Cannabis can offer effective pain management without many side effects associated with pharmaceutical painkillers. The primary cannabinoids that appear to help with pain are THC and CBD.
Both have been shown to reduce pain in studies and work best when used together (the entourage effect). Terpenes may also offer analgesic properties, such as linalool or beta-caryophyllene.
Pain Relief
Cannabis flower is a smokable form of marijuana that can be smoked in a joint, blunt, or pipe for immediate pain relief. Medical patients can also use cannabis flowers to create edibles like gummies, hash, vape juice, and more.
Medicinal cannabis is effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism, headaches, and spastic disorders.
Research shows that the analgesic effects of cannabis are primarily caused by interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS comprises a network of lipid signaling molecules called endocannabinoids that control multiple functions, including pain perception and inflammation. Both CBD and THC have been found to interact with the ECS and offer pain relief.
Reduces Nausea
Nausea is often a sign of an underlying health condition and can be triggered by medications, chemotherapy, emotional distress, or motion sickness. Cannabis can ease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, making it one of the most common conditions for which physicians recommend medical marijuana.
A recent study analyzing real-time consumption data from the Releaf App found that 96% of consumers experienced nausea relief from cannabis products. Consumers consuming dried smokable flowers and concentrates reported immediate nausea relief, followed by edibles and tinctures.
The results support a placebo effect, which occurs when patients believe they are receiving treatment and expect to feel better. The placebo effect may be enhanced when consumers experience cannabis in a ritualized manner, such as smoking or eating.
Reduces Insomnia
Using marijuana is a great way to improve your overall sleep. But it’s important to remember that cannabis is only a short-term fix, and you must still focus on practicing good sleep hygiene and other behaviors promoting sleep.
Cannabis flower refers to the dried buds (also known as nugs) from a female cannabis plant. They are commonly smoked in a joint, blunt, or pipe. But they can also be made into other products like tinctures and concentrates.
Individuals who used cannabis for insomnia reported reduced symptoms with all product forms. However, CBD-dominant and indica hybrid strains were most effective in individuals with depression. Similarly, sativa songs were more productive for improving insomnia in those with anxiety or comorbid anxiety and depression.
Relaxes Muscles
Unlike pharmaceutical medications, CBD and THC work directly with your body’s endocannabinoid system to calm the neurotransmitters that cause spasms. This natural calming response allows for a better quality of sleep and a reduction in stress and anxiety, which can contribute to muscle tension.
Cannabis can be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or applied topically to treat various symptoms and conditions, including muscle spasms. Choose a higher THC potency strain for a more substantial psychoactive effect or lower THC for a more relaxing experience.
Premium cannabis and popcorn flowers (strains that have grown smaller than typical marijuana buds) are available in various flavors. Indica strains offer more sedative effects, while hybrids provide a balanced experience with different mood-boosting properties.
Improves Sleep
As more research is published, it’s clear that cannabis can help improve sleep in people with various disorders. During the pandemic, Ganja Goddess saw increased orders for products that support rest, including Papa and Barkley’s CBD sleep drops and capsules.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider inhaling your cannabis with products such as a vape cartridge or smoking a joint or blunt.
However, remember that sleep-promoting products containing THC may increase anxiety and paranoia for some people. To reduce this side effect, try a low-THC or CBD product. For pain management, you can also try CBD oil.
