Chronic Pain? How Medical Marijuana Can Help You

More than 24% of American adults experience chronic pain that affects their mobility and quality of life. Many of these people rely on prescription medications, including opioids, for relief, but these drugs present various side effects. In recent years, medical marijuana has gained recognition as a natural alternative with significantly less risk. 

At MediCalm, which serves residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey via convenient telehealth appointments, board-certified family medicine physician Kimberlee Park, DO, regularly recommends medical marijuana for chronic pain. Here, we explain medical marijuana and discuss how it can support pain management efforts.

What is medical marijuana?

The term “medical marijuana” refers to using cannabis to treat various medical conditions. Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. After receiving a medical marijuana certificate from a licensed provider, you can purchase marijuana flower — or other related products — at a state-sanctioned dispensary.

The cannabis, or marijuana plant, contains hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance in marijuana that produces a “high,” while CBD is not intoxicating. 

How medical marijuana helps treat chronic pain

Both THC and CBD are thought to assist with pain management by binding to specific receptors in the brain and on nerve cells. This slows the frequency of pain signals and alleviates discomfort over time. However, certain types of chronic pain may benefit from medical marijuana more than others.

Here’s a closer look at the research:

1. Medical marijuana for neuropathic pain

Up to 20 million Americans have peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Medical marijuana seems to be particularly effective at managing this type of chronic pain, which is often caused by diabetes and chemotherapy administration. 

Although more research needs to be done, small clinical studies have confirmed medical marijuana’s benefits. For example, one concluded that people with peripheral neuropathy who used medical marijuana reported less pain, better sleep, and improved function.

2. Medical marijuana as an analgesic

Other research has found that medical marijuana may increase pain tolerance, similar to over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. For instance, a study published in the journal Neurology concluded that THC significantly reduced patients’ pain compared to a placebo. 

3. Medical marijuana may reduce pain intensity

In addition to alleviating the constant pain, medical marijuana may reduce pain severity. A recent qualitative study conducted by Israeli researchers found that people with chronic pain who used medical marijuana experienced a “sigh of relief,” or a sense of relaxation and serenity that allowed them to break free of the constant fight against pain. Similarly, participants who used medical marijuana reported improved sleep, focus, and function.

Although more research needs to be done on a larger scale, these studies confirm that medical marijuana can be beneficial and offer an alternative to traditional pain management treatments, such as opioids and surgery.

Request a medical marijuana consultation today

Chronic pain can sap your energy and keep you from the things you love, but medical marijuana may be able to help. To request a medical marijuana consultation, contact MediCalm. Call our appointment line at 484-440-9494 or book online. We look forward to helping you achieve lasting pain relief.