Pain is an all-too-familiar sensation for most people (especially those in the 'middle-aged' category or older). Right here in the UK, nearly 34% of the population (nearly15.5 million people) are affected by some level of disabling pain daily.
Whether it's chronic pain from a long-standing condition, acute pain from an injury, neuropathic pain from nerve damage, or musculoskeletal pain from overuse, it can quickly diminish your quality of life to the point of desperation.
Although there is an almost never-ending list of pharmaceutical options for managing pain, many come with a list of side effects longer than the wait time at your local A&E. Some options are ineffective for certain types of pain or may not work for all patients. And we all know the risks that heavy painkillers (like certain opioids) can bring - from addiction to liver damage - and the limitations of milder painkillers, like ibuprofen and paracetamol.
But what if there was a more natural and holistic approach to managing pain?
Enter medical cannabis, the unassuming but potentially life-changing pain treatment option.
Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option here in the UK since November 2018, and chronic pain is one of the most common conditions that it is prescribed for.
But with so many weed strains for pain on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?
You don't - that's where we come in!
Let's see what the science has to say, what the experts recommend, and what experiences others have had with the best medical marijuana strains for pain in the UK...
Key Takeaways
Medical Cannabis as a Pain Relief Option: Medical cannabis, particularly strains with high CBD content, presents a viable option for pain relief without the severe side effects associated with opioids.
Strains Impact Pain Differently: The efficacy of different cannabis strains for pain relief varies greatly depending on the individual's unique body chemistry, medical history, and tolerance to cannabinoids.
Non-Smoking Methods Recommended: In the UK, non-smoking consumption methods such as vapourising, sublingual administration, oral consumption, and topicals are recommended for medical cannabis use due to health considerations.
Efficacy and Duration of Effects: The method of consumption influences the onset and duration of the effects, ranging from quick relief via sublingual administration to prolonged relief through oral consumption.
Consulting Specialists: Engaging with a trusted private medical cannabis clinic and professionals is essential in determining the most suitable strain, dosage, and method of consumption for effective and personalised pain relief.
How does cannabis help with different types of pain?
Before we dive into the research regarding cannabis and pain suppression, let's have a quick look at the different types of pain.
Pain explained
Pain comes in many shapes and forms, but it's mainly split into two categories: nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Within these two categories, there are different types of pain that can result from various sources, such as inflammation, injury, or nerve damage.
Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage and typically occurs in acute pain situations like a sprained ankle or a cut on your finger. It is often described as sharp or throbbing and can be accompanied by swelling and reddening.
Neuropathic pain, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the nerves themselves and can be chronic and debilitating. It's often described as a burning or shooting sensation accompanied by numbness or tingling.
Now, let's see how cannabis interacts with our body to provide pain relief.
How does cannabis relieve pain?
The human body has an intricate system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various functions, including pain perception, and the inflammatory response to injury.
The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally in our body) that interact with the ECS receptors, and enzymes that break down these cannabinoids.
But it's not just our bodies that produce cannabinoids. Cannabis plants also contain over 100 different cannabinoids, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
When we consume cannabis, these plant-based cannabinoids interact with our ECS receptors (along with a range of other receptors), causing a cascade of effects that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
How do cannabinoids and their interactions with the ECS modulate pain levels?
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid for its psychoactive effects (it's what gives you that "high" feeling), but it also has potent pain-relieving properties. THC activates CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, which can help reduce nociceptive and neuropathic pain by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters associated with pain and inflammation.
CBD has a weak affinity for CB2 receptors, which are found in immune cells and peripheral tissues, but it has other mechanisms for pain relief. CBD can interact with various receptors and channels (such as TRPV1), which affect pain perception and inflammation.
Research suggests that combining THC and CBD (along with other cannabis compounds like terpenes and flavonoids) can produce synergistic effects, making them a powerful combination for pain relief. This is referred to as the entourage effect, where different cannabis compounds work together to provide enhanced therapeutic benefits.
The different types of weed: Indica, Sativa and Hybrids
Weed strains have historically been split into three main categories: Indica vs Sativa and Hybrids.
Although this method of classification is gradually being phased out in both recreational and medical marijuana settings, it's definitely still worth exploring.
Ongoing research indicates that the effects of cannabis consumption are more closely tied to the specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles of individual strains. However, the broad categorizations of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid still hold some validity, as the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence supports the idea that different strains produce different effects.
Indica cannabis strains
Indica strains are often associated with relaxation and sedation, making them ideal for evening/nighttime use. The original 'landrace' Indica strains produced higher levels of CBD compared to Sativa strains, but in today's market, you can find Sativa options with elevated levels of CBD.
Why is this important?
Although the current research does point to THC being more important when it comes to pain relief, CBD plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and can also boost the pain-relieving properties of THC.
Sativa cannabis strains
Sativa strains are often associated with uplifting and energising effects, making them ideal for daytime use. They tend to have higher levels of THC compared to Indica strains, but as mentioned above, CBD levels can vary significantly between individual strains.
Hybrid cannabis strains
Hybrid strains are exactly what they sound like—strains that have been bred to offer patients a mix of Indica and Sativa effects by crossing two different strains together.
Because hybrids can vary in the ratio of Indica to Sativa, they can offer a more tailored experience for patients looking for specific pain relief benefits.
The importance of cannabinoids
Now, we have already alluded to the fact that different strains of weed can produce various effects. One of the biggest contributors to these differences is the cannabinoid profile of each strain. While weed plants produce more than 100 cannabinoids, there are only two that have been extensively studied so far: THC and CBD.
THC for pain relief
The growing body of research suggests that, when administered in appropriate doses, THC can effectively manage different types of pain: acute, chronic, and neuropathic.
THC has shown particular efficacy in treating more severe pain, such as neuropathic and chronic pain. However, it is also beneficial for acute pain. Studies have demonstrated that THC can reduce the inflammation and discomfort associated with acute pain, allowing patients to maintain their regular daily activities.
Medical weed containing THC may also help patients reduce the need for heavy opioids, reducing the risk of harmful and potentially fatal side effects. With the current opioid crisis that many countries (including the UK) are facing, the potential benefits of using medical weed for pain relief cannot be ignored.
CBD for inflammation and pain
CBD works differently from some traditional pain management medications. Rather than merely blocking pain signals, CBD reduces inflammation and may provide natural relief from various forms of pain, especially when combined with THC.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated CBD's efficacy in reducing pain and inflammation. For example, this case series and literature review explored CBD as a complementary treatment for acute and chronic back pain, with very positive outcomes. Another study found that nearly 60% of participants reported that CBD products alleviated their pain, while over 65% managed to reduce their reliance on pharmaceutical pain relievers.
It's also good to keep in mind that CBD can offer patients inflammation and pain relief without the potential for psychoactive effects, making it a viable option for those who want to avoid the high associated with THC.
What are the best weed strains for pain relief?
When it comes to the best weed strains for pain, unfortunately, no one strain will work for everyone. Weed affects people in different ways, and to find the right strain, patients need to take many factors into account.
That includes not just the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a particular strain but also the patient's medical history, unique body chemistry and metabolism, tolerance to cannabinoids, method of consumption, and more.
That said, there are a few options available to UK medical cannabis patients that have shown particular promise in managing pain, including:
If you're seeking the best cannabis strain for pain relief in the UK, you should contact a private medical cannabis clinic. The specialists at these clinics are not only legally authorised to prescribe medical cannabis for pain, but they also have the experience and expertise to help you select the most suitable strain for your specific needs.
How should you use cannabis for pain relief?
Most people, especially non-patients, smoke their weed. But is this the best way to use medical cannabis for pain relief?
Well, the short answer is no. There are numerous ways of using weed, each with a list of advantages and disadvantages. But it is important to keep in mind that it is illegal to smoke medical cannabis in the UK, due to the potential risks associated with inhaling smoke and the negative impact on overall health.
Instead, medical cannabis patients in the UK have access to a range of other consumption methods, including:
Vaporising flower or oil - vaping your weed is seen as a healthier option than smoking it. Vaping heats the weed without burning it, and in doing so, creating vapour that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. The effects are felt very quickly, and last for about 2 to 3 hours.
Sublingual administration of oil or tinctures - dropping a dose of oil or tincture under the tongue allows patients to quickly absorb the cannabinoids into their bloodstream without the need for inhalation, providing fast relief from pain. Effects can be felt within 15 minutes, and last for up to 4 hours.
Oral consumption of oil, capsules, or edibles - oils and edibles can be ingested orally, making them discreet and easy to use. The effects take longer to kick in (anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours) but last longer (6 to 10 hours).
Topicals - creams, balms, and lotions infused with cannabinoids can be applied directly to the affected area, providing targeted and fast relief from pain for up to 12 hours.
Concluding thoughts
So, as the research and anecdotal evidence show, the best weed strains for pain relief and inflammation may vary from person to person, depending on a range of factors.
But the above options are a great place to start. It may take a little trial and error to find the right strain, dosage, and method of consumption for your specific needs. With the help of a trusted private medical cannabis clinic, and an expert prescribing specialist, you'll be well on your way to finding natural and effective pain relief through medical weed.
In the meantime, check out all the best weed strains for pain and the best medical cannabis strains - and feel free to reach out at any time should you need some extra guidance!
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