THC vs Big Pharma: Unveiling Nature's Edge Over Prescription Painkillers

This article was originally published on Cannabis.net and appears here with permission.

The number of conditions that cannabis has been studied to treat continues to grow each year.

There are some health conditions where psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and calming CBD (cannabidiol) work better than the other, with research to back it up. For individuals who are starting their journey into the uses of medical cannabis, all the studies can seem overwhelming. Sometimes, you just want to know which conditions THC or CBD has had a strong use case for – with evidence to back it up.

For patients who don’t mind the psychoactive effects of THC, it has tremendous medical and therapeutic value. More people are consuming THC to benefit from these properties, as it is no longer viewed as just a recreational drug. But what’s more important is that THC can be used as an alternative or complementary medication, so that patients no longer have to rely on pharmaceutical drugs as the only choice. It is a well-known fact that pharmaceutical medications of all kinds have serious side effects and don’t always work.

Here is a list of conditions that THC has been proven to treat effectively:

Pain

Medical patients struggle with a vast array of different types of pain, whose severities range from mild to chronic and debilitating. When one struggles with severe or chronic pain, it can often be so bad that people are unable to go back to work or earn a living.

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Several health conditions can cause pain in various parts of the body. Doctors typically prescribe one or more narcotics, painkillers, or opioids for the treatment of pain. However, as America’s opioid epidemic made clear, these drugs are extremely addicting. Codeine, morphine, tramadol, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydrocodone are some popular and widely-prescribed narcotics that have contributed to the opioid epidemic.

Why not use THC instead, or as a means to reduce the dose of your prescription drugs? In many cases, patients have also found more relief by combining THC and CBD to treat various kinds of pain. Historically, ancient texts even document the use of cannabis by past civilizations to combat pain, among other conditions.

Some common types of pain include those caused by:

• Neuropathic pain

• Inflammation

• Headaches and migraines

• Arthritis

• Endometriosis

• Menstrual cramps

• Muscle pain

And much more.

There is a solid body of various kinds of research conducted by scientists all over the world who wanted to better understand how THC works to treat pain so effectively. According to one study: “THC activates certain cannabinoid receptors, one of which is in the nerve cells and the other is in the immune cells. When it activates the one in the nerve cells, it reduces the sensation of pain,” explains Steve Alexander, a cannabinoid researcher and associate professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School. 

There are also other studies whose findings suggest that THC works similarly in the human body to painkillers, in the sense that they decrease inflammation and reduce the production of inflammatory molecules.

These are just some of the many documented ways that THC has been found to treat pain.

Insomnia

More people are struggling with sleep disorders now than ever before.

Can you blame them? It’s almost impossible to leave home without spending like $200! And so many people around the United States are living paycheck to paycheck. That’s not even including the stresses of paying bills, making ends meet, raising a family, excelling in your career, planning for retirement, and staying healthy.

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Yeah, just surviving these days seems so much harder and more expensive than during our parents’ and grandparents’ time.

That will come at a price: insomnia. With the anxiety and stress of trying to keep everything together, it can keep us up at night. And that’s why insomnia is so common. According to experts, the sleep aid market is currently raking in $65 billion – and despite these alarming figures, so many Americans still struggle with sleep issues, such as sleep apnea.

Instead of turning to over-the-counter drugs, pricey medical devices, and other things that don’t work so well, you’re much better off smoking a few puffs of a joint and treating yourself to luxurious pillows. Besides, the relaxing properties of cannabis have been known for over a century now. Both THC and CBD are widely used by people all over the world to help them sleep better and for good reason!

You don’t even need a medical certificate to use THC for treating insomnia or simply enjoy better sleep. Many already self-medicate with various THC products to help them get better shut-eye. Insomnia strains, THC oils, and edibles work very well to help you get much-needed rest, repair the body from deep within, and help you have energy the next day to face all of life’s challenges.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Given how unhealthy the standard American diet (SAD) is, there’s no surprise that so many people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, around 10 to 15% of Americans have IBS. But aside from the food you eat, a family history or simply having a sensitive stomach is enough to increase your risk of this condition. Doctors usually prescribe medications, but patients can also make use of over-the-counter drugs to help treat symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. But again, pharmaceutical drugs aren’t always the best route.

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Studies have shown that cannabis can be beneficial for treating some IBS symptoms such as pain, bloating, and cramps. Since IBS is caused by disruptions in the normal communication between the gut, brain, and nervous system, it has also been common for individuals who already have pre-existing anxiety, depression, and stress issues to suffer from IBS. THC is also beneficial for reducing inflammation so as to reduce or eliminate IBS symptoms completely.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from any of these conditions, THC is a wonderful and safe natural medication that can help alleviate your symptoms. Speak to a healthcare provider if you live in a legal state so as to obtain more information on the best medical marijuana products and the right dosage for your needs.