The keywords “pain” & “cannabinoids”, were used in international scientific research Pubmed, which returned 2487 results. Scientists from around the globe have studied cannabinoids' role in pain relief, both internally and externally, almost two-and-a-half thousand times. It is effective against pain of all genesis and severity, from severe pain in terminally ill patients to bruising on a finger.
We all know that cannabis can relieve pain. But how does it differ from other painkillers like morphine? Is it possible to smoke marijuana, but also drink cannabis? How does cannabis affect pain? Its potential medicinal use and liquid cannabis are two of the reasons that cannabis can be used to treat pain. These are the key points and risks as well as benefits that we will be discussing in this article.
How cannabis can reduce pain
Modern science has given the human endocannabinoid systems a central role in pain relief.
Anandamide, the body's own cannabinoid, is responsible for pain relief. This happens simultaneously in two locations: directly at the site of pain and in areas of the brain that suppress pain.
External cannabinoids are recommended for those cases when internal cannabinoids fail to cope. A doctor may prescribe a specific dose of THC to treat pain. This will bind to the same receptors as cannabinoid and produce a similar analgesic effect. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid systems of the body to mimic natural substances.
The effects of “classic” painkillers are to dampen the pain signals in the brain. This eventually leads to an increase in doses for a more stable effect. Cannabis works in a different way.
According to Dr. Michael Lee of the Oxford Center for Functional Magnet Resonance Imaging of the Brain, cannabis (including liquid weed) does not affect the pain but the emotional response. Images show a slight decrease of activity in areas of the brain that are responsible for pain sensations, similar to when using opiates. Cannabis affects the emotion to pain. Cannabinoids also act directly on injured tissues and provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
Tissue damage is caused by tissue injury when the body's immune and inflammatory cells activate the pain receptors on the nerves in the spine and brain. There are two options to overcome this pain effectively: either to reduce the signal to the brain or to stop the inflammatory process. Cannabis can work in both directions simultaneously. Strong anti-inflammatory properties are provided by key cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Tetrahydrocannabinol can also reduce pain signals reaching the brain. It's easy to just ignore the pain and get rid of it. This is what THC does because of its psychoactive properties. CBD, another important cannabinoid, has the ability stimulate the activity in anti-inflammatory cells within the body and prevents you from becoming addicted to the analgesic effects of THC. The addictive effects of THC on cannabinoid receptors will eventually become addictive. For long-term pain relief, it is important to have a balance of CBD and THC.
There is evidence for cannabis' medical use
Recent studies suggest that the market for legal marijuana could exceed $20 billion. Due to a rise in investments in cannabis-related startups, the US could be legalized by 2025. As part of the International Symposium Unmet Needs in Pain Medicine in Berlin, Germany in June 2019, leading scientists from around the world gathered to discuss the latest approaches in treating such conditions. Michael Schafer from Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin was the keynote speaker. He spoke about evidence supporting the use of cannabis for medicine.
The speaker stated that in 2016-2017, Germany asked scientists and doctors for reports on cannabis use. However, they were more concerned with the psychological effects of cannabis use on citizens.
Pre-made cannabis-based drugs were available in Germany until 2017. The main indications for their use were anorexia, pain, muscle spasticity, and muscle spasticity. Patients were responsible for all costs. Insurance did not cover the cost of the drug.
Doctors can now prescribe cannabis liquid or marijuana directly to patients in order to treat pain, seizures, MS, nausea, vomiting, and chemotherapy. After a doctor's confirmation and agreement of necessity, the cost of such therapy is covered by medical insurance. Expert says that the government required all doctors to complete a questionnaire prior to and after cannabis treatment. The cost of this questionnaire is reimbursed.
The speaker points out that after the new regulation was adopted, campaigns in Germany about drugs that would “help our poor patients” were launched. These campaigns also called for the widespread prescription and use of cannabis.
“Officially, cannabis has many positive effects. It reduces pain and nausea, helps with anorexia and motor disorders (convulsions, tremors), has a positive impact on metabolic indicators (cholesterol, glucose), and eliminates epileptic seizures. .d. As a doctor, such slogans are very suspect. Is it possible for one product to cure all and be helpful to everyone? M. Schaefer stressed that this is especially true when the medical conditions it is used for are so diverse in their etiology, pathogenesis etc em>.
According to the expert, many celebrities and public figures have made statements in the media that they use cannabis for stress relief. For those who wear high heels, there is an oil on the Internet that can help to reduce pain and swelling in the legs. According to scientists, the media can cause a lot of euphoria, but it doesn't always reflect the truth.