Since the changes to the medicinal cannabis laws in the early 2000’s, one of the most common uses for medicinal cannabis has been for the management of chronic pain. We have seen medicinal cannabis being used to manage arthritic pains, muscle cramps, inflammatory pain, headaches and neuropathic pains, just to name a few.
While everyone’s pain is unique, a trend that remains evident is in the strain of medicinal marijuana for pain. While of course no one rule can apply to everyone who suffers with pain, more and more pain patient who use medicinal cannabis to manage their chronic pain symptoms are turning to higher CBD strain of medicinal cannabis.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the main components in cannabis. CBD is not known to cause psychoactive changes for the individual the way higher THC strains do. It is however know to be able to bind to certain parts of the brain to somewhat reduce pain sensations. It can also help reduce many of the accompanying symptoms of pain such as nausea, anxiousness, muscle spasms, muscle tenderness, etc.
CBD is able to have an effect on multiple components of pain because unlike is THC counterpart, CBD can work on a much deeper tissue level, while avoiding the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD has also been known to be effective right down to the deeper structural levels of the body tissue and act as a type of anti-inflammatory. Many pain patients do have some level of an inflammatory component to their chronic pain, and thus, get more benefit from using a high CBD strain versus a higher THC strain of medicinal cannabis.
It is clear why high CBD strains are favored within the pain community. Many pain patients are advised to start with a high CBD strain when taking the medicinal cannabis route to managing their symptoms. With more research still being done, the effects and benefits of CBD strains of cannabis are still being explored every day. By keeping current on the research behind medicinal cannabis strains and uses you are playing a crucial, hands-on role in your health.