The Science Behind Using Cannabis for Pain Relief
Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness and chronic conditions. It can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Chronic pain, in particular, can be difficult to manage and can lead to other health problems.
While traditional pain medications can be effective, they often come with unwanted side effects and can be addictive. As a result, many people are turning to cannabis as an alternative treatment for pain relief. In this blog, we explore the science behind using medical cannabis for pain relief.
What impact can medical cannabis have on pain?
The science behind cannabis for pain relief lies in its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and molecules that are involved in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including pain sensation, inflammation and immune function. When cannabis is ingested or inhaled, its active compounds, known as cannabinoids, bind to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, which can have a variety of effects on pain perception.
How can medical cannabis reduce the intensity of pain?
One of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis is THC. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, but it also has pain-relieving properties. Studies have shown that THC can help reduce pain intensity and improve pain tolerance in individuals with chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. THC works by binding to the body’s CB1 receptors, which are found throughout the nervous system and play a key role in pain perception.
Another important cannabinoid found in cannabis is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis use. However, CBD has been shown to have properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation. CBD works by interacting with a variety of receptors in the body, including the vanilloid receptor, which is involved in pain sensation.
Can medical cannabis help with inflammation?
In addition to THC and CBD, cannabis contains a variety of other cannabinoids and terpenes that may have pain-relieving properties. For example, beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in cannabis that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Other cannabinoids, such as cannabichromene (CBC) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), have also been shown to have pain-relieving properties.
Get in touch with The London Cannabis Clinic
If you are considering using cannabis for pain relief, get in touch with the London Cannabis Clinic. We can work with you to create a personalised treatment programme. Contact us today to learn more.