More than 40 U.S. states could allow some form of legal marijuana (strains of the cannabis plant that contain cannabinoids) by the end of 2020. Whether it is Recreational or Medical, your state if it is not already, may open up this option of treatment to many of you soon. This trend is not only seemingly flying through state legislators, even in the more conservative states; but, many believe that the federal legalization will occur during this decade (until now it has still been illegal federally, but the majority of federal jurisdictions have chosen not prosecute violations that are supported by state laws). Therefore, we should have a talk about these products and how they may benefit nephropathy sufferers.
An Article in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2018 December, highlighted that cannabis may be an effective alternative for peripheral neuropathy for which many standard treatments often provide little relief. While studies are still limited, they have shown cannabis to moderately improve pain, aid in better sleep, and improved function. Cannabis has been used as an analgesic for centuries. The plant contains more than 400 chemical compounds and is often used for its euphoric properties. However, I must point out that adverse effects such as throat irritation, headache, and dizziness are common, and serious neuropsychiatric effects can occur at high doses. Furthermore, Long-term use may lead to addiction and cognitive impairment. Like many things with neuropathy, you must weigh the benefits versus the potential risks associated with this type of treatment. Here I will try to give you an overall introduction to cannabis sativa if you are thinking about trying it as a treatment option.
THC vs. CBD vs. CBN
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main components and the 2 best-studied cannabinoids with analgesic effects. However, there are many many more that have not been studied as much, such as CBN which we will discuss below.
THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Its effects include relaxation, altered perception, heightened sensations, increased libido, and perceptual distortions of time and space. Temporary effects may include decreased short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor function, conjunctival injection, paranoia, and anxiety.
CBD is nonpsychoactive and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation without the effects of THC. Other compounds in the cannabis plant include phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and tapenoids, which may produce individual, interactive, or synergistic effects.
CBN is actually a bi-product of THC and is a non-intoxicating compound that is best known as the cannabinoid created when THC ages. For that reason, it’s usually present in high amounts in older cannabis. While this might be a turn-off for some, others seek out older cannabis just to enjoy the effects of CBN. The products for CBN are less, but I believe they will be developed more in the future. While there is not enough scientific study into the effects of CBN, it is believed to be potentially effective for combating pain and inflammation, bone health, controlling convulsant behavior, and may be an important non-psychoactive reliever for neuropathy patients.
Different strains of cannabis have varying amounts of the individual components, making comparisons among clinical studies difficult, but we will discuss this later.
Products
CBD products again should not contain THC and therefore they do not have the psychoactive (stoned, high, altered) effect. Generally CBD oil is sold in the form of capsules, topical balm, bath salts, gummies (edibles), and many other products. They even have it for your dogs! The key here is that you are getting a pure CBD product. Many of the products out there, (unfortunately many on Amazon, as Amazon actually does not allow the sale of CBD), are not the real deal. Instead they are most likely made of hemp oil, sometimes referred to as hemp seed oil, which is cold pressed so it does not contain THC, but unfortunately also contains very little CBD as well. Therefore, you must do your research and realize that the cost of pure CBD currently can be significant. Our Online Community would be a good place to ask what people are using.
There is even more forms of overall cannabis products that contain THC. No longer is it just smoked (while still a popular method), there are multiple forms of edibles, oils, topicals, and whatever other induction method you can think of. Our medical dispensaries seem to deal mostly in the bud itself for smoking, vape cartridges of oil to be inserted into what is called a vape pen, and edibles such as gummies. One note on vaping, with the rash of vaping related illnesses, I would caution you to again, do your own research. While mostly with black market nicotine related problems, there have been issues with cannabis oils as well. Realize that there is just many unknowns about vaping, and smoking cannabis the traditional way, does not have the same effect on your heart and lungs as cigarettes do.
It is important to know that medical marijuana products vary widely and so no consistent recommendations can be made on dosing. A general common sense approach recommended by some doctors is “start low, go slow, and stay low.” One study found that 25 mg herbal cannabis with 9.4% THC, administered as a single smoked inhalation three times daily for five days, significantly reduced average pain intensity compared with a 0% THC cannabis placebo in adult participants with chronic post-traumatic or postsurgical neuropathic pain.
The two main types of cannabis, sativa and indica, are used for a number of medicinal and recreational purposes. Sativas are known for their “head high,” an invigorating, energizing effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase creativity and focus. Indicas are typically associated with full-body effects, such as increasing deep relaxation and reducing insomnia. There are also hybrids of these two types. Within these types are what is called strains which are the specifically grown seeded plants. This is where we go wild!! There are strains out there for their medicinal effect and also ones that are purely a marketing ploy. There also constantly evolving hybrids of these strains gaining ground which all together consist of thousands upon thousands of strains.
Strains for Neuropathy
While there are many many strains out there that may also have a desired effect, generally the following strains have been named most effective in neuropathy:
Blue Dream - A rather potent cross between the ever classic strains Haze and Blueberry, Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that has really made a name for itself in the medical community. Perfect for daytime use, it’s become especially popular for those who suffer from pain. It has a relatively high THC level that averages between a low of 17% and a high of 24%. The CBN and CBD levels reach 1% and 2% respectively.
Jack Herer - originates from the popular sativa strain Haze, crossed with Northern lights and Shiva Skunk to provide strong indica properties: It’s well known as nature’s painkiller. Originating in the mid-1990s, it was bred in the Netherlands with the purpose of creating a highly medical strain by combining the clear-headed properties of Haze with the overwhelming bounty of resins of Northern Lights and Shiva Skunk. This sativa strain helps to ease pain while giving you everything that you would expect from a great sativa. Jack Herer is described as having a pine and earthy like flavor and a CBD range between 0.3% and 2%.
Harlequin - is a strain that provides a near-perfect combination of cannabinoids that work to relieve nerve pain while ensuring that you never get high. With a typical CBD/THC ratio of 5:2, this is a particularly useful strain for those who suffer from neuropathic pain or epilepsy. It doesn’t come with the same psychoactive effects that are associated with strains with a high THC level, which means that it won’t get you high. This strain is perfect for new cannabis users or those who “fear” the psychoactive high that may accompany strains with a high level of THC. It’s excellent for pain relief because it helps you to relax, soothes nerve pain, and keeps the mind sharp and active.
White Window - is a strain that is one of the most popular in the world. Its main medical use is stress, pain, and insomnia. White Widow originates from the Netherlands and is a half-and-half hybrid between indica and sativa that will make your entire body feel relaxed. For this reason, this strain is best used after work. In terms of THC percentage, White Widow tops out at a staggering 20% to 25% level, making it one of the strongest and most potent strains in the world. This strain will leave you feeling energized yet relaxed and in a complete state of euphoria, which will allow you to function mentally with maybe just a slightly more positive energy overall. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a strain that will not cause tiredness, lack of energy, or lethargy, yet also won’t feel like complete stimulation in their body. White Widow is the perfect balance between feeling both relaxed and alive. White Widow is particularly good for those suffering from chronic pain, and more specifically neuropathic pain, since it acts as a neuroprotector and has incredible anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
ACDC - is a sativa-dominant strain that is best known for its pain-killing abilities. What is profound about this strain is that it has a THC:CBD ratio of 1:20, which essentially means that it has no psychoactive effects. Cannabis strains that have a high CBD content won’t alter your mind or cause changes in mood, and also won’t touch the nervous system as other strains do. The high CBD content of ACDC makes it great for treating inflammatory conditions, and it can help soothe the pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, and, of course, neuropathy. With little to no psychoactive effects, you can expect to experience relaxation while the pain melts away and the mind settles into a peaceful groove.
Afgan Kush - If you’re looking for something to knock you out, consider this high profile indica. It’s pungent, potent and perfect for pain relief. Those suffering from muscular or back pain will stay relaxed. Look forward to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties as well.
Jack Flash - This sativa-dominant hybrid is great for managing pain throughout the day. Some say it’s a like a caffeine boost—slightly uplifting and energizing. Not only is this strain a painkiller and neuro-protector, but it’s been shown to have antitumor and inflammation effects to help keep your brain healthy and your body free of pain.
I would suggest that if you are new to all of this, you again either join our online community and get real people who have been where you are join here: Neuropathy Info Online Community, or even go into your local dispensary and tell them what conditions you are looking for relief from. If you are unsure of the laws of your state you can check out a map here and it will give you a link to your states laws.
"Of course I know how to roll a joint."
-Martha Stewart
DISCLAIMER This article is for educational purposes and to give general information and a general understanding of the cannabis and laws relating to cannabis. It is not intended to provide specific medical or legal advice, nor should you use it for that purpose. By using this blog you understand there is no attorney client relationship between you and the article publisher and you should not use this blog as a substitute for competent legal or medical advice from a licensed attorney or physician in your state.
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