When it comes to pain relief, opioid drugs are common treatment. These drugs work by binding to the opioid receptors in different regions of the body. Opioid can help in treating moderate to severe pain, which may not respond to pain medications.
Do you know opioid use for pain relief can lead to unpleasant side-effects? Additionally, using opioid medications for a long time can lead to dependence.
The good news is—there’s a natural alternative.
Yes. marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain without causing any side-effects. Medical cannabis is legal in 33 US states, and you need to apply for 420 evaluations to access the herb legally from state-licensed dispensaries.
Side-Effects of Opioid Use For Pain Relief
Opioid use for pain relief is popular among Americans, but it’s not a safe treatment. It can lead to side-effects such as constipation, drowsiness, and nausea.
If you use opioids in combination with alcohol or drugs—some antidepressants and sleeping pills, it could be dangerous.
Another negative effect is opioid use can lead to dependence over time. Thus, you need to take more dosage to experience the same pain-relieving effects. Additionally, you can have dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as-
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nausea & vomiting
- Muscle pain
Marijuana – The Alternative
With scientific evidence that consuming marijuana can help in treating chronic pain, more and more patients are applying for 420 evaluations.
Unlike opioids and other prescription medications, it’s safe to use and less addictive. Medical marijuana contains over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which possess medicinal properties. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most important cannabinoids, and their levels are considered by consumers when selecting strains.
Marijuana is effective in reducing pain—is proved by many studies.
A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs shown significant results. It had 1000 participants, of which 65% of the participants used cannabis. 80% of the cannabis consumers confirmed that marijuana was helpful while 82% of them reported they were able to reduce pain.
A Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy report confirmed that marijuana is beneficial in reducing chronic pain, and can be used as an alternative to addictive painkillers.
A recent study found that marijuana access leads to reductions in opioid-related deaths. However, the reduction of opioid use reduced $165.2 million in Medicare expenditure.
Thus, marijuana is a safe and effective treatment of chronic pain. As a result, more and more states are loosening regulations for medical marijuana use.
Cannabis Strains For Chronic Pain Patients
When it comes to cannabis use for pain relief, choosing the right strain is important. Consult a licensed doctor, discuss your condition, and get professional advice for what’s right for your condition. Here are the best cannabis strains for pain relief-
- Blackberry Kush
- Harlequin
- The White
- Blueberry Headband
- CBD Critical Mass
- Master Kush
- Death Star
- Kimbo Kush
- Moose & Lobsta
- ACDC
The conclusion is, opioid use for pain relief isn’t safe. It can lead to side-effects such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, and anxiety. If used in combination with antidepressants and sleeping pills, it can cause dangerous effects. Medical marijuana is getting popular as a safe, natural treatment for chronic pain. It doesn’t cause any side-effects as opioids do.
However, there’s a wide range of cannabis consumption methods available. Smoking marijuana flowers is the fastest method to receive its medicinal effects. You can apply marijuana-infused creams and balms directly on the affected regions and receive quick effects. Other options to deliver cannabinoids to your body are—vaping, edibles, and tinctures.
Stop using opioids for pain relief. Use cannabis for reducing chronic pain instead. Apply for 420 evaluations to get legal access to medical marijuana today!