Pain Relief

It's easy for a physician to prescribe an anti-inflammatory or even narcotics to someone who has chronic pain or is needing something for pain relief. There is so much conversation and taboo around using cannabis for people who suffer from many conditions. We, as a world, are starting to feel a little more comfortable with the use of cannabis. People are realizing that cannabis isn't the "worst" thing to be putting in your body. I mean let's be a little more real here for a second... In the 1880s, cocaine was commonly used for toothaches (don't think for a second, adults were the only ones using it). Or better yet, using some good Ol'Herion hydrochloride to soothe that annoying cough. What are the benefits of cannabis or opioids? The dangers? Side effects? Read more to find out! There's a good chance this extraordinary plant will be your best bud!

First off, let's discuss the many ways we can use cannabis. Cannabis can be smoked from a bong, hookah, pipe, or have you have heard of a hot knife? Cannabis can be in a tincture (CBD or THC). A tincture is an oil form of cannabis which is fast-affecting, either swallowed or placed under the tongue. Or you can eat your pain away... literally! You can mow down on your favourite foods with some cannabis, usually "Brownies," or literally anything by making cannabutter. Maybe you're more comfortable taking pills that are known as ingestible oils. Commonly used lotions used for muscle/joint pain can be applied to such areas and soothe those aches and pains!

We hear in the news about many people fighting for cannabis legalization for medicinal uses due to the other purposes cannabis can aide. Opioids only have one purpose: Pain relief. Many opioid users have to have their prescription dose increased to actually help from growing a tolerance. Cannabis can eliminate the use of opioids. Cannabis treats the following: glaucoma, control seizures, stops cancer cells from spreading, low doses help with anxiety, slow progression of Alzheimer's/Dementia, eases the pain of multiple sclerosis, ease chronic pain, treat opioid addiction, and many more. Serious health risks can be avoided by the use of cannabis.

What is an opioid? An opioid is a narcotic that is used for pain relief purposes. Like many other medications, there'll always be side effects and dose recommendations. Taking narcotics is no joke. Opioids should be taken as directed on the bottle, or how your doctor has instructed. Before taking this drug, make sure this is right for you and don't be afraid to ask questions! In our bodies, we have opioid receptors in our brains, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. Opioids bind to the receptors, allowing reduced pain. Opioids, like cannabis, come in different forms. Types of opioids are the following: oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), codeine, fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Abstral, Onsolis), and many more. 4000 people in Canada alone have died due to opioid overdose. That's 4000 too many... But cannabis has a 0 percent death rate! Side effects of opioids may include: Constipation, Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Opioids can be dangerous if: taken with alcohol, antidepressants, antibiotics, and sleeping pills. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medications you are taking before taking an opioid(s). There are specific guidelines of what you can and cannot mix with opioids. If growing a tolerance to opioids, speak to your doctor immediately. Signs of tolerance or abuse are: Muscle pain, irritability, nausea, vomiting, dependency, and diarrhea.

Compared to the use of opioids, cannabis is the safer option for pain control. Cannabis can solve the opioid epidemic and lower the addiction rate. Cannabis has safer side effects than any opioid(s). Cannabis has several medicinal uses besides pain, giving those who use opioids with a safer alternative. If you're concerned about your use of opioids, consult your family doctor. Happy smoking!