How Does Medical Marijuana Work for Chronic Pain?

How Does Medical Marijuana Work for Chronic Pain

If you live with chronic pain, you may be interested in learning how medical marijuana can help. Marijuana has been used to treat pain for centuries and more recently, it’s been legalized in 37 states for medical use. Here’s what you need to know about how medical marijuana works for chronic pain.

Endocannabinoid System

Marijuana and the Endocannabinoid System

 

Marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help relieve pain. The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals that regulate many functions in the body, including pain, mood, appetite, and memory. Marijuana plants contain compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids attach to receptors throughout your body, including in your brain, spinal cord, and immune system. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like sleep, appetite, inflammation, and pain. When marijuana is consumed, the cannabinoids in the plant attach to receptors in the ECS. This interaction causes various changes in the body that can relieve pain.

Different Types of Marijuana for Pain Relief

There are different types of marijuana, and each type can provide other relief. The two main types of marijuana are Indica and Sativa. Indica strains usually provide relaxation and pain relief while Sativa strains provide more energy and uplifting effects. There are also hybrid strains that offer a combination of Indica and Sativa effects.

Here’s how MMJ works to relieve pain


Medical marijuana (MMJ)  interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide pain relief. Cannabinoids attach to receptors in your nervous system and brain to alter the way your body perceives pain. While more research is needed, some studies have shown that medical marijuana can be effective in treating chronic pain from
conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and chronic migraines. Talk to your doctor about whether medical marijuana is right for you.

Different strains of cannabis
medical benefits of marijuana

Research shows that medical marijuana can be effective in treating chronic pain from conditions like: 

  • Arthritis 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Chronic migraines 

There are different strains of medical marijuana to consider like OG Kush, Godfather OG, and Girl Scout Cookies depending on your needs, and it can be consumed in various ways. Be sure to talk to a marijuana doctor before starting any new medical treatment plan, including medical marijuana for chronic pain relief. Cannabis as a medicine has been a “crowd” favorite for chronic pain helping millions of people around the world.

How to Use Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief

 

Medical marijuana can be consumed in different ways depending on your preferences and needs. It can be smoked, vaporized, eaten, or taken as a tincture or topical application. The best way to consume medical marijuana for pain relief is often determined by trial and error. Unfortunately, since it’s still considered a schedule 1 drug research and clinical trials have been limited so the efficacy of each delivery method is still being researched. Most marijuana doctors will recommend starting with a low dose and increasing gradually until you find the dose that works best for you. It is important to note that ingesting medical marijuana in various ways will dramatically alter the results. For example, the same milligram dosage of THC in an edible can increase the feeling of euphoria significantly. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medical treatment, including medical marijuana.

Many different ways to consume MMJ

Medical marijuana is available in a variety of forms that can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically. The form you choose will depend on your preferences and the severity of your pain. Your doctor can help you decide which form of medical marijuana is right for you.

How to Use Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief

Conclusion: 

If you’re living with chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be and you may be wondering if medical marijuana could help relieve your symptoms. Sometimes it can feel like nothing will ever make the pain go away. You might have tried a variety of treatments with little to no relief. Some of those options might include opioids which are proven to come with numerous side effects, risks possibly death. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option, medical marijuana may be worth considering and you will need a Michigan medical marijuana card to take advantage of some tax savings at dispensaries and more importantly, get relief for chronic pain.

Michigan New or Renewing Patients         $140

  • $100 doctor consultation/certification + $40 State fee= $140 Total
    Fee INCLUDES the State registry fee
  • Same Day Card good for 2 years
  • You are only charged if you qualify

Michigan Legal Protection Plan                $75

  • Includes 1 follow up visit within 6 months
  • 50% off fee to appear in court ($300/hr normal)

Letter of Medical Necessity,  for work or legal issues

  • Regular letter                                          $85.00
  • Rush letter ( same day)                         $125
  • Establish New Patient Consult + for legal/work letter  $50 + cost of letter
    (for  patients who have NOT been certified previously through Greenlight, but have an active Med Card from a different doctor and are in need of a letter)

Michigan Minor Consult                         $115

  • minors must consult with 2 physicians

The Greenlight Difference:

  • No Hidden Fees: If you aren’t eligible for a medical card certification, we’ll refund 100% of your fee
  • Same Day Appointments. It takes 3 minutes to book an appointment with a doctor in your state!  Appointments take 10-15 min
  • Ongoing Support
    We handle the entire state application process for you , making it easier than ever ensuring you will get your same day license.  We are here for the entire 2 yr. registry period for to help manage your account
Greenlight Wellness

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