Pain Management – Marijuana Impact Group

Daily Marijuana Use May Increase Pain Sensitivity

admin — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:40:02 +0000

Pain is one of the leading causes people cite for their use of marijuana as a therapeutic agent. However, a recent study suggests that daily use of marijuana may increase sensitivity to pain. Similar findings were noted for people who smoke only tobacco. The group showing the greatest sensitivity to pain was for those who consume both marijuana and tobacco when compared to non-users of either product.

Researchers (Zhang, J et.al.) found that the control group of non-users had a pain tolerance that was four times that of the marijuana and tobacco group. When compared to the marijuana only and tobacco only groups, the control group’s pain tolerance was twice that of these individual groups. Tolerance was measured using a “cold pressor test” (CPT) where a subject places a hand or foot into near freezing water and then timed on how long they can keep it there. The average time for the control group was 105 seconds, marijuana / tobacco = 26 seconds, marijuana only = 46 seconds and tobacco only = 45 seconds.

The authors cited previous research findings that supports the position that marijuana use adversely effects pain tolerance. While this was a small-scale study of only 112 individuals, it stresses the need for more research to fully understand the association between pain management and using marijuana as a therapeutic agent.

Read Time: 10-15 minutes.

Photo: Pexels / Kindel Media

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THC Levels in Med & Rec States: Pain Management

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:59:10 +0000

Pain is the leading reason cited why people use medical marijuana in the United States. Marijuana with low potency levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), i.e. under 5-10%, has shown some efficacy in pain management. However, that’s in stark contrast to the advertised high THC potency levels of marijuana products sold both in medical & recreational dispensaries. In both arenas, cannabis based products are being sold with THC levels well in excess of 15% and higher. These higher potency products may be unsuitable for medicinal use. Researchers are unclear of the role that Cannabidiol (CBD), despite its general popularity, actually has in pain management.

Researchers (Cash et.al.) examined the advertised potency levels of both THC & CBD products found in specific states with legalized programs. After reviewing over 8,000 products online, the average THC levels in medical states was 19.2% and 21.5% in recreational states. The authors expressed concerns that patients could be at risk for “acute intoxication or long-term side effects.” Given the average THC levels were 2 – 3 times higher than levels found to be effective in previous pain management studies, the authors noted additional risks of adverse mental health outcomes and elevated risks of medical complications from high potency marijuana.

Read time: 10 minutes

Photo:

Pexels.com / Cottonbro

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