Using cannabis for pain relief and pain management is not a new concept. People for many years have been treating the plant as a recreational and medicinal herb for a reason. That said, marijuana is still illegal for medicinal and recreational purposes in many states in the United States of America. However, the derivatives and the chemical cannabinoids like THC and CBD present in cannabis plants are gaining popularity lately.
Cannabis may help users in many ways like anxiety and pain relief, stress relief, treating insomnia, etc. However, since cannabis still falls under the scheduled drugs category, there is limited clinical research about its components. So that leads to an open debate whether CBD or THC is more effective in pain management. And if you, too, are in a state of perplexity, this article is for you. We’ll discuss CBD and THC to understand which cannabis component is better to keep chronic pain at bay.
What is CBD?
As mentioned above, CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants – marijuana and hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is not a highly psychoactive substance, meaning it does not cause euphoric or high effects on the user.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is renowned for its potent, soothing, and calming properties. Some of the benefits of using CBD may include the following.
Anxiety
CBD may act as a natural medication for anxiety relief. It interacts with the ECS and can regulate the serotonin levels in the body, reducing anxiety and uplifting the mood. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for mood, appetite, and other bodily functions.
Insomnia and Epilepsy
CBD may also help in improving your sleep quality and reduce chronic insomnia. Studies indicate that around 10 to 30% of adults experience chronic insomnia. The calming properties of CBD may help the user relax and stay in slumber sleep.
CBD may also help in reducing seizures among children experiencing epilepsy. The FDA has also approved a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for the same.
CBD and Pain Management
Talking about pain management, the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of CBD may help in pain management. CBD interacts with ECS (endocannabinoid system) present in the body and stops the pain receiving transmitters from receiving pain signals from various body parts. That way, it numbs and alters the perception of pain in the body.
CBD Products
The varieties of CBD products are endless, ranging from CBD balms, cheap cbd vape juice to CBD edibles like gummies. Gummies like Sunday Scaries CBD gummies may be a better option for novice CBD users wanting to avoid the earthly taste of CBD oils.
What is THC?
Another most studied cannabinoid present in cannabis plants, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), is highly psychoactive. The chemical compound responsible for the ‘high’ users experience after smoking marijuana or consuming cannabis edibles like brownies. Though THC is usually in the negative zone because of its psychoactive effects, it sure has some benefits, just like its close acquaintance, CBD.
Benefits of THC
THC and CBD may share some benefits by helping treat many common health conditions.
Anxiety
THC may also help reduce anxiety, like CBD. However, there’s a catch. It may reduce anxiety levels among users only when taken in small amounts. High amounts of THC can cause adverse effects like paranoia and anxiety. So, dosage plays a crucial role in using THC for anxiety disorders.
Increase in Appetite
Increased appetite can be another benefit of THC. We all know about the marijuana munchies where people load up on snacks after a smoking session. The scientific reason behind that may be the stimulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain by THC.
THC and Pain Management
THC can also help in pain management. However, while CBD may help reduce inflammatory pain, THC may help relieve neuropathic pain, central pain, and pain induced by medical treatments and illnesses. It may significantly help ease pain and nausea among cancer patients caused by chemotherapy. THC also contains some anti-inflammatory properties and can help with inflammatory pain up to an extent.
THC Products
There are many THC products and supplements available. Whether you like THC edibles like gummies and capsules or like to smoke a THC vape, the options are endless. However, the most common form of consuming THC is marijuana.
Which One is The Best for Pain Relief?
Research states that neither CBD, not THC alone are likely to help with pain management. However, when taken together, CBD and THC may show some promising results in relieving chronic pain. The reason may be that CBD acts primarily on inflammatory pain, acting upon the factors causing it, and THC may help cope with the pain. That said, it may better to watch out for THC levels in CBD supplements and use products with 0.3% THC to avoid health and legal complications. Moreover, CBD may reduce the psychoactive effects of THC when taken together.
Final Thoughts
Both CBD and THC can be beneficial to users as they both may help with various health conditions. However, both show better results for pain relief in synergy. That said, it’s better to buy only high-quality cannabis supplements from renowned sellers. Also, consult your doctor before using CBD or THC supplements, whether it will counter any existing medication or the treatment you are going through. Start with small amounts and increase your dosage accordingly.
