10 min read
The beginners guide to cannabis & chronic pain.
Over 10% of Americans use medical cannabis regularly as an alternative to pharmaceuticals and other treatment options, and that number continues to grow. If you’re starting to consider medical cannabis, you may have questions. How does it work? What are the right products for me? How can I get the most out of my medication and my budget? Sound familiar? Let’s talk.
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons physicians recommend medical marijuana. In this guide, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from chronic pain sufferers, along with the most important intro-to-weed information that many patients don’t even know to ask about.
Scroll to explore or jump to what you need using the navigation links below. If at any time, you have more questions or want to talk to a doctor, we’re here to help.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Why Choose Cannabis?
The Science Behind Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Potential Risks & Interactions
Medical vs Recreational
THC vs CBD
Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid
Method of Consumption
What to Expect Your First Time
Finding the Right Dosage
Finding the Right Cannabis Products for Chronic Pain
Your Preferred Way to Consume
How “High” You Want to Be
Cannabinoids & Terpenes
Product Label & Functional Ingredients
Can’t Find the Right Product?
Expert Guide to Stretch Your Budget
Navigating Your State’s Medical Cannabis Program
State Registries
State Laws & Regulations
Pros & Cons of Getting a Med Card
How to Find a Qualified Doctor Near You
Cannabis & Chronic Pain
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is one of the most commonly occurring conditions in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most challenging for many patients to successfully treat. A wide range of possible causes, high cost of medication, and potentially addictive treatments can all leave patients wondering if natural and effective relief is really possible.
Why Choose Cannabis?
Medical cannabis has shown promise in alleviating a wide range of chronic pain causes and symptoms. Chronic pain affects patients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And successful treatment requires an approach that extends beyond alleviating physiological pain (though that is certainly an important aspect). In fact, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons physicians recommend medical marijuana.
A 2022 review of over 211,000 medical cannabis patients found that 26.3% were using cannabis for chronic or severe pain (38.1% if we include arthritis, migraines, or intractable headaches). Some of the symptoms that medical cannabis has been known to treat are the following:
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Muscle and joint pain
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
The Science Behind Cannabis for Chronic Pain.
Our body’s endocannabinoid system is distributed throughout the body and brain. The body naturally produces its own cannabinoids that bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors to help regulate vital functions like immune response, appetite, and communication between cells. Cannabinoids found in cannabis – like THC and CBD (we cover these in greater detail below) – can bind to the body’s CB receptors to trigger different effects that may benefit chronic pain sufferers. And while further study is needed, early results are promising.
Pain Relief
A 2015 clinical review found that cannabis use helped multiple sclerosis (MS) patients manage spasticity and chronic and neuropathic pain. 2015 also saw a study of roughly 17,000 cancer patients, reporting that 70% experienced improved pain levels and overall well-being when using cannabis.
Reduced Opioid Use
One survey of medical cannabis patients treating chronic pain found that 55% reported “great relief” from their pain, while the other 45% reported “good relief.” A 2017 report of nearly 2900 medical cannabis patients found that 97% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they could decrease their opioid use when using cannabis. And the evidence extends beyond consumer anecdotes.
A 2020 systemic review found up to a 75% drop in opioid usage in patients who used medical cannabis to help treat chronic pain.
Treating Co-Occurring Conditions
In addition to its potential benefits on pain relief and opioid dependence, cannabis has shown promise in alleviating commonly co-occurring conditions, such as migraines, arthritis, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
A 2016 study indicated that cannabis could serve as a possible alternative migraine treatment. A 2020 study reinforced findings that cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce pain and discomfort in dogs with osteoarthritis. In a small 2020 study, 71% of participants reported improved sleep. A few years later, a 2022 study found cannabis can be effective in reducing insomnia symptoms related to depression or anxiety.
Research into the benefits of cannabis remains in the very early stages. But given the positive initial findings, it’s no wonder so many doctors and patients are considering it as part of their approach to chronic pain treatment.
Introduction to Cannabis
Medical vs Recreational Cannabis
Depending on your state of residence, getting a medical cannabis card may grant you access to one or more of the following benefits.
Greater selection of products and potencies
Higher cultivation limits
Greater legal protections
Safer products with more rigorous testing requirements
Increased medical resources and product guidance
Exempt from paying certain taxes!
THC vs CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are 2 of over 100 chemical compounds created by the cannabis plant, called cannabinoids. THC produces many of the beneficial effects of cannabis, including the psychoactive “high” often associated with the plant. The effects of THC can vary based on the consumer and the quantity consumed: it can be relaxing or it can cause anxiety; it can be energizing or it can make you sleepy.
CBD is most commonly associated with medical cannabis use due to its reported benefits in helping regulate bodily functions such as sleep, mood, hunger, and recall. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. In fact, CBD may help offset some of THCs psychoactive effects.
Consumers should note that while hemp-derived CBD is more readily available, it has not been shown to be as effective as full plant-extract CBD (which you can only access through regulated markets). While many products prioritize higher quantities of THC or CBD, consumers are increasingly searching for a combination of the two as a way to capitalize on the entourage effect, or the synergistic interaction of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids naturally found in cannabis.
Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid
Sativa and indica are often used to tell novice consumers what kind of psychoactive effects a strain might offer. For many consumers, choosing between “THC vs CBD” or “sativa vs indica” is too general to help them find the right effects. So how can you find the right product for your unique needs?
Sativa is heady and energizing.
Indica is physically relaxing.
Hybrid strains fall somewhere between the two.
Getting the Right Effects
Method of Consumption
Whether you want to stay productive throughout the day, sleep throughout the night, or relieve chronic pain without any psychoactive effects so you can focus on the things that matter most, there is a cannabis product for you. Let’s look at the key factors all consumers should consider when choosing their next strain, extract, edible, or topical. Every consumption method has its own pros and cons, including health effects, enjoyment factor (social use, how “high” you want to be), and cost. In the end, finding the “right” method for you is a matter of personal preference.
Smoking
Pros:
Convenient.
Inexpensive.
Works quickly.
Can grow your own in many states.
Cons:
Can irritate throat and lungs.
Many strains prioritize THC over other cannabinoids.
Works quickly.
Can grow your own in many states.
Vaping
Pros:
Convenient.
Discreet.
Works quickly.
Easy to regulate dosage.
Easier to find CBD options.
Cons:
High initial cost.
May be too strong for new consumers.
Can irritate throat and lungs.
Edibles
Pros:
Discreet.
Long Lasting
Easy to regulate dosage.
Easy to find CBD options.
Cons:
Long onset time can lead to consuming too much.
Effects may last longer or hit harder than desired, especially for new consumers.
Topicals
Pros:
Localized Reflief.
Typically not psychoactive
Easy to use.
Widely available.
Cons:
Smaller selection available at many shops.
Not psychoactive.
Generally more expensive than other methods.
Tinctures
Pros:
Discreet.
Easy to regulate dosage.
Easy to find CBD options.
Sublingual ingestion allows effects to be felt faster than traditional edibles.
Cons:
Smaller selection available at many shops.
Effects may last longer or hit harder than desired, especially for new consumers.
Can cost more per package than other methods, although a single purchase may last longer.
What to Expect the First Time You Consume Cannabis
A high-THC product is more likely to produce strong psychoactive effects, whereas a low- or no-THC cannabis product will produce light psychoactive effects (or none at all). With the right products and dosage, it’s possible to reduce or completely eliminate unwanted side effects to ensure a consistently positive experience. While everyone has a different experience with cannabis, the most reported effects include:
Altered time perception
Anxiety or paranoia
Dry mouth
Happiness
Improved sleep
Increased appetite (aka “the munchies”)
Increased heart rate or blood pressure
Red or itchy eyes
Reduced focus
Reduced hand-eye coordination
Relaxation (aka “couch lock”)
Uplifted or euphoric feelings
Finding the Right Dosage
Unlike Tylenol or Aspirin, cannabis is far from one-size-fits-all when it comes to dose amount. Factors like product type and a user’s tolerance, metabolism, and even level of hydration all influence how a patient will experience a prescribed dose.
It is quite common for medical cannabis patients to request modifications to their approved dosage. And while many seek larger doses, it isn’t unusual to see physicians lowering a patient’s recommended amount. This is particularly true for newcomers who might not respond well to 10mg of THC or higher. Before consulting with your doctor, consider the various factors that could be contributing to your dosage and its effects.
Keep in mind that what works for someone else may not work for you.
01
Consider the various intake methods, like smoking or edibles, and how they may or may not suit your desired effects. Faster uptake from smoking or vaping may be more effective than cannabis edibles at reducing pain on short notice.
02
Start low, go slow. Take one dose and wait 30-60 minutes before deciding if they need an additional or higher amount.
03
Consider more than just THC or CBD. Every cannabinoid and terpene plays a part, which is why strains are so unique and varied in effects. A 2018 study suggested that dried flower and full-spectrum extracts may be more effective at treating chronic pain than isolates.
04
If you are still experiencing unwanted side effects, you may want to consider keeping a nutrition journal to understand how your diet, hydration, and other medications may be affecting your results.
Finding the Right Products for Chronic Pain
Find Your Preferred Way to Consume
For many chronic pain sufferers, finding the right cannabis products is about more than product potency. The amount of THC or CBD present in a dose is just one of many factors worth considering. So how can you find the right product for your unique needs? Go through our helpful checklist to narrow your product search. Some methods of consumption will be better than others at delivering your desired effects. Consider the following:
01 | Do you need to avoid smoking or vaping to reduce the risk of lung or throat irritation?
02 | Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies that might limit what edibles or topicals you can use?
03 | Do you want something fast-hitting (smoking, vaping, sublinguals) or long-lasting (edibles, transdermal patches)?
04 | Do you need localized relief (topicals) or a product that can help with multiple areas that are causing pain?
Understand How “High” You Want to Be
Once you’ve narrowed down the types of products you’re interested in, consider how intoxicated you are comfortable being. This table is meant as a guide only, and not an exhaustive list.
High
THC & CBD Levels
High THC
Dose Size
Larger Dose or multiple smaller doses
Product Type
Smoking
Vaping
Edibles
Moderate
THC & CBD Levels
Med THC
Up to 2:1 CBD/THC
Dose Size
One medium to large dose
Product Type
Smoking
Vaping
Edibles
Low
THC & CBD Levels
Low THC
10:1 CBD/THC
Dose Size
One small dose
Product Type
Smoking
Vaping
Edibles
None
THC & CBD Levels
No THC
At least 20:1 CBD/THC
Dose Size
Micro-dose if the product has THC
Product Type
Topicals
CBD-only edibles or extracts
Consider Cannabinoids & Terpenes
THC and CBD are only 2 of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Specific cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemical compounds can all change the effects a patient experiences. For chronic pain, many consumers prefer strains high in one or more of the following: THC, THCV, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, caryophyllene, pinene, and limonene.
Check the Product Label
Once you know what type of product you need and the cannabinoids and terpenes most likely to deliver your desired effects, it’s time to check the labels. Some products are clearly labeled for specific effects (eg “Sleep” or “Relief”). Others include functional ingredients that may help achieve the desired results. For example, gummies containing melatonin may be better suited to help chronic pain sufferers get a good night’s sleep.
Can’t Find the Right Product for You?
Need more help? Whether you’re visiting a dispensary or perusing online, ask the following questions to help find the right product for your needs.
What’s the best option for my medical condition or needs?
What is the onset time with this product? How long do the effects typically last?
Do you recommend a smoked, edible or topical option?
What terpenes and cannabinoids are best for me?
What are the most popular products among shoppers with similar needs and medical conditions?
What else should I know about this product before buying and consuming it?
What is the product’s cannabinoid and terpene ratio?
Does the product contain any functional ingredients (eg melatonin or yuzu fruit, etc)?
Can I view the certificate of authenticity or a link/QR code to the company’s lab analysis? What were the results?
What do customer reviews say, especially reviews from people with my medical condition?
Saving Green: Expert Guide to Stretch Your Budget
For many patients, one major benefit of medical cannabis is its lower cost when compared to many prescription medications. Here are the tips consumers are using to stretch their budget:
Learn how to tell good vs bad cannabis. While price is an indicator of quality, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean high quality.
Look for deals. Many dispensaries offer regular discounts in-store or online. And some offer loyalty rewards for frequent shoppers.
Store your cannabis properly to extend its shelf life and maintain quality from your first dose to your last.
Need help finding a reliable dispensary or delivery service in your area? Reach out to the NuggMD support team today!
Navigating Your State’s Medical Cannabis Program
State Registries
Find your state’s medical cannabis registry to learn more about cardholder benefits and how to register, renew, and designate a caregiver.
State Laws & Regulations
Understand the laws and regulations in your state, as well as any legal protections, tax savings, and other benefits for med card holders. Or get instant answers to all your questions by contacting the NuggMD support team.
Pros & Cons of Getting a Med Card in Your State
Even in states with legal recreational cannabis sales, getting a med card is often worth the cost. While benefits vary by state, many patients are immediately eligible for increased savings, legal protections, and are able to access higher-quality products and services.
How to Find a Qualified Doctor Near You
Finding a medical marijuana doctor can pose a challenge for many patients. Patients may not know which physicians are specifically licensed for MMJ recommendations (not all physicians are). In addition, they may not know if telemedicine services (like NuggMD) are legal or available in their state. That’s where NuggMD comes in! Our doctors are knowledgeable about medical cannabis and passionate about helping patients find relief. Sign up to speak with a friendly, state-certified doctor today.
More Questions?
Don’t let unanswered questions keep you from getting the support you need. Check out our Customer Resource Center for frequently asked questions about medical cannabis and how to get your med card online. And whether or not you plan on getting your evaluation through NuggMD, our support team is standing by to answer your questions about cannabis and telemedicine.
