Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a type of compound found in the cannabis plant that has been shown to help with severe, chronic pain as well as a wealth of other health issues. It does not have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient many people use recreationally to “get high.” Of course, it is always possible to customize CBD products so that it does include THC.
CBD exists in a world, and America in particular, is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, so it’s understandable that a lot of people are seeking out relief for their chronic pain without the risks that come with pharmaceutical drugs.
There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary, such as recovery from a surgery. Opioids and other high-risk pharmaceutical drugs are only intended for this type of pain because they are highly addictive. However, studies have shown that even people who use opioids for a few days as directed can develop a dependence.
Chronic pain is long-term and sometimes lifelong. Addictive drugs like opioids should never be prescribed or used to treat chronic pain. Unfortunately, some doctors do prescribe addictive pain killers for chronic pain—and sometimes patients purchase prescription drugs illegally and quickly get addicted.
Cannabis and Kratom
There are many other options for people with pain that are all-natural and safer. One of the most popular and a highly recommended combination is to marry cannabis with kratom, particularly a high-quality kratom known for helping with pain relief.
Kratom is a botanical product that is usually found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand. It has a reputation as an opium substitute, but in reality, it is a safe, non-addictive and effective means of helping with pain management and to increase energy (depending on which kratom you take). In some ways, some kratom can act like coffee and be a stimulant at lower doses. That’s what makes it such an excellent boost of energy and dietary supplement.
However, higher doses can lead to side effects such as sleepiness. That’s why it’s important to work with a kratom expert who can recommend the best kratom for you and at what dose to achieve a pain reduction effect without grogginess.
Kratom can be used for a lot of things and has been a tool to treat muscle pain, fatigue, fever, coughing, hypertension, and much more in centuries past. Today, it is routinely recommended for chronic pain, opiate withdrawals, and anxiety. However, unlike cannabis, kratom’s effects are not immediate.
The right dose means you will feel the effects within one hour of consumption. Kratom is known for reducing pain while also helping you to relax. It’s also a fantastic immune system booster, which is a plus for anyone in the era of COVID (or who is seeking out kratom to help with pain caused by a disease or other condition).
One of the strongest strains of kratom is maeng da. It can be red, white, or green in color and acts as a stimulant in the body. It can increase energy, create the feeling of well-being, and reduce pain depending on the dosage and how you personally respond to it. As with any remedy, it’s important to ease into testing it out based on recommendations from experts. That’s why it’s so important to only work with trusted dispensaries any time you’re trying a new strain, product such as kratom or CBD, or quantity.
Since kratom can have opposing effects depending on the dosage and strain, keep in mind that it might take some trial and error in order to achieve the results you want. However, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, kratom is now known to have high-risk side effects.
For those who are new to kratom, even though it’s regarded as a safe natural remedy, it’s still a good idea to not take kratom prior to any events, work, or driving heavy machinery—especially if your goal is to use kratom as a sedative. The maeng da effects and effects of quality kratom will vary based on the dose.
If you want to treat a condition in addition to chronic pain, you may want to use kratom alongside cannabis as well as other healthy, natural treatments. Talk to your dispensary, doctor, and holistic medical team to determine if kratom might be for you and how to incorporate it into your regimen. Having a supportive team on your side is important.
Anti-inflammatory Treatments
Knowing what the source of your chronic pain is will always be key to creating a customized and healthy regimen. For example, if you’re suffering from inflammation—such as arthritis—adopting more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can be a great help. Blueberries and citrus fruits are just two options to help reduce inflammation.
Making sure you stay hydrated is also critical. For those who have a diagnosis for their pain, you can work with your doctor and naturopathic experts to learn more about the best items to add to your diet.
Movement that aligns with your needs and monitored by your doctor is also a critical aspect of pain management. Physical therapy, massage therapy, and guided exercise are all part of keeping pain in check. There are endless options to incorporate more into your cannabis treatment plan for pain, and working with a professional team is the first step.
Norm Bour started VapeMentors in 2013 and since then has consulted in every sector of the Vape and CBD space worldwide. He is a recognized author, speaker, and trainer.