For a very long time, medical marijuana has been used for its unbelievable therapeutic benefits. One of its well recognised healing properties includes its capacity to reduce pain and inflammation. In this article we will discuss how medical marijuana could play a vital role in the health sector by substituting traditionally used opioids along with its many benefits and limitations
According to some findings, medical cannabis otherwise known as medical marijuana can be effective in treating neuropathic pain. Neuropathic is a particular kind of condition which includes persistent pain by damaged nerves in the body. In order to determine whether medical marijuana is an effective and safe pain reliever than its harmful substitutes, more research needs to be done on the subject.
What is Medical Marijuana?
The term ‘medical marijuana’ or ‘medical cannabis’ is used to describe the products of Cannabis Sativa plan which are used to treat various health conditions including chronic pain.
Many states in the United States have already made it easier for people to access medical and even recreational marijuana, California being one of them. However, for some there are some specific health conditions for which a physician can recommend ‘medical marijuana’ to its patients.
What are Opioids?
Opioids is a group of education often prescribed to treat pain. It includes synthetic opioids (like fentanyl), heroin, and prescription opioids. In the US, more than 70,000 people died due to drug overdose and surprisingly 2 of every 3 OD were caused by overdose of opioids. Many states that have already legalised marijuana has seen significant decreases in consumption of opioids. Many research also revealed how marijuana can decrease opioids related death rate.
Marijuana and Pain Management
One of the most frequent causes for seeking medical care is pain. Opioids, including morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, have long been utilized as painkillers. Opioids can cause major adverse effects such respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, and they are also extremely addictive. Opioid use over an extended period of time can result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Opioids pose a greater danger of addiction and overdose than marijuana, on the other hand. Additionally, marijuana has been demonstrated to have analgesic qualities and can aid with pain relief. The body’s endocannabinoid system, which affects how pain is perceived, interacts with the active components in marijuana, known as cannabinoids.
Role of Medical Marijuana in Pain Management
An increasing amount of research points to marijuana’s potential as a successful treatment for chronic pain. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found “conclusive or substantial evidence” in a 2017 report that marijuana can be helpful in treating adult patients with chronic pain. In addition, the investigation discovered “moderate” evidence that marijuana helps lessen discomfort from neuropathic conditions including cancer.
In individuals with chronic pain, marijuana usage was linked to decreased levels of opiate use, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Pain. Additionally, the research revealed that patients who smoked marijuana had higher quality of life and fewer negative effects than individuals who did not.
Case Studies
- A patient with chronic pain was able to decrease their opioid consumption by utilising medicinal marijuana, according to a case study that was published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management in 2017. The patient indicated that their quality of life had improved and their discomfort had significantly decreased.
- A patient with cancer-related pain was the subject of another case study that was published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine in 2019 and who was able to reduce their opiate use by utilising medical marijuana. The patient reported a significant reduction in pain and an uptick in mood.
Limitations of Marijuana for Pain Management
While cannabis could be useful for treating pain, it has some drawbacks. The variation in potency and makeup of various marijuana strains is one of the biggest drawbacks. It may be challenging to assure consistent effects and standardise dose as a result.
Additionally, marijuana use can harm your health by increasing your chance of lung cancer and respiratory issues. However, there are substitute intake strategies, like edibles and oils, that can reduce these dangers.
If you reside in West Virginia and are suffering from chronic pain, you can consult a physician and apply for a wv medical marijuana card online. It is important to consult a physician in you state as they will guide on how to begin your medical marijuana journey and manage the symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue
