Chronic pain! The condition that can interfere with your ability to perform your daily tasks, affect your immune system, and lead to heart risks.
Opioids drugs are commonly used for reducing pain. The drugs work by binding to the opioid receptors in different parts of the system.
But, opioid use can lead to unpleasant side-effects. Those who have used the drugs are familiar with the risks. Many report that long term use can result in dependence.
Wait! There’s a solution.
Medical marijuana! It’s legal now in 33 US states. To access cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries, you require an MMJ letter signed by one of the 420 doctors Garden Grove.
The question arises now is—will marijuana replace opioid drugs? Read on to learn more.
Can Medical Marijuana Replace Opioid Drugs?
In the United States, pain is a common condition, which can cause a lot of problems in daily life. Although opioid drugs can help patients ease pain, but they aren’t safe to use. Opioid use can cause many side-effects. Some of the common ones are-
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nausea & vomiting
- Muscle pain
Medical researchers have found that marijuana can help patients in fighting pain. When compared with opioids, it’s less addictive and doesn’t cause any unpleasant side-effects. Thus, more patients are getting MMJ recommendations from 420 doctors Garden Grove.
A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs analyzed 1000 patients who consumed marijuana in a legalized state. Researchers found that 80% of the participants confirmed that cannabis was helpful, 82% of them were able to reduce pain, and 88% of them stopped taking opioids.
Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy report says that marijuana is highly effective in treating chronic pain, and the herb could replace addictive pain medications. A recent study reported a reduction in the number of deaths from overdose of prescription medications, between 1999 and 2010. The number of opioid users was significantly reduced to 25% in the states where medical cannabis is legal.
Moreover, the reduced opioid use was lead to reducing $165.2 million in Medicare expenditure.
The marijuana plant contains over 100 cannabinoids. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which is responsible for causing high effects. Those who want to alleviate their symptoms without receiving high effects can opt for CBD products.
Also Read- A Beginner’s Guide to CBD Oil
Methods of Consumption of Medical Marijuana
Smoking
The most common method of consuming marijuana. Smoking provides quick effects, which last for a few hours. It involves burning the flowers and inhaling the smoke. You don’t need to hold the smoke, just exhale, and receive immediate relief.
Vaping
It’s quite similar to smoking, but cannabis extract/flowers are heated below the combustion point. Just put marijuana into the vaporizer, press start, and inhale. As combustion doesn’t occur, it doesn’t release harmful chemicals, thus it’s safe as compared to smoking.
Edibles
Marijuana-infused ice cream, chocolate bars, popcorns, etc. can help you receive ultimate medicinal benefits of the herb without smoking or vaping. As compared to other methods, edibles usually take longer to kick in, but their effects last longer.
Tinctures
Sublingual products that are absorbed under the tongue. Tinctures can help you control your marijuana dose easily, and are usually preferred for children.
Transdermal Patches
Patches are applied to dry and clean skin to deliver more centered relief. They are available in different formulations.
To sum up, marijuana is highly effective for reducing pain. Its cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus promoting relaxation, boosting mood, and sleep. Unlike opioid drugs, cannabis use isn’t linked to any unpleasant side-effects. Researchers have found that in recent years, the number of deaths has significantly reduced in the states where medical marijuana is legal. To alleviate your symptoms completely, make sure you buy the right strains.
Talk to 420 doctors Garden Grove to apply for your medical marijuana card today!