Cannabis has been gaining immense popularity as an alternative treatment option for different medical conditions over the last decade. With different studies and tests proving its effectiveness in relieving pain, it is being used for different physical and mental health issues, such as arthritis, chronic pain, and anxiety.
The main reason why people prefer cannabis as a treatment method instead of prescribed medications is its side effects. Cannabis, as a natural drug, may have fewer and less damaging effects and can be considered a remedy for pain relief. Many cannabis products like edibles, topicals, and tinctures are used for this purpose, all of them containing a common ingredient: THC oil.
What is THC Oil?
The cannabis plant contains a psychoactive compound called THC. It is responsible for providing the euphoric effects that come with cannabis use. THC resembles the endocannabinoid chemicals in our body that are responsible for managing pain, inflammation, and the reward system of the brain. When consumed, they bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in our body and provide different relaxing effects and an elevated state of mind called the “high.”
THC is extracted from the plant using either a solvent or oil. The THC oil is then infused into different products like marijuana gummies, tinctures, baked edibles, and lotions to provide the effects of the cannabis plant.
THC and CBD(cannabidiol) are the two basic compounds of cannabis. THC has psychoactive and euphoric effects on the mind, whereas CBD is known more for its relaxing effects. While they help to treat similar medical conditions, THC may be more effective in relieving certain types of pain.
How Does THC Oil Work for Pain Relief?
The endocannabinoid system of the brain includes endocannabinoids and receptors called CB1 and CB2. This system is responsible for essential body functions like emotional regulation, temperature control, pain control, appetite, and sleep regulation. The CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system. The CB2 receptors, on the other hand, exist in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
When cannabis is consumed, THC binds with these receptors and signals them to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Low doses of THC have also been found to provide relaxing effects and improve mood. Edibles and topicals take time to show their effects, but the effects are potent and long-lasting.
Types of Pain THC Oil Can Help Manage
THC oil addresses different kinds of pain, such as:
- Chronic Pain: Certain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain can cause severe and chronic pain that affects your daily life and mental health. THC oil can provide relief from chronic pain and improve mobility and mood.
- Neuropathic Pain: THC oil also addresses pain from nerve-related issues, like diabetic neuropathy.
- Cancer-related Pain: People going through chemotherapy usually have symptoms like loss of appetite, pain, and nausea. THC oil can help to address these issues and help patients with reduced pain, increased appetite, and elevated mood.
- Muscle Spasms and MS: THC Oil has also been shown to address conditions like muscle spasms and multiple sclerosis. These conditions usually affect mobility, and THC helps lead a more normal and healthy life.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Using THC Oil
While research has shown various medicinal benefits of cannabis, it has also highlighted potential side effects and risks. The specific side effects of using THC oil are as follows:
- Psychoactive effects: THC is consumed for its psychoactive effects, like the euphoric “high.” While some people enjoy these effects, it can cause anxiety and paranoia in others. Long-term THC consumption has also been found to affect cognitive functions like memory, focus, and motor skills.
- Tolerance and Dependence: Prolonged use of THC oil can build tolerance, which means the same individual will require a more potent and frequent dose of THC to achieve the same effect. The increased consumption of THC oil can lead to dependence – when a person isn’t able to function normally without consuming cannabis.
- Other Side Effects: Other common side effects include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
How to Use THC Oil for Pain Relief
Here are a few factors to consider when using THC oil for pain relief:
- Dosage: Though THC is beneficial, it is still a drug with potent side effects. You should be careful about the dosage and read the label and other available information before consuming any product. It is always suggested to start with a low dose and analyze its effects and side effects. If THC provides relief for your condition, you can slowly increase the dosage till you experience the desired effects.
- Methods of Use: THC oil can be infused in different cannabis products. You can ingest them as marijuana gummies, capsules, and tinctures. It can also be used in topical application via lotion and oil.
- Onset and Duration: Edibles take the longest for the effects to kick in, but they also last the longest. You can try out different products before you decide.
- Legal Issues: THC oil is not legal in every state. You should check for the legal status as well as restrictions on the type and amount of cannabis before purchasing products or traveling.
Consult a Healthcare Provider Before Using THC Oil
THC oil, like other cannabis products, is still being tested and reviewed by medical professionals. While the medical benefits are promising, the effects and side effects differ for each individual. Therefore, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine the best THC oil-infused product for your condition. Your doctor will analyze how THC interacts with your other medications and conditions and help you make an informed decision.
Start Using THC Oil
THC oil is slowly becoming popular as a pain management solution. Whether consumed through edibles or topicals, THC provides anti-inflammatory effects and pain relief for general conditions like muscle spasms, nerve pain, arthritis, and many others. However, unlike other medications, THC oil as a drug requires extremely careful use. A user should consult a professional about dosage, potency, and interference with other medications before consuming. You should also consult a doctor to understand how THC might interact with other medications in your system. Only after carefully evaluating your options should you consume THC oil and get pain relief.