Marijuana for pain relief in cancer patients is thought to work in a variety of ways. Since pain manifests in different parts of the body, selecting the appropriate cannabis product is very important. Different cannabinoids from THC and CBD have been shown to treat pain differently. There are three types of pain – nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and central pain. Each pain has a different origin, so each has an optimal treatment. Marijuana and cancer pain control means addressing all of these types of pain with specific products and specific dosages.
Pain is the result of the coordinated activation of individualized brain cells. For cancer patients, strains that are CBD rich can help protect against the development of chemotherapy-induced pain. Through the activation of serotonin receptors, medical cannabis helps to keep cancer patients pain free without interfering with the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Marijuana works similarly to the use of opioids – without all of the adverse side effects. Marijuana for cancer pain relief helps to address the inflammation that cancer treatment creates. Dosing is specific to each person, so keep in mind it might take a little bit of experimentation to find the best dose for you. There are a wide array of strains available at most dispensaries, and each will work differently in your body. Depending on the time of day you take your medical cannabis, you might prefer something that offers a body high so you can sleep and rest. If you have activities that require your energy and attention, a blend that gives both a body and a brain high might be best for you. Remember that delivery methods will provide different effects, including how quickly you feel relief and how long the relief lasts.
