Chronic pain is the most common reason people turn to medical marijuana. According to a 2019 study, two-thirds of medical cannabis patients in the US listed pain as their qualifying condition.
Thanks to the lifting of cannabis prohibitions and advances in medical research, we now have a solid body of clinical evidence that medical marijuana preparations work for various types of chronic pain.
Many of those medical studies demonstrate that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain — from cancer, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, migraine, and others.
That research is welcome news for sufferers for several reasons. Firstly, chronic pain conditions don’t always respond to standard treatment. Secondly, marijuana has less serious side effects than many prescription pain medications, including a much lower risk of addiction and almost zero risk of fatal overdose.
Cannabis advocates in Colorado cheered the Biden Administration’s reported move to reclassify marijuana and said the decision likely would reduce businesses’ tax burden significantly.
Industry leaders cautioned that such a move — if finalized — would not resolve some major challenges facing the industry, such as limited access to banking. But they pointed to the symbolic importance of preparations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to downgrade the substance’s drug classification.
A man pours cannabis into rolling papers as he prepares to roll a joint the Mile High 420 Festival in Civic Center Park in Denver, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt/Special to The Denver Post)
The study of 42 runners, published Dec. 26 in the journal Sports Medicine, comes almost exactly 10 years after Colorado became the first state to commence legal sales of recreational marijuana, at a time when cannabis-users increasingly report mixing it with workouts. “The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD. But THC products specifically may make exercise feel more effortful,” said first author Laurel Gibson, a research fellow with CU’s Center for Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes and Environment (CU Change).
Sometimes you just want something to make the pain go away
It comes like like a dreaded alarm clock. And if your monthly isn’t bad enough, many women suffer from dysmenorrhea, nausea, and terrible lower abdomen pain that can last for days during menstruation. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime. But 5% to 10% of women the pain is severe enough to disrupt their life.
Prescription can be had, but there are other methods to reduce the pain. Drinking plenty of water is important for this and general health. Avoid things with trans fat since it can increase inflammation. Cut back on caffeine is another way. Also try applying heat or taking a hot shower. And to help provide both physical and mental relief, here are the best 5 yoga poses to help with menstrual pain.
Cat Cow
This pose is great to warm up your body, doing it slowly so you can feel every step of the way and you can release your tension and some of your pain.
Forward Fold
This pose strengthens the spine while stretching your hips. It’ll also provide relief for your back since the pose will stretch the back of your legs, hamstrings and calves.
Savasana
This pose is also known as Corpse Pose, where you lay down and stay still like a corpse. Duh. This position lends itself to introspection and relaxation, controlling your breath and taking your mind away from the pain of your body.
Child’s Pose
This pose is great for back problems, gently stretching out your lower back muscles and relaxing them. Focus on your breath, on relaxing your hips, and your pain will leave you alone in no time.
Reclining Twist
This pose will give your back and hips a great stretch that’ll offer much needed release for your body, especially if experiencing strong cramps, while also stimulating your digestive organs.
