Both THC & CBD help relieve pain
By: Cyrus Sepahbodi
I’ll be the first to admit it: I am a cannabis user and advocate of safe access for all people (over the age of 21). Cannabis is an amazing plant! There is tremendous anecdotal, as well as scientifically backed, evidence of the plant’s healing potential. The real power of cannabis comes from cannabinoids, and the most commonly known are THC & CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) have complicated histories as medicine. More recently though, the efficacy of both THC and CBD have become more normalized, mainstream, and popular as viable means for fighting pain, helping aid in healthy sleep, reduce anxiety, and promote overall health and wellness. In fact, a recent gallup poll shows that one in seven Americans say they personally use CBD and over 55 million Americans have tried cannabis (with over 35 million defined as ‘regular users’).
Infographics courtesy of Gallup: https://news.gallup.com/poll/263147/americans-say-cbd-products.aspx
But to understand the power behind both compounds, we have to first understand how both behave within the human body. That leads us to the human Endocannabiniod System.
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The endogenous cannabinoid system, also known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), can be thought of as the air traffic control center for the body. It controls physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors (most concentrated in the central nervous system and brain) and CB2 receptors (abundant in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and peripheral nervous systems). The natural cannabinoids and phytonutrients found in cannabis communicate with these signal receptors of the ECS to help reduce aches, pains, and inflammation.
THC & CBD are among over 100 other phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids), the natural chemical compounds produced by cannabis flowers that provide the plant with natural protection. Cannabinoids closely resemble natural compounds produced by our own bodies. Both THC & CBD work on different cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies to provide relief from pain and inflammation. When working in conjunction with the ECS, a full spectrum of cannabinoids has the ability to compound their effects, which is known as the Entourage Effect. When consumed, THC and CBD molecules bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors to help regulate pain and inflammation as well as other functions.
I consistently use cannabis as medicine, more specifically THC & CBD, as a means to help regulate my anxiety, fight lower back pain, and when I need to recover after a workout. If you are interested in trying cannabis-derived products for pain I recommend starting with Papa & Barkley’s Releaf line. If you need something more localized (like I do for my lower back pain) then try a Releaf patch or Releaf body oil (it works wonders when combined with massage!).
For those of you not in California, don’t fret! You may not have safe access to quality THC products yet, but Papa & Barkley has a national line of CBD made with the same processes as their award winning Releaf line available in California. Papa & Barkley CBD is sourced from the best farms, never crafted with chemicals or solvents, and made with only heat and pressure. Try the balm for pain, it really works! If you need something more comprehensive for whole body aches and pains then tinctures and capsules are best. Athletes who want to supercharge their workout should try drops and balm— both work wonders.
I know there are many stigmas associated with THC and CBD by virtue that they are derived from cannabis, but the plant (and both compounds) can be utilized to help a variety of ailments— most especially pain and inflammation. I am certain that if you keep an open mind and give cannabis a chance, you’ll experience what millions of others already have: the healing power of the plant.