Chronic pain can be life changing – from the pain to zapped energy. But can cannabis make a difference?

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

Medical cannabis (MC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have show promise in managing chronic pain, though efficacy varies by condition and formulation. Research indicates cannabinoids may reduce pain severity by 30–50% compared to placebo, particularly in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. A 2023 systematic review of 15 studies found CBD alone or combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced pain by 42–66%.

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling and inflammation:

• THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, altering pain perception.
• CBD enhances anandamide (a natural pain-regulating compound) and activates glycine receptors, potentially reducing localized inflammation.
• Combined THC:CBD formulations (e.g., nabiximols) often show superior pain relief compared to single cannabinoids, with CBD mitigating THC’s psychoactive effects.

Clinical Evidence by Condition

• Neuropathic pain: THC:CBD sprays reduced pain scores in multiple sclerosis and spinal injury patients.
• Arthritis/fibromyalgia: Topical CBD improved peripheral neuropathy, while oral formulations alleviated fibromyalgia pain in 30% of patients.
• Chronic back/neck pain: Preliminary trials suggest vaporized cannabis may rival oxycodone’s efficacy.

The good news is studies report 18–29% of patients achieve ≥30% pain reduction with cannabinoids vs. 14–26% on placebo. Effective CBD doses range widely (2.5–1,500 mg/day), and prolonged use may alter drug metabolism. So trend carefully with both CBD and THC. Remember, only THC:CBD combos like nabiximols are FDA-approved for specific conditions; most CBD products remain unregulated.

RELATED: This Natural Cannabinoid Makes You Feel Happy

CBD alone shows fewer side effects (fatigue, diarrhea) than THC-containing products. Notably, real-world data associate medical cannabis with 60% reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients, though long-term safety data remain limited.

While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Current evidence supports cautious integration into multimodal pain regimens, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Always talk with your health professional when adding something new to your pain management regime.

Coming off her big Grammy win, does Beyoncé consume marijuana – cause the industry needs some high profile allies

Coming off her big Grammys win, she is continue to expand her empire. Her fame, business savvy and talent has lead her to founding Parkwood Entertainment, Ivy Park, Cécred, and SirDavis. She has done endorsements for Pepsi and Levis and has a Netflick deal. She seems to go from one success to another. With all she has going on, does Beyoncé consume marijiana? Turns out she has leaned into the plant, but publicly here engagement is squarely in the wellness sphere.

RELATED: This Epic Love Story Is Being Set To Music

Beyoncé has openly incorporated cannabis-derived CBD into her wellness routine, citing its benefits for physical recovery and mental health, though she has not explicitly confirmed recreational cannabis use. The global icon revealed in a 2021 Harper’s Bazaar interview  CBD became a crucial tool during her tours, helping manage inflammation, muscle soreness, and insomnia. “I discovered CBD on my last tour, and I’ve experienced its benefits for soreness and inflammation. It helped with my restless nights,” she shared, emphasizing its role in her self-care practices

Despite lyrical references to cannabis in her Cowboy Carter album and fan speculation about recreational use, Beyoncé has never publicly confirmed smoking marijuana. Experts note her CBD use focuses on documented (though FDA-unapproved) benefits like pain relief, while avoiding psychoactive effects. Medical researchers caution that CBD’s efficacy for conditions like insomnia remains inconclusive, though its safety profile for adults is generally accepted.