Have you noticed that more and more people are gaining doctoral approval to obtain medical marijuana in San Francisco? Legal cannabis in SF is high in demand, just like it is in other US States. That’s not even mentioning the numerous medical cannabis activists around the world. A plant with healing powers that have been confirmed by government-related organizations, medical professionals, researchers and scientists, cannabis is useful for easing joint pain.

Chronic pain within the joints is one of multifarious medical ailments and conditions that medical marijuana is actively being used to treat. Scientific evidence has proven medical marijuana’s efficacy for pain relief. As research continues, the world is learning more about marijuana’s health benefits, as well as the potential of using hemp-derived products as an alternative to prescribed medication.

Understanding Cannabinoids in Simple Terms

Cannabinoids may sound like a complex word but it’s something you’ll hear a lot if you are a cannabis user/supporter/cultivator/seller. Basically, the cannabis plant comprises over 100 Cannabinoids, which are essentially chemical compounds. There are two types that are most widely discussed in the weed world – Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The main active constituent of the cannabis plant, THC is what makes people feel relaxed, happy, giggly, or whatever euphoric feeling impacts the particular user. Since it can alter the mind in various ways, it is not widely recommended as a medical marijuana treatment. Instead, CBD is the medically-proven cannabinoid that can connect with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.

CBD is safe for use on children and animals. Useful for treating autoimmune conditions, CBD impacts the body’s immune system. Joint inflammation can be prevented and/or treated when CB2 receptors are stimulated by particular medical strains, based on findings published in the Journal of Rheumatology.

Marijuana Treatment Options for Medical Patients

Marijuana has a natural ability to treat joint pain, of which has been medically-proven in scientific studies. Cannabidiol (CBD) will absorb into the bloodstream and take effect quickly with liquid consumption methods, whereas edibles will pass through the digestive system.

Whatever your preferred method of consumption, CBD will still work it’s magic. The following medical marijuana treatment options can effectively communicate with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors to ease joint pain:

  1. Inhale with Vaping or Smoking – These methods of CBD consumption top the list since they offer ease of use and enjoyment for the user, they are a fan of tasting strains with flavorful undertones, like Lemon Haze with it’s citrus taste. Cannabis will get into your system swiftly when it is inhaled into the lungs with a joint, blunt, bong, dabbing device or vaporizer. Beginning with inhalation will help you to discover if this method is suitability for you personally.
  2. Explore Strain Types – Just because Charlotte’s Web CBD oil worked for the Dravet’s Syndrome sufferer, Charlotte Figi, it may not necessarily benefit you. Northern Light’s may provide pain-relief for an elderly person with arthritic discomfort, whereas Amnesia Haze and Bubba Kush may have stronger pain-easing effects. Gain professional guidance by visiting dispensaries and sampling Sativa, Indica and Hybrid budtender-advised strains. (You can find out more about recommended medical marijuana strains for joint pain relief below.)
  3. Use Infused Tinctures, Salves and Skin Products – The CBD compound can be extracted from marijuana plant matter in numerous forms, including resin and oil. Oils tend to retain their medical power, even when they are merged with other natural ingredients for the creation of topical products. Apply cannabis-infused salves, lotions and oils to the painful area(s) your joints. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the CBD activates to reduce joint pain. Tinctures are an alternative time-old medical application technique, frequently used by younger and older patients.
  4. Focus on CBD and THC Ratios – Cannabis consumers who are reluctant to get high feel hesitant about sampling strains that contain a generous percentage of THC. However, some strains are perfectly balanced, allowing for a healthy mixture of THC and CBD. Hybrids are a unique type of cannabis, comprised of Sativa and Indica elements. Choose hybrids if you want to feel good and treat pain.
  5. Edibles and Liquids – Cannabis-derived oil can be included in all kinds of recipes, including soups, sauces, cakes, cookies and can even be sprinkled into recipe mixtures in powder form. Cannabis liquids, like hemp CBD oil, can easily be added to a blender with raw fruits and vegetables.

How does the cannabis plant relieve pain and inflammation?

Upon noticing the signs of pain, the brain will work hard to prevent a psychedelic problem. Combined with the use of cannabis plant extracts, such as CBD, can block brain receptors that would otherwise cause pain and inflammation. Add to this the fact that the serotonin receptor is awakened by CBD and you can understand how a medical cannabis user would feel more pleasure than pain when they medicate with plant-derived extracts.

Selecting a Suitable Cannabis Strain for Joint Pain

Not everybody will experience the same effects from the same cannabis strains. Joint pain may be mild, severe or life-impacting. Since each medical cannabis will desire a particular result, it’s important to research, ask questions and browse the menu in detail.

Once you walk into a dispensary, focus on quality, medical advantages and the growing conditions of every cannabis strain. The more advanced the equipment used to cultivate cannabis, the higher the quality will be.

A medical marijuana dispensary in SF and beyond will likely recommend the following strains as a natural alternative to prescribed drugs for treat joint pain:

  • Ghost Train Haze (Sativa Strain)
  • Blueberry Pancakes (Indica Strain)
  • Harlequin (Sativa Strain)
  • Gorilla Glue #4 (Hybrid Strain)
  • Critical Mass (Indica Strain)

Medically-proven Cannabinoids, like CBD, will possess maximum potency. If the plants are grown properly, they will be free from pesticides, so keep this in mind when questioning the budtender. You can even ask for data proof to ensure the medical marijuana is suitable for your joint pain.