Medical Marijuana for Pain

In Canada, legalized use of marijuana as medicine is still very much in its infancy, but the prognosis is positive thus far. As studies continue to surface, more and more of today’s medical practitioners are beginning to turn to cannabis for answers. While it is often associated with more serious disease states such as HIV/AIDS patients seeking to stimulate appetite, or cancer victims aiming to relieve the nausea and pain brought on by chemotherapy, weed’s health benefits extend well beyond those conditions. Cannabis treatment for inflammatory-based conditions and chronic pain have yielded positive results.

Pot for Pain: Why It Works

Your body naturally produces endocannabinoids and, as such, has a built-in receptor system for this type of chemical compound: The Endocannabinoid System. In the brain, the ECS is leveraged by the body to regulate pleasure sensory, appetite, mood, short-term memory and coordination.  In other regions of the body, the ECS connects into the immune and gastrointestinal system, where it impacts manifestations such as pain and inflammation. Some of the more prevalent cannabinoids found in marijuana, namely THC and CBD, are able to bind themselves to these receptors and trigger the body to produce and release neurotransmitters.

Cannabinoids for Pain Relief

The cannabinoids in marijuana work by attaching themselves to the ECS’ receptors found on our cells. There are two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2.  THC interacts with both receptors. While CB1 interactions are viewed as being responsible for the psychoactive and behavioural changes associated with marijuana use, CB2 receptors are believed to be responsible for some of the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects of using marijuana as medicine.

CBD is a little different. It actually stimulates the body to naturally release more of its own endogenous cannabinoids. CBD is also capable of interacting with other receptors; the vanilloid, adenosine and serotonin receptors, respectively. This may explain some of the many weed health benefits the medical community continues to uncover.

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What is Medical Marijuana Prescribed For?

The first step in accessing marijuana legally is to consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Based on their diagnosis, a prescription can be filled out to aid in the treatment of several maladies. Cannabis for pain related agitations such as migraines, muscle spasms, nerve our neuropathic pain and chronic back pain are not uncommon. Please note that while each of these conditions may increase your eligibility to be prescribed medical marijuana for pain, it is ultimately up to the physician to determine whether or not this type of treatment is best for you.

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Interested in using marijuana as medicine? Learn how to legally access cannabis in Canada today.

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Serious conditions require serious treatment, which can be hard on the body. Learn how marijuana can help.

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