Researchers suggest that cannabis or cannabinoids may be effective in treating some types of chronic pain, including neuropathy (nerve pain). For the review of research on chronic nerve pain and marijuana, researchers examined 27 studies. Researchers determined that there is weak evidence that marijuana can help nerve pain. But the study authors determined that there is not enough reliable research to reach a conclusion about whether marijuana is useful for other types of pain.
After nerve injury, neurons can become more reactive and sensitive. This can cause a series of cellular events that lead to the development of painful nerve endings. Cannabinoids can reduce nerve pain by altering these cellular functions. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD activate CB1 and CB2 receptors and help regulate neurotransmitters and the central nervous system, helping to relieve pain.
Cannabis also plays a role in the endorphin system and can reduce the patient's perception of pain, making them feel less intense and easier to treat. For a long time, strong prescription pain relievers were thought to be the only option for patients with nerve pain. Studies based on NIDA strains likely underestimate the risks of consumer-purchased cannabis, as THC is believed to be primarily responsible for the risk of psychosis and driving and cognition problems. Blue Dream is one of the best herbs on the market for neuropathy due to its super-high THC levels and deep-rooted pain relief properties.
In a later study of the same publication, nerve pain associated with HIV was analyzed and found a reduction in pain of at least 30% compared to those taking a placebo. When it comes to cannabis for neuropathy, some patients wonder if the plant can worsen nerve pain rather than improve it. These cannabinoids can regulate pain transmission in the body's nerve pathways, helping to reduce excess pain if possible. THC can alter pain perception by reducing anxiety and stress, while CBD fights pain through its anti-inflammatory action.
Unfortunately, treating this type of pain can be difficult, as most medications don't necessarily address the problem of nerve pain itself, but rather fight inflammation. Two cannabinoids found in cannabis, CBD and THC, have received the most attention lately for their ability to eliminate pain. The types of pain people experience can vary depending on severity and location, but most people with neuropathy experience some type of nerve pain in the affected areas. Patients in the 9.4% THC group reported significantly less pain and better sleep, with mean pain scores decreasing from 6.1 to 5.4 on an 11-point scale.
Two compounds in cannabis, THC and CBD, are believed to contribute to the ability of cannabis to relieve pain. Treatments included an oromucosal spray with a combination of plant-based THC and CBD, nabilone, inhaled herbal cannabis, and plant-derived THC.
