Using medical marijuana to help with pain continues to grow. In fact, there is some research that has found medical marijuana to be a viable alternative to opiates. Dealing with chronic pain is very difficult, and it might make a person wonder how helpful medical marijuana can be. Therefore, before starting opiates, it’s a good idea to give marijuana a try.
How Should I Use Medical Marijuana to Reduce Pain?
One thing everyone needs to be aware of is that there are tons of different strains. Therefore, using medical marijuana isn’t as easy as it may seem. Fortunately, there are many experts available who can help point out what type to choose.
1. Consult with a Marijuana Doctor
Questions about medical marijuana are natural, and we suggest speaking to a doctor who specializes in referring patients to dispensaries. These medical professionals assess pain levels and ensure that people with chronic pain have access to something that works for them. This is the first step toward feeling better, but there are still additional steps to take.
2. Find a Good Budtender
After a medical marijuana card has been obtained, the next step is to locate a good budtender. These individuals know a lot about different strains, along with the various ways to take them. Some people with chronic pain only need to take a microdose, which doesn’t usually leave them feeling very high. Others may need to smoke throughout the day to reduce their feelings of pain.
Begin by talking about the condition that causes chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is quite different from cancer, for instance, so it needs to be treated differently. Although the pain caused by both conditions has been found treatable by medical marijuana, they require different strains.
Fibromyalgia typically comes with fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, an inability to focus, joint pain, and generalized pain.
Strains such as Harlequin, Tahoe OG, and Blueberry tend to help most fibromyalgia patients. Pain from cancer, meanwhile, can be helped with strains such as Jedi Kush, Afghan Kush, and Animal Face.
3. Don’t Give Up if a Strain Doesn’t Work
Because each strain is different, there will be some that don’t work right, regardless of which pain type they’re supposed to treat. Therefore, it’s vital to try out at least two or three strains before deciding that medical marijuana doesn’t work.
Remember: Each strain has its own profile, and each profile comes with its own potential perks and drawbacks. One of the saddest things that can happen to a chronic pain patient is feeling more anxiety or increased nausea from one strain, which therefore causes them to stop looking altogether. Pain relief is possible, though, so at least give another strain a try before quitting.
Medical marijuana isn’t right for everyone, but it does help the vast majority of chronic pain patients feel better. That’s why at least 12% of older adults admit to using it on a regular basis. Before using medical marijuana, it’s important to discuss your options with a trusted healthcare provider so you make the best decision specific to you.