Using Medical Marijuana to Alleviate Chronic Pain

A Brief History of Medical Cannabis

Ancient Times
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Ancient Chinese texts from as early as 2737 BCE document the use of cannabis to treat various ailments, including pain. The ancient Egyptians also used cannabis for medical purposes, as did civilizations in India and the Middle East. These cultures recognized the plant's potential to alleviate pain and used it in various forms, such as tinctures and balms.

Medical Times
In the 19th century, cannabis was introduced to Western medicine. It was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia in 1850 and was commonly prescribed for pain relief, inflammation, and other conditions. However, its use declined in the early 20th century due to regulatory changes and the advent of synthetic drugs.
Medical Marijuana in the Modern Era

Legal Status and Usage
Medical marijuana (MMJ) is currently legal in 35 US states, and there are an estimated 3.6 million state-legal medical cannabis patients in the US. Despite the growing acceptance of medical marijuana, recreational use is still the primary use of cannabis (89.5% of adult cannabis users), with only 10.5% reporting use as solely for medical purposes and 36.1% reporting a mixed medical/recreational use.

Chronic Pain and Medical Marijuana
Chronic pain is a widespread issue in the United States. More than 51 million Americans experienced chronic pain in 2021 alone, according to CDC reports that analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey. This staggering number represents 20.9% of the United States population. Medical marijuana has emerged as a significant treatment option for chronic pain sufferers. A 2022 survey published on JAMA Network found that among adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws, 3 in 10 reported using cannabis to manage their pain. Most of these individuals substituted cannabis for other pain medications, including prescription opioids. Another study showed there was a 64% reduction in opioid use among medical marijuana patients treating chronic pain.

Not only did the patients experience fewer side effects, but they also reported an improvement in their quality of life.

With the ongoing opioid epidemic, medicinal cannabis is being seen as a potential alternative treatment and has become increasingly popular.
Unlike opioids, marijuana does not impact the respiratory system, and it is almost impossible to overdose, leading to lower mortality rates.

How Marijuana Works in the Body
Marijuana contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, mood, and other physiological processes.
Endocannabinoid System and Pain Relief
The ECS consists of endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found throughout the body, including the nervous system. When cannabinoids from marijuana bind to these receptors, they can modulate pain signals. THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing pain relief and the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with CB2 receptors found in the immune system and can help reduce inflammation, which is often a source of chronic pain.

Real-Life Examples of Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Case 1
A 73-year-old woman was using medical cannabis to help with her fibromyalgia, neck pain, back pain, headaches, and overall chronic pain. She shared that using cannabis has helped her relax more and significantly reduced her pain, making her feel much better overall.

Case 2:
A 31-year-old male patient presented with injury pains from a disc herniation in his lower back and sciatica symptoms. The patient had tried physical therapy and injections as well as a whole gamut of treatments. He started on cannabis and, after a few months, reported that the cannabis had reduced his pain to a 2 out of 10, which was down from a 9 out of 10 when he originally sought treatment. He is taking some cannabis for long-term effects and also takes a puff on a vape device for breakthrough pain for immediate relief. Because of this, he's been able to stop taking his other pain medications, like hydrocodone, tramadol, ketorolac, and gabapentin.

Case 3
A 60-year-old grandmother was diagnosed with arthritis. Over-the-counter painkillers offered limited relief and caused stomach issues. After obtaining a medical marijuana card, she started using cannabis-infused creams and low-dose edibles. The topical application reduced joint inflammation, and the edibles helped manage pain throughout the day, improving her overall quality of life.

Why Medical Cannabis is a Better Solution
Comparing to Opioids
Medical cannabis is seen as a safer alternative to opioids, which carry a high risk of addiction and overdose. Unlike opioids, marijuana has a much lower potential for dependence and abuse. Additionally, cannabis can be used long-term without the severe side effects associated with chronic opioid use.

Better than Painkillers for Long-Term Use
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can cause liver damage, stomach ulcers, and other health issues when used long-term. Medical marijuana offers a natural option with fewer long-term risks. It can be tailored to individual needs, allowing patients to find the right balance of THC and CBD for effective pain management.

Conclusion
Medical marijuana has a rich history as a pain-relief treatment and is gaining renewed recognition for its effectiveness in managing chronic pain. By interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, cannabis can provide significant relief for many patients. Real-life examples show how individuals have successfully used medical marijuana to improve their quality of life. Compared to opioids and traditional painkillers, medical cannabis offers a safer, more sustainable solution for long-term pain management.

This content should not be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.