Medicinal Cannabis Vs Traditional Pain treatment

The various ways to manage pain include a number of traditional medications. Such as analgesics, which block pain receptors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, that reduce inflammation.

Ironically, some people perceive the use of medical cannabis as a ‘new’ way to treat pain. In fact, it predates the mainstream options referenced above.

In fact, forms of the cannabis plant have been used for healing and symptom relief for many thousands of years. According to the University of Sydney: “The first documented case of its use dates back to 2800 BC when it was listed in the Emperor Shen Nung’s (regarded as the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopoeia.”

What other differences are there between medicinal cannabis and traditional pain treatment?

Bioavailable, organic and safe

First, a quick reminder that the cannabis used for pain management is not a psychoactive substance. It is cannabinoids (shortened to CBD) taken from the plant that don’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (the euphoric element).

However, when you use a pure, good-quality form of medicinal cannabis, you are getting a plant-based remedy for tackling pain. This means your body instantly recognises it as a bioavailable and organic substance.

CBD brings added advantages

Not only can medical cannabis be quickly absorbed and used, but it also has the potential to provide both local and general pain relief. For example, CBD oil can be massaged into sore tissues, or taken orally for a more holistic approach.

One of the reasons some people prefer to address pain and discomfort with cannabis-based products, rather than traditional pain treatments, is the lack of side effects. Both analgesics and NSAIDs have their risk factors, yet cannabis used to alleviate pain is considered to be very safe.

In fact, it can bring residual benefits that add to its value as a pain management option too.

For example, users report feeling calmer and more relaxed, and medical cannabis has been linked to improved sleep and a better mood.

Clearly, all of that can help you to cope with pain from an injury or illness.

Does CBD tackle bad pain?

One of the hesitancies surrounding the use of cannabis for natural pain relief is reports it doesn’t come close to the effect that traditional medications have.

There is an important caveat on this though. Keep in mind that some readily available CBD products are relatively weak in terms of active ingredients, and heavy on carrier oil. Practitioners who use cannabis as a pain management option use the correct strength, in the right measure, as part of a well-orchestrated approach to achieving significant relief.

Increasingly passing to mainstream medicine

Finally, there is a lot of medical research into ways plants can be used for preventative and treatment purposes, including the many applications of medical cannabis.

The NHS has already recognised CBD as an option, and even prescribes it for certain types of seizures and for multiple sclerosis muscle stiffness and spasms.

This adds further weight to the view that there is no reason not to try cannabis as a method of managing pain. Particularly if you don’t want to use so-called traditional pain medications, or you are sensitive or allergic to those options.