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The Benefits of Using Cannabis for Pain and Inflammation Management

An image of a cannabis leaf and images of joint painChronic pain is a serious problem in the modern world. Not only can it affect your quality of life, it can also be extremely difficult to manage. Nowadays, most medications used for pain management are ineffective and can have severe side effects. That’s why research, and the public eye, has recently turned to the benefits of cannabis for pain management and inflammation control. Early studies suggest cannabis plant extracts may be highly beneficial for chronic health issues and pain. Cannabis-based pain-management strategies also boast far fewer side effects and associated health problems compared to more conventional options. These findings are important for many people owing to the prevalence of chronic pain and disease in the modern world. And even more vital if you’re suffering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) and need some help managing your symptoms.

The History of Cannabis

In many cultures, cannabis—commonly known as marijuana—actually started out as a medicinal plant. It was first cultivated in Asia and brought to America by early colonists, who used it to make rope and clothing. Some cultures used the plant recreationally, but cannabis was still mainly used as a remedy for certain medical issues. Due to politics and racial factors, cannabis was eventually labeled a schedule 1 drug—substances believed to have no medicinal value—in the US. This presented a major problem since up until this point, cannabis was used to control pain, nausea, and stomach problems, and had many other medicinal uses. It could be found in the medicine cabinet of most people, particularly those suffering from a chronic disease. Moreover, the new classification influenced public perception of the drug and until very recently, stalled research on how to use cannabis for pain.

This is all changing now. Several countries are researching the benefits of cannabis for pain and other chronic diseases and disorders.

About Pain

Not all pain is created equal. Some people experience excruciating pain, whereas others could class pain associated with the same disorder as mild. For medical professionals, an awareness of this is paramount when attempting to address pain. This is one of the benefits of using cannabis for pain. There are several strains of the plant and different people react differently to each strain. Therefore, different strains can be used to mediate pain depending on the unique combination of condition, genetics, and other factors that influence pain perception.

Pain can influence every aspect of your life including your social life, work life, relationships, behavior, and productivity. That’s why pain management has become such a big issue in the medical community. There are several different types of pain. Chronic pain is one of the most detrimental types on a societal and personal level and is also one of the most difficult to manage. This has triggered the recent and ongoing surge in research on cannabis for pain.

The Opioid Crisis

An image of a woman experiencing neck and shoulder painToday, pain is commonly managed with opioids. This pain-relieving family of drugs interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, which releases signals to muffle pain perception and boost feelings of pleasure. The most common opioids are morphine and fentanyl. They can be made from poppy plants or synthesized in a lab and are prescribed for a variety of disorders. But opioids are also a major health risk. In higher doses, opioids can slow your breathing and heart rate and they are also highly addictive. Here are some of the statistics on opioid use:

  • In 2016, around 34 million people used opioids worldwide.
  • At the same time, 27 million people suffered from opioid use disorders.
  • About 118 thousand people died from opioid use in 2016.

Opioid addictions are strongly associated with car accidents, suicides, and overdoses. And the opioid problem only seems to be getting worse. Cannabis can offer the same benefits of opioids without the side effects. Therefore, using cannabis for pain relief instead may help stem at least some opioid use.

How to Use Cannabis for Pain

There are several different strains of cannabis, each with their own health benefits and distinct effects on the body. This is what makes cannabis an increasingly popular when it comes to chronic pain as an alternative to opioids, which can have severe side effects and vary in effectiveness. There are 3 main types of cannabis:

  • Cannabis indica
  • Cannabis sativa
  • Hybrids of the two main types.

Each type of cannabis can have different effects on the body and are usually used for specific complaints. Marijuana contains several health benefiting compounds, but most studies focus on cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The latter closely resembles the cannabinoid chemicals your body naturally produces. So, when ingested, THC activates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which then activates the brain’s reward system to limit your experience of pain. And it also produces the ‘high’ feeling typically associated with marijuana. The other important substance, CBD, does not cause the same high but still interacts with the brain’s pain receptors to produce anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Both of these components have been the focus of most research on the benefits of cannabis for pain—which are just starting to become clear.

Evidence for the Benefits of Cannabis for Pain

There have been a variety of studies performed on the benefits of cannabis for pain. Some of the disorders cannabis can help with include:

    An image of an older woman that has arthritis pain

  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Endometriosis
  • Neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage
  • Cancer
  • Emotional pain.

The mechanisms that allow cannabis to alleviate pain are not yet fully understood, but ongoing research may eventually shed some light on this. One problem is the individual differences in how people react to cannabis. At this stage, what is clear is that research on cannabis for pain is incredibly important and should continue in order to provide more concrete examples of the benefits of cannabis.

How Cannabis Reduces Inflammation

Several substances found in cannabis can reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, more research is needed to determine exactly which substances exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Current research suggests the terpenoids in cannabis may play a key role in decreasing inflammation. The organic agents are found in cannabis, as well as other natural substances known to have strong anti-inflammatory effects, and are separate from the effects of other substances in cannabis.

Some of the anti-inflammatory effects are the result of the interaction of cannabis components with CB2 receptors in the brain. If activated, the receptors release fewer pro-inflammatory substances called cytokines—which means less inflammation. Cannabis contains another substance known as beta-caryophyllene. This substance reduces inflammation by selectively activating CB2 receptors and does not trigger the cannabis high. Animal studies suggest beta-caryophyllene can reduce inflammation by up to 70 percent.

Pain and Inflammation in AFS

Pain and inflammation are all too common these days and can be a serious issue, particularly if you’re suffering from AFS. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress. When a stressor is something tangible like a physical injury or disease, the body uses inflammation to expel invaders and return your body to its healthy state. Once the injury is healed or the invader is gone, the inflammatory response subsides. But when stress is non-specific and chronic, such as work pressures, relationship problems, or simply the adverse effects of living a modern lifestyle, it can lead to low-grade chronic inflammation—fast becoming known as one of the most serious health threats in the modern world.

NEM Inflammation CircuitYour body is designed to cope with short-term stress. It does this via the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response System. Once activated, it causes almost instant stress-related changes in the body. The first step of the process is to trigger the adrenal glands to start producing more of the stress hormone cortisol and prepare the body to react to the immediate stressor. The NEM Stress Response is also responsible for protecting your body from any damage caused by these changes. And this works well—in the short term. But the NEM stress response is not designed to deal with long-term or chronic stress. Ongoing stress increases your body’s demands for cortisol, which keep increasing, until eventually, your adrenals become fatigued setting off a cascade of imbalances that lead to dysfunction of every circuit in the body. This chronic condition, known as AFS, has become increasingly relevant in the modern world.

Inflammation circuit dysfunction often occurs very early in the progression of AFS. The circuit is comprised of the gut, microbiome, and immune system and all of these components working independently and together to keep your body healthy and get rid of unwanted invaders. Stress activates the immune system and increases inflammation in an attempt to get rid of whatever is causing it. But if you’re suffering from AFS, inflammation can linger and become chronic. Unfortunately, this type of inflammation can damage your body, leading to further imbalances in the gut and microbiome and may even encourage the growth of bad bacteria. The overall result is worsening symptoms and additional health problems, leading to more stress and more inflammation. Over time, this can become a permanent cycle of dysfunction and ill health that will negatively affect all of the circuits in your body, as well as your quality of life, and perhaps, threaten your life.

How Cannabis Could Benefit AFS

Those suffering from AFS often experience chronic diseases or disorders. In such cases, the chronic disorder can either exacerbate or cause AFS. Chronic disorders usually cause a lot of pain, decreased quality of life, as well as physical and/or mental health issues. Stress is the natural end result and brings on AFS. The pain and inflammation associated with chronic illnesses can overwhelm your body, further adding to the stress load, increasing inflammation, and resulting in or exacerbating your AFS. Fortunately, finding ways to address the pain and inflammation associated with chronic disorders can also improve the symptoms of AFS. And is one of the most important benefits of using cannabis for pain management.

If you’re suffering from a chronic disorder or long-term health issue like AFS, you may be taking a combination of potentially harmful medications. Often, medicines are too strong and cause unwanted side effects that could potentially do more harm than good to your body and its circuits. So, finding a safer alternative to these dangerous substances could benefit your overall health immensely.

Cannabis may also help to reduce inflammation in your body, which could further improve the symptoms of AFS. This may be the key to rebalancing your inflammation circuit and improving your gut, immune system, and microbiome health. And will also help to prevent toxic overload, reduce metabolite production, and improve the health of all the other circuits in your body. All of these benefits will help suppress the NEM Stress Response and give your body a chance to heal.

Cannabis Dose

If you decide to start using cannabis for pain, the dose you choose is extremely important. The results can be highly individual, so you probably shouldn’t attempt to determine your own cannabis dose. But here are some general guidelines:

    An image of a lab tech researching a proper dose of cannabis oil

  • Make sure you’re taking the whole plant to ensure that you get the full benefits.
  • Go organic.
  • Don’t go above 30–35 mg to avoid side effects.
  • Start off with a low dose, which can still have incredible benefits, and build up slowly if necessary.
  • The ratio of CBD to THC will depend on the current condition of your body.
  • Smoking or vaporizing can be dangerous for your health, so be sure to try other methods first.
  • Cannabis edibles or capsules can have unpredictable effects due to uncontrolled absorption rates.
  • Oils and tinctures work immediately, are easy to digest, and provide effective relief.

As with most things, it’s best consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking any cannabis product. If you notice negative effects, immediately stops using the product and see your doctor.

A Warning About Cannabis

Just because cannabis may be safer than opioids, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe for everyone. Like any drug, cannabis can be addictive. Cannabis addiction could potentially lead to long-term health issues and problems in your social, professional, and personal life. Additionally, not everyone reacts in the same way to cannabis. Some people report immediate pain-relieving effects while others experience paranoia, anxiety, or physical symptoms from using cannabis for pain. This last point is especially important if you are suffering from AFS. Adrenal Fatigue can cause paradoxical reactions or intolerances, particularly to different medications. That’s why, if you’re considering using cannabis for pain or for other issues, you need make sure you do it safely and under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

Working with a trained medical professional will help you determine if cannabis is right for you and your condition and the best ways to use it. If you have AFS, it’s also important to work with someone who is aware of your condition and knowledgeable in the area, including the effects your condition may have on your body and its reaction to cannabis. Medicinal cannabis could be incredibly beneficial because it lowers stress levels and helps with emotional distress, and could therefore, improve the symptoms of AFS. But only if you use it the right way. Otherwise, you could be setting yourself up for more stress, additional health problems, and worsening AFS symptoms.

Another issue you may encounter if you decide to use cannabis for pain is the stigma. The plant has gained notoriety over the past few decades. As a result, many people have negative ideas about cannabis. While this is understandable, this stigma may not help reduce your stress or your pain. So, if you decide to try cannabis for pain, make sure your physician has an open mind and is aware of the potential benefits.

The Takeaway

An image of a variety of Cannabis productsCannabis is often associated with recreational use and chronic health problems. But research on cannabis for pain is starting to reveal even more uses for this plant. Cannabis helps with pain, which can be useful with chronic diseases and other health problems. But even more importantly, it’s one of the most anti-inflammatory substances on the planet. It’s less toxic than almost all other drugs, has fewer side effects, and as time goes on, it may become one of the most important tools in the fight against chronic disease.

 
© Copyright 2020 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.


Dr. Lam's Key Question

You might think of cannabis in connection to its better-known recreational uses, but this plant is also an extremely effective medical tool. Ongoing research into the best ways to use cannabis for pain and inflammation control is extremely promising for pain management in chronic conditions.

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