The therapeutic benefits of marijuana have been gaining mainstream attention in recent years. But it's been valued for its medicinal properties since around 400 AD, and there are good reasons why.
The team at Metro Pain Centers offers a variety of innovative and effective pain management solutions. If traditional anti-inflammatory and pain medications have failed you, exploring medical marijuana may be a worthwhile next step.
What Sets Medical Marijuana Apart
More states join the growing list of locations permitting legal medical marijuana use each year. This plant has existed for over 5,000 years, and what distinguishes it therapeutically are its cannabinoid compounds — primarily CBD and THC.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) works specifically with pain receptors in the brain, offering relief from both pain and inflammation.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what most people associate with marijuana. It produces a euphoric state and activates reward centers in the brain, which in turn reduces pain perception.
Physicians can recommend specific combinations and formulas of CBD and THC to manage a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain.
Therapeutic Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Because of how cannabinoid compounds interact with brain receptors, medical marijuana can provide meaningful benefits with relatively few side effects. It is also considered a safe option for those unable to tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil or Aleve.
Medical marijuana is also far less habit-forming than opioids yet can be more effective for pain relief. Research suggests that 81% of people who have used medical marijuana report cannabis is more effective alone than combined with opioids. In that same study, 97% said they could decrease their opioid use while taking medical marijuana.
When to Consider Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is recommended for a broad range of conditions, especially when conservative therapies have not provided adequate relief. Conditions that may respond positively include:
- Muscle spasms
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Peripheral or diabetic neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn's disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain
- Cancer pain
To determine candidacy, a comprehensive evaluation is performed. If a qualifying condition is present, the care team can guide patients through the paperwork needed to obtain a medical marijuana card in their state.