The Remarkable Benefits of Cannabis in Managing Chronic Pain
An estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults had chronic pain in 2016 according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic pain not only affects the stability of everyday functioning but also the quality of one’s life. As a result, individuals often seek alternative medicine for pain management, and recently, cannabis has been making headlines as a natural remedy towards achieving pain relief.
Historically, cannabis was used by various cultures around the globe for its medicinal properties. Today, with the increasing acceptance and legalization of medical marijuana, researchers are beginning to unravel its potential benefits for chronic pain. Active compounds known as cannabinoids, prominently THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are chiefly responsible for these benefits.
THC is psychoactive, primarily marketed for its ability to induce relaxation and alleviate pain. Contrastingly, CBD does not produce a high but exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Both compounds work synergistically to achieve pain relief.
In a meta-analysis of 28 databases, cannabis was found to be an effective treatment option for chronic pain. Researchers noted that patients reported substantial improvements in their conditions, emphasizing how medical marijuana might be an effective alternative to traditional painkillers.
Cannabis offers several advantages over conventional pain relief methods. For instance, opioids—commonly prescribed for chronic pain—are associated with a host of side effects including dependence and risk of overdose. Opioid overdose claimed more than 49,000 lives in the United States in 2019 alone according to the CDC. In contrast, there are virtually no reported instances of death by cannabis overdose, positioning it as a safer option.
Studies also suggest that cannabis may be particularly beneficial for certain types of chronic pain. A report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlighted that cannabis effectively treats chronic pain associated with multiple sclerosis and adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The anecdotal evidence supporting cannabis as a natural remedy for chronic pain is also substantial. Many patients have shared their positive experiences, citing improved quality of life, better sleep, and decreased reliance on opioids.
Although promising, cannabis is not devoid of potential side effects. These may include dry mouth, short-term memory loss, altered judgement, and potential dependency. However, these side effects largely depend on the amount of cannabis consumed and the THC to CBD ratio. Research has shown that proper dose regulation can significantly mitigate these risks, making it a viable method of pain management.
Moreover, it’s critical to remember that just because something is termed as a natural remedy, it doesn’t automatically guarantee safety or efficacy. Thus, patients considering cannabis for chronic pain should consult with health professionals to ensure it’s an appropriate and safe option.
While the benefits of cannabis for pain relief are promising, further research is required to fully grasp its potential and optimize its use. Guidelines for consumption, including concentration, mode of application (inhalation, oral, topical), and frequency still need to be streamlined. It also needs to be determined which types of chronic pain respond best to cannabinoids and whether cannabis can potentially prevent or delay the onset of chronic pain.
In conclusion, the burgeoning interest and rapidly evolving research around cannabis as an alternative medicine for chronic pain reflect its potential. With continued exploration and properly regulated use, cannabis could revolutionize the way we approach pain management and greatly enhance the quality of life for millions suffering from chronic pain. And while the stigma surrounding cannabis still exists, it’s crucial to keep an open mind about its potential in offering an effective, natural approach to alleviating chronic suffering.
Sources:
1. CDC
2. Meta-analysis of 28 databases
3. CDC Opioid Data
4. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report