How Cannabis is Replacing Opioids for Treating Chronic Pain

March 3, 2023

Chronic pain is now a national crisis in Canada. In addition to this grim figure, more than two-thirds of those who die from opioid prescription-related overdoses had previously used another opioid. It’s no wonder then that a growing number of doctors are prescribing cannabis instead of opioids for their patients suffering from chronic pain. To learn more about how cannabis is replacing opioids for treating chronic pain, keep reading.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists or recurs for at least three months. Pain is a complex sensation that is caused by a change in the body’s nervous system. The cause of chronic pain can be an injury or illness, metabolic imbalance, or a structural or functional disorder. When a pain signal is received by the nervous system, it sends a signal back to the brain to suppress the sensation and elicit a response that includes both pain relief and adaptation to the stimulus. This feedback loop is disrupted in chronic pain.

How Does Cannabis Manage Chronic Pain?

Pain is caused by pain signals reaching the nervous system. Cannabinoids in cannabis work by blocking those pain signals from reaching the brain. Cannabis has been found to manage chronic pain due to the presence of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s ECS system. The ECS system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes such as pain, mood, and inflammation, and cannabinoids can help modulate its activity. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, can help reduce pain by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This can decrease the transmission of pain signals and reduce the perception of pain. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a psychoactive effect but can help reduce inflammation, which is often a cause of chronic pain. This means that cannabis can decrease pain while simultaneously providing a boost in the positive feelings associated with the substance.

The Benefits of Cannabis for Pain Management

Reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
Improve mood
Fewer side effects
Lower risk of addiction.
Improve sleep

It is important to note that cannabis is not a cure-all and should be used in conjunction with other pain management techniques.

Methods of Cannabis Consumption for Pain Relief

Cannabis can be consumed in different ways. It all depends on the personal preference of the user.

Smoking: This is the most common method of consumption, where the dried cannabis flower is rolled into a joint or smoked in a pipe or bong. Smoking provides a quick onset of effects but can be harsh on the lungs and throat.
Vaporizing: Vaporizing involves heating the cannabis to a temperature that releases the active compounds as a vapor but does not burn the plant material. This method is less harsh on the lungs than smoking and provides a quick onset of effects.
Edibles: Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts such as oils or butter. The effects of edibles take longer to onset but can last much longer than smoking or vaporizing.
Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts of cannabis that are typically taken under the tongue. They provide a quick onset of effects and are discreet and easy to use.
Topicals: Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, lotions, or balms that are applied to the skin. They are used for localized pain and inflammation relief and do not produce a psychoactive effect.

It is important to note that the effects of cannabis can vary depending on the method of consumption, dosage, and individual factors such as tolerance and metabolism.

Summing up: Is It Time to Ditch the Opioids for Treating Chronic Pain?

Yes, it’s time to ditch the opioids for treating chronic pain. Although opioids are effective at reducing pain, it is highly addictive and has a huge potential for misuse. Opioids also has many negative side effects including dependency, tolerance, and fatal respiratory suppression. With consistent use, these side effects can build up and become intolerable. Cannabis can be an effective alternative to opioids for pain management, with fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction. Additionally, cannabis can help improve sleep and mood, which can be beneficial for people with chronic pain. So if you’re looking for an effective alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, cannabis might be worth exploring. Visit Wccannabis.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.