Medical Marijuana for Inflammation: How Does It Work?

We’ve all experienced the uncomfortable sensation of inflammation before. Whether it’s an upset stomach, a skin rash, or a twisted ankle, inflammation is always something we’d prefer to avoid. At the very least, if it were entirely up to me.

We had no idea that it was up to us. Sure, inflammation is unavoidable in certain instances, such as a sprained ankle or shattered bone (basically anything beyond your control). However, the severity of the symptom may be controlled, and the pain produced by it substantially reduced.

We may reach this goal by eating a healthy diet that is heavy on anti-inflammatory components, especially if we combine it with exercise. Nuts, leafy greens, and turmeric are all good choices. This isn’t, however, an essay on health dieting in particular.

This is a blog post about how cannabis might help you manage and reduce inflammation. A list of the best cannabis strains for reducing inflammation and living a happier, healthier life.

What Causes Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s method of defending itself against something that damages it. Toxins, infections, or injuries can all generate an immune reaction that causes inflammation.

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years to treat inflammation. Cannabinoids are similar to the endocannabinoids produced by our endocannabinoid system.

How Is Marijuana an Effective Treatment for Inflammation?

CBD and THC both help to alleviate inflammation as a result of several illnesses. Beta-caryophyllene, another marijuana component that affects the CB2 receptor, has this effect. During a 2008 study, researchers looked at mice with inflamed paws. Oral beta-caryophyllene doses given to the mice resulted in a 70 percent decrease in inflammation, according to the researchers. The mice didn’t experience any benefit because they didn’t have CB2 receptors.

CBD and THC reduce both the creation and discharge of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as inflammation. They also inhibite LPS-induced STAT 1 transcription factor activation, which is involved in inflammatory pathways. CBD appears to be most successful in reducing inflammation, therefore CBD-rich marijuana strains could be beneficial for people with severe inflammation.

What Symptoms of Inflammation Can Medical Marijuana Treat?

Cannabidiol (CBD) supports the concentration of endogenous cannabinoids that allows your body to resist illness and heal itself.

Endocannabinoids help to control:

• Muscle tone
• Pain
• Appetite
• Mood state
• Inflammation

There are more than 100 distinct cannabinoids in cannabis, which has the potential to reduce or relieve pain through neuromodulation in descending and ascending pain pathways, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective processes.

How to Get Medical Marijuana for Inflammation

Patients in certain states are unable to obtain medical marijuana for inflammation. Check with your state’s board of medicine to see if you qualify. Your doctor will be able to answer your queries and provide the treatment you require.

Best Methods of Marijuana Treatment to Use to Treat Inflammation

Cannabis is now commonly used to treat many disorders, including chronic pain and anxiety. In some cases, medical cannabis for inflammation can provide a greater quality of life option than traditional medicines.

Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Inhalation

The newest “go-to” for medicinal marijuana patients seeking to use their vaporizers is the inhalation technique.

Oral

Medical marijuana administered via mouth differs from that obtained by inhalation. Titration of doses with the oral route is somewhat more difficult, and effect onset is delayed. It’s also a cost-effective way to administer cannabis and inflammation therapies.

Transdermal

Cannabinoids are fat and alcohol soluble, unlike cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pass from the patch to your skin and into your circulation after application.

Topical

Lotions, oils, creams, and patches are all topical treatments. Topical applications have a special role in the treatment of illness. They’re long-lasting, non-psychoactive, non-invasive, and simple to use.

Suppositories

If you need some serious assistance, suppositories might be the answer. While this is a rare mode of administration, it may be useful if you want therapy on the go. Before using, refrigerate the medication. This technique is quick , long-lasting, and successful.

Sublingual

Sublinguals are available in tinctures and essential oils. They’re quick and simple to use. They’re handy, and children prefer them.

When you’re ready to begin your cannabis therapy for inflammation, there are a few things to think about while selecting medical marijuana providers.

• Selection of cannabis available
• Quality of marijuana
• Attention to customers
• Price of weed
• Safety and health regulations
• Delivery and location services
• Transparency

Best Strains of Marijuana for Inflammation

Recon

ReCon, also known as “Recon” or “ReCon OG,” is an indica dominant hybrid strain (80% indica/20% sativa) created by crossing the legendary LA Confidential X Cannadential strains. ReCon is a wonderful option for any old-school indica lover, with a calming yet stimulating body heavy high that will help you unwind after a long and stressful day. The peak features a soft crawling undertone, which creeps over you gradually and then takes hold. You’ll suddenly feel light yet calm, with a tingly physical sensation that makes you feel somewhat couch-locked, drowsy, and totally relaxed from head to toe. As your body goes into unshakable relaxation, it will lend itself well to leisurely social gatherings.

ReCon is frequently used to treat people suffering from diseases such as chronic stress or anxiety, depression, sleeplessness or nightmares, and chronic pain because of these effects and its high 25-33% THC percentage with 0-3% CBD content. This bud has a pleasant fruity berry taste with undertones of lightly fiery cherries. The scent is earthy and pungent, with a spicy fruity overtone complemented by full cherry wine and fresh herbs. ReCon buds have enormous fluffy spade-shaped forest green nuggets with dark olive green leaves, thin orange hairs, and a film of tiny, amber-tinted white crystal trichomes.

Cannatonic

We’ve previously covered this cannabis variety. Cannatonic is high in CBD. Cannatonic is a CBD-to-THC 1:1 strain. This distinction makes Cannatonic a unique variety. Cannatonic is a Spanish cannabis strain created by crossing Reina Madre and NYC Diesel, both of which are THC-dominant strains. This cannabis strain is ideal for novices because its CBD content may help to alleviate anxiety and psychosis brought on by THC.

Harlequin

Another CBD-rich cannabis strain is Haze. Harlequin is a great choice for those who are new to cannabis. Harlequin is a Sativa-rich strain with a 5:2 CBD:THC ratio. This strain has even higher levels of CBD than Cannatonic, yet it also includes “a lot” of THC. Because of its high CBD content, Harlequin is additionally a strain we strongly suggest for beginners. Both cannabinoids (as well as CBG and traces from other cannabinoids) reduce pain and inflammation by interacting with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Harlequin is a powerful cannabis strain for the relief of arthritis. It’s also unlikely you’ll get THC-related paranoia because to its high CBD content.

CBD OG

A CBD-rich cannabis variety. CBD OG is a great cannabis strain to reduce inflammation. It has a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio. It contains 10% CBD (5% THC). Because of its low THC content, it isn’t a good high-THC strain. CBD OG is an excellent medical marijuana strain. If you’re looking for a way to decrease inflammation, try out CBD OG. It’s an ideal option for individuals who don’t tolerate much THC.

AC/DC

ACDC is a strain with an anti-inflammatory effect. Another CBD-rich cannabis variety is ACDC. This popular medical cannabis plant is particularly beneficial to treat chronic pain. Many patients claim that this strain aids in the treatment of nerve discomfort.

Tangie Sunrise

The very rich Tangie Sunrise is a strain that makes the user feel uplifted and happy. Tangie Sunrise has a lot of THC (16 percent) and may be used to relieve joint pain, stress, tiredness, and sadness. Tangie Sunrise is a cross between Jack Herer and Orange Crush.

Girl Scout Cookies

GSC is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain (76.5% sativa/13.5% indica) that was originally bred in the United States and resold to Dutch breeders. It has 19 percent THC, which makes it one of the most potent strains on this list. This strain is also known as GSC and belongs to the Kush family like many others on this list. Girl Scout Cookies is a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, both of which are from South Africa. Chronic inflammation can be effectively treated with this medication.

The Gift

The Gift, sometimes known as RG8, is a CBD-rich cannabis strain with a low THC concentration. This strain provides restful and anti-inflammatory effects without the euphoric or psychological highs produced by THC. The Gift is wonderful for people who are afflicted with arthritis or sleeplessness and want to reduce inflammation without experiencing anxiety or mania. Furthermore, the Gift may aid in the relief of arthritic pain and sleeplessness.

The Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Cannabis

A plethora of chemicals are present in cannabis plants, called cannabinoids; 113 of them have been discovered thus far, and more may be identified as research into the legal marijuana market increases.

Cannabinoids, like other functional foods, have been found to lower inflammation and alleviate the symptoms it causes. Pain, tiredness, and a sense of discomfort are some of the symptoms.

Cannabinoids’ ability to fight inflammation has made them a research topic in connection with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and hepatitis C where the reduction of inflammation might protect the patient. Cannabinoids, according to a study conducted by Nagarkatti (2010), “may also help with certain types of cancers that are driven by chronic inflammation.” Tumor growth is affected by inflammation suppression.

What To Look For In Cannabis For Inflammation

Cannabidiol (CBD) is perhaps the most well-known and important cannabinoid when it comes to inflammation. The legality of CBD in all 50 states across the United States, as well as its non-psychoactive effects, explain much of its popularity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been utilized for decades to reduce inflammation and ease localized physical pain. CBD, like THC (psychoactive component of cannabis), is present in marijuana, although it is more plentiful in the hemp plant. Hemp is a non-psychoactive counterpart to marijuana that contains more CBD.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that exist in the cannabis plant and have a variety of effects. CBD, as a cannabinoid, has been given with a wide range of therapeutic functions. One of which is incredible anti-inflammatory qualities. As a result, the majority of the strains on this list have greater levels of CBD than other varieties.

Some of the common side effects of marijuana include:

High sensation: Many individuals find marijuana’s euphoric effect pleasurable. While many people enjoy this feeling of pleasure, it is important to understand and plan for the fact that this sense of happiness might cause difficulties when performing particular activities such as driving and working.

Drowsiness: When you use cannabis to treat inflammation or other conditions, you might feel drowsy. This sensation might cause problems with several day-to-day activities. When attempting to sleep, on the other hand, it can be a benefit because of its alerting properties. Sativa-dominant strains are ideal for maintaining your attention when you know you need it most.

Increased appetite: Some individuals who use medical marijuana claim to feel hungrier. This can be a positive or negative side effect, depending on the person. If the patient has a poor appetite or needs to acquire weight for medical reasons, it is frequently considered a beneficial consequence.

Inflammation can be painful and dangerous. Many patients find the numerous possible marijuana side effects to be worth it in order for them to combat their inflammation. When compared to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs and other types of therapy, marijuana is both inexpensive and natural.