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Can Cannabis Help with Chronic Pain?

August 22, 2022

In life, we’re all going to experience pain sooner or later. In truth, pain is important because it tells us when something is wrong. You wouldn’t want to leave your hand resting on a burning-hot surface or walk around on a broken leg.

In most cases, pain prompts you to seek medical help, and when the root cause is diagnosed and treated, the pain goes away.

However, there are some people who experience what is known as chronic pain. This is characterized by persistent pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, even with the administration of medical treatment or medication.

Chronic pain may be associated with any number of conditions, such as injury, obesity, congenital disorders, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and more. In some cases, the reasons for chronic pain are unknown.

Unfortunately, chronic pain can be difficult to treat. Because it can have such a significant impact on daily life, many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers just to get by, but these can have a number of undesirable side effects. You may feel like the cure is worse than the symptoms.

You might naturally wonder if cannabis delivery in Boston is a route you should consider when coping with discomfort.

The 411 on Chronic Pain

Our bodies are incredibly complex, with a range of systems working together to sustain life. When you encounter dangerous stimuli in the environment or something breaks or isn’t working as it should, the nervous system sends signals to the brain.

These signals must be interpreted to figure out what’s wrong, and it’s not always easy. In some cases, the brain interprets signals incorrectly, or there could be multiple issues contributing to pain.

In truth, the cause (or lack thereof) could be a secondary concern because whether there’s a reason for signals or not, the pain you experience is real, and you have to find a way to deal with it.

Coping with Chronic Pain

Diagnosing and treating the root cause of chronic pain is generally the primary goal, but in the meantime, you may have to find ways to cope, potentially for the long term. In some cases, changes to diet and exercise may help.

Some people dealing with chronic pain find it helpful to speak with a therapist or practice relaxation techniques like meditation. Most people will, at some point, fall back on painkillers for relief.

With that being said, there can be serious side effects related to the long-term use of painkillers. Opioids, for example, are known to cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed motility (i.e., constipation).

They can also be highly addictive, and over time, it’s common to develop a tolerance that results in needing higher doses. It’s no wonder so many patients are interested in potential alternatives like acupuncture and cannabis delivery in Boston.

Although cannabis is not FDA-approved for treating chronic discomfort, hemp (containing 0.3% or less THC) has been federally legalized, and several states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use.

This has opened the door to increased opportunities for research and development, and studies have shown positive results for those who suffer chronic discomfort.

In one study, two-thirds of patients reported relief of discomfort with marijuana use, and another study of patients taking medical marijuana resulted in a 64% reduction of opioid use among participants who also reported chronic pain.

Because cannabinoids and other chemical compounds in cannabis interact with receptors in the nervous system (primarily CB1) and immune system (mainly CB2), they can impact not only sensations of discomfort but the inflammatory response often associated with discomfort.

Is Cannabis Delivery in Boston Right for You?

It’s up to you to decide whether cannabis delivery in Boston is an option worth exploring. It’s always best to speak with a trusted medical professional so you can make informed decisions about your health and wellness.