Can THC Gummies Really Help With Pain Relief? What Science Says So Far
Increasingly, people are seeking out alternative therapies for chronic and acute pain. Variety of Options As the number of edible possibilities continues to expand, one edible growing in popularity is medical marijuana gummies for pain, which deliver a discreet and easy-to-digest method of relief that can last for hours. But the big question persists: Are THC-infused gummies a helpful treatment for pain, or do the buzzwords outweigh the evidence? To shed some light on the matter, one needs to look at that existing scientific evidence, as well as how THC affects the body and its likely benefits and risks.
Pain-relief marijuana gummies are usually filled with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in weed that gets users high. But when eaten, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network that also involves in the regulation of pain, inflammation, mood and other basic functions. Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, which is absorbed through the lungs, edibles disperse through the body when eaten and are processed through the liver, which changes THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent substance that can create more intense and longer-lasting effects.
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that THC has analgesic — pain-relieving properties. A 2017 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which reviewed more than 10,000 studies, found “substantial evidence” that cannabis is effective for treating chronic pain in adults. What’s more: A 2018 clinical review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology says cannabinoids like THC can be especially beneficial for pain conditions like neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The popularity of marijuana gummies is due to the unique way they are delivered: pacifist. Gummies offer a predictable dose of THC in a convenient pre-made format and are for those looking for a controlled experience. And they are more convenient for those who may not want to inhale cannabis and for those who prefer a smokeless, under-the-radar option. It takes about 30 to 90 minutes for its effects to take effect and they can last for as long as 4 to 8 hours, making edibles a good option for people who suffer from chronic or recurring pain.
Pharmacologically speaking, THC acts upon CB1 receptors located within the brain & nervous system. This interaction may contribute to pain reduction through modulation of the neurotransmitter release and suppression of the inflammatory signaling. A Journal of Pain (2015) study found that low doses of vaporized THC decreased the intensity of pain in patients with neuropathic pain. While the study didn’t zero in on edibles, it does give some credence to the idea that THC has general pain-relieving abilities, which would extend to gummies.
In the middle of this investigation into marijuana gummies for pain, there are some benefits and cautions to be aware of. Though many people benefit from THC, its mind-altering properties can be difficult in many cases, particularly for people new to cannabis. High amounts can have negative effects including anxiety, dizziness, or cognitive disturbances. So it’s generally best to begin with a low dose—somewhere in the range of 2.5 to 5 mg of THC—and slowly increase it from there based on personal tolerance and how the product makes you feel.
Gummies also facilitate combination formulas that contain cannabidiol (CBD), another beneficial cannabinoid reputed for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. For many, a balanced THC:CBD ratio also amplifies the therapeutic effects and lessens the high. This synergistic outperformance is commonly known as the “entourage effect,” in which multiple cannabinoids act in concert to generate benefits superior to those provided by singular compounds.
A secondary advantage to pain and marijuana gummies is the possibility of needing fewer of the traditional pharmaceuticals. Opioid drugs, though effective, carry a high risk of addiction, tolerance, and long-term effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that marijuana, including THC gummies, may offer an adjunct or even alternative treatment for certain pain-related disorders. A 2019 survey published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that, when it comes to medical cannabis users, 53 percent said that they had stopped using opioids all together after adding cannabis to their regimen.
But more rigorous, placebo-controlled clinical trials are still required to better understand the long-term effectiveness and safety of THC edibles for pain. Responses to such a dosage may differ from one person to another depending on rate of metabolism, tolerance to opiate agonists and the type of chronic pain being treated. And there are also long-standing regulatory barriers to cannabis research, which are slowly loosening as legalization spreads in North America and elsewhere.
At the end of the day, weed gummies for pain are a compelling option for people looking for natural relief from chronic pain. Now, they are able to enjoy the therapeutic effects of THC in a discreet, easy to dose product that can be integrated into their active everyday life. According to reviewers they are effective, enduring and helpful to manage symptoms – without the harsh aftertaste or effects of many over the counter painkillers.
In summary Although more studies are needed, the available evidence and user reports indicate that marijuana gummies for pain offer a promising field for pain treatment. They use THC’s potential to engage with the body’s pain-control systems, so as to deliver effective and long-lasting relief. Gummies are one of the easiest,helpful, and tastiest ways to use cannabinoid products.
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