Pain is a signal that is sent by the nervous system to the brain to warn it about a potential threat in the body. There are two primary types of pain: Acute and Chronic pain.
Acute pain is the pain that results from traumatic injuries such as surgery mounds, muscle strains, burns, bone fractures, burns, and cuts, etc. This type of pain brings on sharp sensations, but are short-lived and lasts not more than six months.
Chronic pain is the most common medical condition for which cannabis is used as a treatment. For centuries, this organic plant is used for treating the sensations of chronic pain. And now, it has been legally available in different states of the world.
CHRONIC PAIN: MEANING AND CAUSES
Chronic pain is a long-lasting, niggling type of pain that has a great impact on one’s life. It results from illnesses i.e. cancer, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, some other causes of chronic pain are nervous system pathology, injuries, and suboptimal biomechanics. Chronic pain is also observed in some people without any obvious tissue damage or pathology, with symptoms lasting longer than six months to up to a year.
Pain science is a very complex topic, with leading physicians describing the cause of pain as having “biopsychosocial” factors. “Bio” refers to several biological factors such as tissue injury, “psycho” means psychological factors, while “social” refers to factors i.e. such as workload, stress, and environment. Any of these factors can result in giving a feeling of pain to an individual.
In the present world, especially after the legalization of marijuana, most of the people have started using cannabis to treat their chronic pain, as this organic plant provides effective short-term relief, and result in an increased quality of life. Cannabis has been reported to improve chronic pain, boost mood, and enhance sleep, even in small amounts.
HOW CANNABIS IMPACTS CHRONIC PAIN
Cannabis acts as a pain reliever after its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (a signal receptors system throughout the body). When an individual is in a condition of chronic pain, these receptor sites get activated by internal molecules known as endocannabinoids. These molecules (endocannabinoids) have a very similar structure to phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids). In this way, these external cannabinoids can influence the ECS in ways similar to their internal counterparts.
THC and CBD (cannabinoid types) can change cannabinoid receptor signaling, resulting in varying pain thresholds. There is a lot more to explore about the relationship between chronic pain and cannabis, but the research in this niche appears promising.
Here are the 5 most popular cannabis strains that have been reported to be effective with chronic pain.
- WHITE WIDOW
To deal with chronic pain, a white window is the most commonly used cannabis strain. This species has the power of reducing the painful sensations on multiple fronts simultaneously. The presence of high THC level helps to reduce the inflammatory molecules, and 50% indica genetics soothe the muscles, ends anxiety, and calms the body. Along with treating physical pain, this cannabis species also helps in relieving pain at the psychological level. The 50% Sativa genetics in the paint helps induce feelings of euphoria, happiness, and motivation. Along with these therapeutic effects, the white widow also produces calming scents and flavors of earth, wood, and flowers. Medium levels of CBD further enhance both the physical and psychological potential of this species. White Widow also grows indoor as it only reaches about 60–100 cm in height.
- ROYAL JACK
Royal Jack is the auto-flowering variety of marijuana. It belongs to a legendary strain of Jack Herer, named after the famous cannabis activist and author. Jack Herer is a Sativa-dominant variety of cannabis that is known for its sane, joyous sensations, and pain-relieving potential. The breeders of Royal Jack uses these curative properties and fuse them with cannabis ruderalis variety to make the growing process of this plant much faster and easier. This species contains 16% of THC that is enough to reduce symptoms of pain without being too overwhelming. It also contains 40% Sativa, 30% indica, and 30% ruderalis that helps in staying positive and reducing physical sensations of pain. It has an intense taste of pepper, herbs, and spices that makes it very pleasant.
Royal Jack can be grown easily at home. It also grows indoor up to 40–80cm in height. Even though the plant’s small, it’s still capable of producing yields of up to 400g/m². While outdoors, it grows up to 60–80cm. For those looking to be particularly discreet, this strain is an excellent guerrilla grow option that has minimal chances of being discovered.
- OG KUSH
OG Kush is one of the popular variety of cannabis that has originated from Northern California. This species is derived from breeding of Lemon Thai, ChemDawg, and Pakistani Kush. It has a high THC amount, full of flavor, and is capable of relieving pain. This species contains 19% THC value and high indica amount that makes the entire body numb after only a few tokes. Medium levels of CBD in it contribute to pain relief by targeting sites of inflammation. The sedating and tranquil effects of OG Kush makes it a better specie to smoke in the evening time, or when you want to relax. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed after falling asleep by this species.
OG Kush produces large yields after a short flowering period. This species reaches a height of up to 160cm indoors, producing yields of between 425–475 g/m². While the outdoor-grown ones are substantially taller and reach up to the height of 220cm, producing a yield of about 550g/plant.
- PURPLE QUEEN
Purple Queen is an indica-dominant variety of marijuana that utilizes high levels of THC to fight against pain. The species doesn’t take much time to feel changes in the pain states, after a few tokes, your body will begin to feel lighter, less stiff, and less inflamed. This purple marijuana species looks stunning indoors. It descends from Middle Eastern and Asian parent species i.e. Purple Afghani and the Hindu Kush.
Being high in THC, this marijuana variety offers massive yields that provide pain sufferers with therapeutic relieving properties. This species grows indoor to heights of between 80–120cm, yielding about 450–500g/m². If this species is grown outdoors, it can yields up to 700g/plant with a height of around 175–210cm.
- GREEN PUNCH
Green Punch is an effective marijuana species that is used for treating various pains. Whether you’re in pain due to a muscle pull after exercise, or you have persistent chronic aches, this species has the power to fight against the niggling sensations from muscles and joints, providing a relief no matter what time of the day it is. The genetic composition of Green Punch contains 60% Sativa and 40% indica, making is a perfect pain-killing strain. The indica helps in targeting the physical pain, while Sativa makes users remain motivated and productive. The strain has derived from the breeding of Green Crack and Purple Punch and provides a smooth smoke infused with fruity flavors of grapes, berries, and citrus.