Research reveals that cannabis is an effective tool for pain management. CBD is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory agents found in nature and THC is one of the strongest natural analgesics (painkillers). Different ailments and conditions need different cannabinoids for maximum efficacy.
CBD for Pain Management
Learn how pain management can be made easier by using CBD with Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D.
Learn how pain management can be made easier by using CBD with Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D.
Is CBD Good for Pain Relief?
Cannabis is a natural alternative to pharmaceutical pills. One study shows that “a single inhalation of 25 mg of 9.4% tetrahydrocannabinol herbal cannabis three times daily for five days reduced the intensity of pain, improved sleep and was well tolerated;” it even improves the user’s mood! Findings such as these are “comparable to oral drugs used for chronic neuropathic pain.” In fact, THC can have an analgesic (pain killer) effect comparable to codeine: an experiment from the 70s (Noyes et al.) shows that 20mg of THC beat 60mg of codeine and even 10mg of THC was almost as effective.
Chronic Pain Management & CBD
Each person’s body and Endocannabinoid system is unique, with different needs and receptors. We believe cannabis should not be one size fits all. We also believe, thanks to research, that optimal therapeutic efficacy requires a ratio of both CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, and THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. The entourage effect describes this combination of cannabinoids in specific ratios, especially with naturally-occurring terpenes, which has the potential for better effects of cannabis as medicine in (and on!) the body. Papa & Barkley offers a suite of products in different ratios, allowing you to select the best ratio for you and your therapeutic needs.
A 3:1 THC to CBD ratio is a good starting point for most people seeking pain relief. A ratio of 1:1 is a balanced holistic approach and 1:3 is often ideal for chronic inflammation and other conditions.
Scientific Rigor
Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D., with our Scientific Advisory Board provides the following suggestions for cannabis users to reduce pain; his firm belief is that, “no one deserves to hurt and everyone’s different. With cannabis medicine, start with the lowest dosage and give it plenty of time to help before increasing it.”
Benefits of CBD & THC
For chronic users, the key is to avoid tolerance by keeping dosage low and tracking. If you haven’t used much cannabis, odds are that 2.5 mg of THC will be surprisingly helpful even if you don’t feel any cognitive effects. Then, stay ahead of the pain by administering 2.5 mg every 3 hours or so even if you’re not hurting. It will seem odd that the pain is better even though you don’t feel high, but that’s the beauty of the plant. For occasional pain or flare ups, 5 mg of THC will be surprisingly effective, but give it time to kick in before increasing the dosage. Give a vaporized product at least half an hour and an edible at least 2 hours to kick in before increasing the dosage.