general term, and it’s difficult to measure. Everyone has a different pain tolerance and what may cause great distress to one, may feel like a minor ache to another. Judgement should not be felt by those in pain. The feeling is difficult for many to express and communicate to those they love. Be patient with yourself and anyone you know who suffers from pain.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR NURSE JORDAN?
Please submit any questions to info@getgramnow.com Your question may be published in an upcoming issue.
