The EVOLUTION Magazine January 2022 | Page 40

THOUGHTS FROM DOC ►

Medical Marijuana Options for Chronic Pain by Dr . Michael J . Poppa DO , MBA

Granddaddy Pur for Pain once per day 7 days

Today we ’ re going to talk about stress relief using several strains of cannabis . We will look at how medical marijuana is an effective pain treatment , ways to use medical marijuana for chronic pain , and the best strains of cannabis for chronic pain .

Let ’ s start by looking at a study from The University of Michigan from March 2016 and published in The Journal of Pain , which indicated that cannabis ; Improved the quality of life . ; Reduced opioid usage by an average of over 60 %. ; Decreased side effects from pharmacotherapy .
It is recognized that cannabis works well to treat chronic discomfort as a result of the natural cannabinoid receptors we have within our bodies . Certainly , additional research needs to be done to determine exactly how marijuana interacts with the natural cannabinoid receptors within our bodies .
Many individuals appreciate the fact that cannabis offers a treatment plan with many different intake methods .
Many individuals with chronic or severe pain enjoy smoking or vaping their cannabis supply when possible . These intake methods provide a more rapid effect in the body and offer a quick way to experience relief of pain and symptoms . Cannabis can also be ingested via capsules , tablets , tinctures , and edibles . More often than not , individuals benefit from incorporating multiple intake methods into their wellness plan .
Whether you use edible forms of medical cannabis for pain , roll it into a joint , or vape it , there are many different strains of cannabis that can substantially reduce discomfort . Some individuals feel better when they smoke the product , whereas others find that taking low-dose edibles works best for them . Naturally , the chemical composition of the strain you choose , as well as the method of ingestion , can affect your pain-killing outcome . More often than not , individuals need to take a trial and error approach before they hit on the right strain and dosage for their particular needs .
Generally speaking , less is more when it comes to utilizing cannabis for treating different types of pain . Many individuals find that Sativa strains higher in THC —– the primary psychoactive substance that gives you a “ high ” — works better for them than Hybrids or Indica strains . These strains also work more effectively in low to moderate doses and can potentially worsen your pain if taken in higher doses .
Listed here are several strains that are generally used for chronic pain . ( Please note , depending on the cultivator , Missouri brand names for strain names can vary . This information is intended to get you started with basic understandings of strains and potential benefits .)
ACDC contains high levels of the cannabinoids CBD and THC . Many individuals are strong proponents of ACDC . Most users of this product indicate that the benefits are numerous .
Afghan Kush This potent general pain reliever is almost 100 % Indica . The effects of Afghan Kush are mostly physical , which is why it works so well regarding pain relief . Afghan Kush contains anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing terpenes . If your pain is cancer-related , then Afghan Kush could offer you more relief than other strains . There are other strains that work well for cancer-related pain , such as Super Sour Diesel , Maui Wowie , and Hash Plant .
Blue Dream Blue Dream is a Hybrid Sativa ( first grown in California ), which provides not only relaxation throughout the entire body but can produce an invigorating sense in others . Typically , this strain produces a mellow euphoria that yields a calming effect and has an aroma similar to berries . Since it does not result in the sedative effects of other strains , Blue Dream is well suited for daytime use .
Granddaddy Purple This is a California-type strain that has been around for approximately 15 years . This strain can be potent so , if you are planning on going out during the day or the evening , do not use Granddaddy Purple . This strain helps relieve symptoms from pain , muscle spasm , stress , and is often used for to aid insomnia .
Girl Scout Cookies This Hybrid strain offers a sweet aroma that is very easy to identify . It ’ s well-known for producing a feeling of relaxation and is typically popular among those who suffer not only from severe pain but also
40 January 2022