Category: Medical Marijuana

best cannabis strains for pain relief

Best Strains for Pain Relief

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on Best Strains for Pain Relief

When you look back at the colorful history of cannabis, people used cannabis for a lot of reasons. However, some of the most common uses for cannabis over the past 5,000 years have been related to targeting some kind of pain. From the common toothache to pain associated with major illness, today, more people have access to the best strains for pain relief thanks to legal dispensaries.

The thing to know about using cannabis for pain is not every strain is going to yield the same effects for someone dealing with discomfort. Certain strains top the list for analgesic efficacy among users, even though formal research has not yet been established. Take a look at some of the best strains for pain relief available from growers and dispensaries today.

The Best Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief

When first-time cannabis dispensary customers decide to skip questionable prescription painkillers and visit a dispensary instead, they may be surprised to see so many options. Most dispensaries are well-stocked with a variety of cannabis strains, each with its own cannabinoid and terpene profile. Therefore, each strain can deliver a different level of effects. Here is a look at some of the strains for pain relief to consider, why, and even what types of pain the specific strain may be best for.

1. 9 Pound Hammer

Best for: Severe or acute pain

Primary effect: Relaxing, sedating

Dominant terpene: Myrcene

Nine Pound Hammer, also labeled as 9# Hammer or simply 9#, is a modestly high-THC strain that is commonly used for pain. This particular strain is more Indica-leaning, and its dominant terpene is myrcene, which is often touted for its sedating effects. Nine Pound Hammer is not generally a strain to use for pain that is hindering you from getting on with your day. Instead, this specific strain is better for people who are dealing with severe pain that want to overcome their discomfort and get some rest.

2. Grape Octane

Best for: Inflammatory pain

Primary effect: Relaxed, sleepy

Dominant terpene: beta-Caryophyllene

This strain is sometimes called Grape Octane OG, but people who use cannabis know it as one of the best strains for pain relief. Grape Octane is exceptionally high in THC (around 24%), but it also contains a nice amount of cannabigerol (CBG), which can be good for inflammation. For this reason, this particular strain of cannabis can work out well for people that have pain stemming from inflammation in the body.

3. Candyland Kush

Best for: Chronic pain

Primary effect: Energetic, euphoric

Dominant terpene: Terpinolene

Candyland Kush delivers a telltale sweetness thanks to terpinolene, but this strain is also a Sativa-leaning variety. Therefore, it is a little more balanced where cannabinoid content is concerned and can give you energy. For this reason, Candyland Kush is a good choice for people dealing with pain that need to get on with their day. While the strain can target pain, it can also help keep you active instead of making you feel ready for bed.

4. We Not Me

Best for: Neurological pain

Primary effect: Calming, numbing

Dominant terpene: Limonene

We Not Me is a relatively modern strain; its lineage includes Animal Cookies, Cherry Pie, and Mainline OG, even though you can find a few different varieties of the same strain. One of the most noteworthy effects of We Not me is its ability to deliver this incredible sense of calm and physical numbness. For this reason, this particular strain is a go-to for people who deal with pain that is more neurologic in nature.

Why Does Cannabis Help with Pain?

Cannabis helps with pain, but how does that happen? In truth, the reason could be multifaceted because the mechanisms of action vary depending on the cannabinoid, the terpenes, and the combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes.

THC has long been touted as the primary reason cannabis helps with pain, but other components found in cannabis may also contribute to pain relief. For example, other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and CBG show anti-inflammatory properties and even change how pain is perceived by the brain. Some terpenes, such as limonene, help induce a state of calm, which in itself can be helpful when you are in pain.

The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) processes different cannabinoids in different ways. CBD seems to have an indirect ability to stabilize the body-made cannabinoids already present, which may have an effect on inflammation. THC binds to certain cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, which may block nerve impulses responsible for allowing a person to actually feel pain.

Find Premium Cannabis Strains for Pain

As time passes and more states embrace cannabis as medicine, the more we all get to learn about just how therapeutic the plant can be. Thankfully, skilled botanists have worked hard to deliver a long list of good strains that can be fitting for different types of pain. Be sure to check out our wholesale cannabis menu at Core Gardens to get access to some of the top strains for pain.

beginners guide to medical cannabis

Beginners Guide to Medical Cannabis

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on Beginners Guide to Medical Cannabis

For centuries, people have been using cannabis for so many different human ailments and problems, both physical and emotional. Now, thanks to the gradual shift of cannabis acceptance and legalization in different states, more people have access to cannabis as medicine. If you’re brand-new to the world of cannabis, you can feel a little intimidated because there is so much to learn—this fascinating, medicinal plant is so diverse in how it works and what to expect. Here is a brief guide to medical cannabis to get you started.

A Closer Look at the Constituents of the Cannabis Plant

Cannabis may look like any ordinary plant on the surface, but this botanic species is one of the most incredible plants when you take a closer look. Cannabis contains a wealth of constituents that protect it in the wilds of nature, which we know as terpenes. However, the true stars of the plant are cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBG (cannabigerol).

The bulk of cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated in the flowering buds of the cannabis plant. Resinous trichomes cover the densely packed flowering buds and are where the highest concentrations of both terpenes and cannabinoids are found.

How Cannabis Affects the Body

The human body actually has its own system that processes cannabinoids. This system is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Even though there is still a lot the researchers don’t know about the ECS, they do know that this intricate system plays a role in a number of everyday functions, such as:

  • Reproduction
  • Memory
  • Appetite
  • Sleep
  • Mood

While the human body creates its own endocannabinoids that the ECS uses, the ECS responds in similar ways when plant-derived cannabinoids are introduced. Phytocannabinoids derived from cannabis interact with the ECS in your body to produce various different effects.

The ECS is composed of receptors that are found throughout organs, the nervous system, the skin, and the brain. When cannabinoids from hemp or cannabis interact with these receptors, different things take place. For example, THC may attach to certain receptors to induce euphoric effects and encourage sleep, while CBD doesn’t attach to receptors but helps to stabilize levels of endocannabinoids to support a state of homeostasis.

Terpenes, while not as profound or potent as cannabinoids, can also deliver their own effects on the body and mind. These aromatic compounds are also thought to support the actions of cannabis due to the entourage effect, or simply compounds working together and supporting one another in the body.

Ways to Use Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes

While most people still prefer to use cannabis in its most familiar form (as flower), cannabis can be used in all kinds of ways and a number of new products offer a variety. Cannabis can be inhaled through either smoking or vaporization with a vaporizer, but you can also find:

  • Edible products like gumdrops or cookies
  • Cannabis concentrates created with terpenes and cannabinoids and no plant matter
  • Topical lotions, creams, and salves that have been infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD

In general, if you are looking to have a certain experience due to unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles, flower can be the better option. Most concentrate and other products rely sheerly on cannabinoid content and not necessarily the other supportive agents found in the plant to deliver effects.

Guide to Medical Cannabis FAQs

What strain of cannabis should you use?

It is interesting to experiment with different strains to determine which strain offers the effects you want. Every strain can have its own unique terpene and cannabinoid makeup, which means every plant has the ability to offer different therapeutic actions. Therefore, whether you use something like 9# Hammer or Space Monkey, you can see a different set of effects. For instance, Space Monkey tends to offer relaxation and helps with pain, while 9# Hammer is excellent for sleep and a good mood lift.

How do you dose cannabis?

Unlike other forms of medicine, cannabis does not come along with specific dosing guidelines. The plant is not FDA-approved and has not undergone extensive testing to determine exactly how much of any certain cannabinoid a person would need. Beyond that, how much cannabis you need can be highly individualized. Usually, newcomers should start with a low dose and work up from there to achieve the effects they want to see. For example, if you are taking cannabis for pain, start out with a few milligrams of THC, CBD, or both, and adjust from there.

Does cannabis interact with other medicines?

If you are already taking prescription medication, the general rule is to discuss using cannabis with your doctor. Cannabis is a plant, but cannabinoids can interact with other medicines, including things like anti-depressants, antihistamines, and blood thinners.

How can cannabis be used as medicine?

People use cannabis to target so many different ailments on their own because they find doing so helps with an everyday ailment they face. The plant is currently being studied for use for everything from eating disorders to cancer, but the most well-established ways to use cannabis include targeting chronic pain, muscle stiffness, nausea, and vomiting.

Discover the Therapeutic World of Cannabis

When you step into the world of cannabis, it’s important that you have access to well-tested, quality products. If you are looking for just that, be sure to take a look at our collection at Core Gardens.

Benefits of CBD for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Benefits of CBD for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on Benefits of CBD for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is considered to be a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. About 200,000 new cases of EDS emerge every year, and to date, there is no known cure. According to the Medical Cannabis Network of Europe, EDS was recently listed as one of the conditions that could qualify patients to receive medical cannabis. The inclusion of the condition stems from research indicating that a specific cannabinoid, CBD (cannabidiol), may help with chronic pain that is prevalently associated with EDS.

An Overview of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

As noted, EDS is referred to as a connective tissue disorder. However, when you take a look at the many issues that can be associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the condition becomes much more complex. The connective tissues throughout the body perform so many important roles, including keeping joints stabilized when we move, allowing the body to heal properly after injury, and more. Some of the symptoms associated with EDS include:

  • Debilitating pain
  • Defects with collagen production
  • Hypermobility (broad range of motion with joints)
  • Fatigue
  • Fragile skin
  • Early-onset of arthritis of the joints
  • Easy bruising and easily broken skin
  • Headaches and migraines

People with EDS can be hyper-prone to injuries because of the way their joints and skin can move. In addition, the intense pain that can come along with the condition can be enough to bring about psychological concerns with anxiety and depression.

Individuals who have the vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also have dangerous issues with their blood vessels. These issues can lead to risks of internal tissue damage that can cause internal bleeding and risks for certain organs.

The Attributes of CBD That Could Help with EDS

CBD has been looked at as a potential therapeutic cannabis agent to help with an array of different ailments, both psychological and physical. The reason cannabidiol is growing as an acceptable way to help with so many issues is because the effects of the cannabinoid can be so diverse. From offering anxiolytic properties to helping with hard-to-treat pain, the many attributes of CBD also make it a fitting option for people who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Here is a look at just a few of the most noteworthy attributes of CBD and why those specific features may benefit those with EDS.

Pain Relieving Qualities

The most noteworthy attribute of CBD that could be important for EDS sufferers is the cannabinoid’s ability to yield pain relief. A number of studies have examined the pain-reducing qualities of CBD for a range of conditions. Interestingly, CBD seems to be an effective way to relieve certain types of hard-to-treat pain, such as neuropathic pain or pain related to conditions like multiple sclerosis.

The pain-relieving qualities of CBD seem to be heightened when paired with other cannabinoids like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). In a study of 15 patients, 12 saw improvement in their chronic pain by smoking therapeutic types of cannabis. CBD seems to help with pain on a few different levels. One, the cannabinoid soothes the inflammatory response, and inflammation is the root of many types of pain as well as a key issue for those with EDS. Second, CBD may benefit through how the pain is actually perceived.

Sleep Supporting Properties

EDS is well-known among sufferers to interfere with falling asleep and sleep quality. Naturally, when your body is uncomfortable due to pain, good sleep can be hard to come by. The sad truth is, when you don’t sleep well, it can also exacerbate issues with pain. Thus, poor sleep due to pain related to EDS can kick off a never-ending cycle of bad days filled with fatigue.

CBD‘s naturally calming properties may help to offer some sleep support. The American Sleep Association says that CBD may actually interact with certain receptors within the endocannabinoid system that are directly responsible for maintaining a good sleep/wake cycle. Whatever the mechanisms may be, CBD definitely shows promise for EDS sufferers and may prove to be a worthy alternative to opioid pain relievers that come with their own worrisome side effects.

Anxiety Relieving Qualities

When you have a chronic medical condition, anxiety levels can be especially high, especially if that condition has you dealing with a lot of pain and discomfort. CBD has anxiolytic properties, so the cannabinoid has been examined as a potential way to treat anxiety in a number of studies. In one particular study, a dose of 300 to 600mg of CBD significantly lowered anxiety levels among 57 study participants.

Help for High Blood Pressure

The stress that comes along with EDS is known for heightening the blood pressure of some individuals. Many people with EDS look to blood pressure medications to help. However, CBD may also help with keeping the blood pressure levels at a more stable state. Some studies have suggested that CBD can lower the resting blood pressure rate and blood pressure hikes related to stress response.

CBD for EDS – A Potential Natural Remedy for Symptom Relief

Even though we are just starting to learn all the ways in which CBD could be beneficial for EDS, the future is looking bright. If you have a great deal of chronic pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and anxiety related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, finding a high-CBD cannabis strain or quality CBD product to try may be worth your efforts. Take a look at our current menu at Core Gardens to find quality cannabis products.