Top Benefits of Low-THC Cannabis for Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is among the primary causes why Americans seek medical attention. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a term used for the plant that produces chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabis has long been employed for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. Particularly, it has been widely used for treating chronic pain conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia.

A major psychoactive compound in cannabis that is crucial for pain management is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Cannabis products available on the market contain different doses of THC. Let’s unpack the role of low-THC cannabis in relieving chronic pain, its benefits, and the potential side effects of its long-term use.

THC for Pain Control: How Does Cannabis Work for Pain?

Medical marijuana or cannabis contains compounds called cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both CBD and THC can help relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

THC mainly interacts with our endocannabinoid system, which contains an extensive network of two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors help regulate body temperature, inflammation, and the sleep cycle.

THC mimics the cannabinoid compounds naturally occurring in the human body. By binding to cannabinoid receptors, THC helps relieve pain. In addition, high doses of THC can have psychoactive effects on humans.

What are the Different Doses of Medical Marijuana?

Although active ingredients in marijuana include terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, most cannabis products are measured in terms of THC content. Marijuana doses can be divided into three distinct categories based on THC levels:

Microdose

A microdose of medical marijuana contains around 1-2 mg of THC and has little to no cognitive effects. A daily microdose of marijuana can boost the overall wellness of healthy adults. However, these doses are unlikely to provide adequate relief from chronic pain.

Low to Medium Dose

Low or medium-dose cannabis products may contain approximately 10-15 mg of THC. Such products may help you manage painful and debilitating symptoms but will likely induce psychoactive effects.

High Dose

A dose higher than 15 mg of THC is very likely to cause strong psychoactive effects in unaccustomed individuals. Products containing high doses of THC should be used with caution.

Is High or Low THC Better?

Low to medium dose THC can be effective in treating chronic pain symptoms, elevating mood, and improving sleep patterns. However, those suffering from severe conditions like cancer may require higher doses for the compound to be effective. Different people have different dosage requirements, which is why consulting dispensary professionals before using marijuana products is essential.

How Much Does THC Concentration Matter?

The THC concentration of a cannabis product tells us how many milligrams of THC are present. Knowing the THC concentration is important in determining how many doses you require to ingest the desired amount of THC. It is a solid predictor of the psychoactive effects you might experience after consuming a marijuana product.

Which Cannabis Strains Work Best for Chronic Pain?

Many cannabis strains are available for chronic pain relief. Each type may have slightly different effects on users. Some popular cannabis strains include:

• Cannabis indica
• Cannabis sativa
• Hybrids

There is limited research on the use of specific cannabis strains for pain relief. However, in a 2014 study, the researchers found that participants preferred indica strains for sedation, sleep, and pain management and sativa strains for elevating energy and mood. Indica strains have successfully worked for:

• Neuropathy
• Joint pain
• Spasticity
• Non-migraine headaches

Benefits of Low-Dose THC

There are numerous benefits to consuming low-dose THC, some of which are listed below:

1. It Allows Pain Management with Minimal Psychoactive Effects

The foremost benefit of consuming low-THC cannabis products is that you can get relief from debilitating and painful conditions without intense psychoactive effects.

2. Low Doses Allow Personalized Treatment

By administering oneself with low doses of THC at the start of treatment, a user can gauge how their body responds to the drug, its effectiveness, and its side effects. These observations allow them to make tentative adjustments in the THC dosage to optimize the treatment.

3. Low Doses Reduce the Risk of Side Effects

The risk of potential side effects associated with higher doses can be reduced with the help of low-dose THC. Potential side effects include nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and impaired cognitive functioning.

Low THC is a safer choice for individuals seeking marijuana therapy for managing chronic pain over extended periods. It allows them to continue their routine activities along with marijuana treatment.

Different Forms of Low THC Treatment

Depending on the prescribed dosage and personal preference, you can take low-dose THC for chronic pain in a variety of formulations, such as:

• Topicals
• Capsules
• Lozenges
• Gummies
• Tinctures

Risks and Side Effects

The effects of low-THC products vary from one individual to the next and are influenced by a variety of factors. Some potential side effects of low-THC products are as follows:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Does THC Help with Chronic Pain?

Yes, THC can be used for chronic pain relief, multiple sclerosis spasticity treatment, pain management in patients with advanced cancer, and managing sleep apnea—among other things.

Consider Using Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain Relief!

Low-THC cannabis products have been frequently used for chronic pain management. THC interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in our body to help relieve pain. There are a lot of providers on the market offering high-quality, low-THC marijuana products that help with chronic pain and improve overall quality of life. With a valid medical marijuana card, you can legally buy a limited amount of medical marijuana products for your qualifying condition.