Can Medical Marijuana be Used as an Alternative to Opioids

1. Can Medical Marijuana be used as an Alternative to Opioids Medical cannabis can help in treating chronic pain. The marijuana plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, which possess medicinal properties. THC and CBD are the most important cannabinoids, which bind to the receptors present in the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus reducing pain. Other health benefits include promoting relaxation, boosting creativity levels and reducing stress levels. According to federal regulations, cannabis is illegal, but its medical use is legal in 33 US states. If you want to access cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries, you require a doctor signed medical marijuana card Riverside CA. Medical Cannabis as an Alternative to Opioids Pain is a common condition, which can affect your daily lifestyle. Although there’s a lot of prescription medications available for relieving pain, but they cause unpleasant side- effects. Researchers have found that cannabis can also help in reducing pain, and it is less addictive as compared to opioids. With scientific evidence that marijuana is safe for treating pain, its medical use is gaining popularity across the United States. In a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, researchers analyzed 1000 patients taking cannabis in a legalized state. They found that 65% of them are using marijuana for relieving pain and 80% of them confirmed that the herb was helpful. This led to 82% of the participants were able to reduce pain while 88% of them stop taking opioids.

2. According to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy report, cannabis is highly effective in treating chronic pain, and it could replace the addictive painkillers. A recent study confirmed a reduction in the number of deaths from overdose of prescription medications, between 1999 and 2010. The number of people using opioids was reduced to 25% in the states where medical cannabis is legal. Researchers have also reported a reduction of opioids use helped in reducing $165.2 million in Medicare expenditure. Different Ways to Consume Cannabis Smoking It’s the most common method of cannabis consumption, which delivers quick effects. It involves burning the marijuana flower until it combusts, and inhaling the smoke through the other end of the joint. Start with a small quantity. No need to hold the smoke in your lungs, just exhale and get relaxation effects. Vaporizing Put a small quantity of cannabis extract/flower into the vaporizer, press the start button, and inhale. It’s safer than smoking because marijuana is heated below its combustion point, and don’t release harmful chemicals.

3. Edibles You can eat marijuana-infused popcorn, crackers, ice cream, chocolate bars, and other foods. Edibles may take several hours to kick in, but its effects last longer than other methods. Tinctures Buy sublingual products, and put a few drops under the tongue, and let it absorb. With this consumption method, you can control the cannabis dosage easily. It’s preferred for children. Transdermal Patches Dry and clean the skin, and apply patches on it. Patches are good for those who don’t like smoking. In this, no inhaling required, and patches come in different formulations. Marijuana Strains for Chronic Pain Patients When it comes to medical marijuana treatment, there’s a wide range of cannabis strains available. Each strain has different CBD and THC levels and has different effects. Also, the severity of your condition and how your body responds to cannabinoids influence the effects of cannabis in alleviating symptoms. Here are some of the best cannabis strains for chronic pain patients-

4. ❏OG Kush ❏ACDC ❏Gorilla Glue ❏Candyland ❏Uncle Andy ❏Headband ❏Bubba Kush ❏Skywalker OG Covering things up—medical marijuana contains amazing cannabinoids, which bind to the receptors in the ECS, thus relieving pain. Unlike opioids, it doesn’t cause any side-effects and it’s less addictive. To alleviate your symptoms completely, make sure you choose the right cannabis strain for your condition. Talk to a doctor to apply for your medical marijuana card in Riverside.