Does medical marijuana work for chronic pain?

Posted by mmoss @mmoss, Mar 27, 2021

Does Medical marijuana work for chronic pain. Looking for alternatives to Vicodin.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@ess77

@jenatdky and others...I have some relief with CBD alone, with general pain, but mostly with the pain I have caused by anxiety and stress I think; That's the way it appears to me, Last year, I tried the combination, 1X1, and found the best relief I've had in 20-30 years. I use it at night and sleep quite well unless the leg/feet/hips/back pains are worse from overdoing. Then, I usually add the 1/1 lotion and/or add a Robaxin or Voltaren cream to help with the topical pain level. I've been known to take a spray of Thc or add 1/2 dropper of tincture in the middle of the night. That calms my issues pretty well, of course, added to my regular medications.
Yes, I read several of your posts on the pain site. I'm relaying my personal experiences. I never used marijuana in college...wasn't around in HS. Wasn't interested in trying something that would alter my mind...didn't drink much alcohol either, unless it tasted good and not for a numbing effect or buzz. Not my thing. But now, I rely on MM for real, serious help.
blessings, elizabeth

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Oh my I’m so glad you elaborated on your CBD/THC dosing. That is so awesome that you can go to the doctor and get it!

When I told my acupuncturist I was using 25 mg of CBD once or twice a day, she told me the amount of CBD I am using is what she would give to a pet!

I have been buying my oil from Charlottes Web, which is a good brand, but it’s a minute amount compared to what is prescribed by medical marijuana providers. I buy the oil with the highest amount of CBD and it’s not much.

Good to know I am probably wasting my time and money on that amount. I am exploring the possibility of getting CBD tinctures from the acupuncture provider that are more concentrated.

Thanks for uncovering some of the mysteries of medical marijuana. Those of us in states where it is illegal or where medical use only
has recently been passed are clueless. It is hard to find information on the web about this. Hope that changes soon as more people are using it for pain management and more states are passing legislation to allow it.

Thanks again and I think you are one feisty southern lady!

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@jetsetter

Oh my I’m so glad you elaborated on your CBD/THC dosing. That is so awesome that you can go to the doctor and get it!

When I told my acupuncturist I was using 25 mg of CBD once or twice a day, she told me the amount of CBD I am using is what she would give to a pet!

I have been buying my oil from Charlottes Web, which is a good brand, but it’s a minute amount compared to what is prescribed by medical marijuana providers. I buy the oil with the highest amount of CBD and it’s not much.

Good to know I am probably wasting my time and money on that amount. I am exploring the possibility of getting CBD tinctures from the acupuncture provider that are more concentrated.

Thanks for uncovering some of the mysteries of medical marijuana. Those of us in states where it is illegal or where medical use only
has recently been passed are clueless. It is hard to find information on the web about this. Hope that changes soon as more people are using it for pain management and more states are passing legislation to allow it.

Thanks again and I think you are one feisty southern lady!

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@jetsetter, @artscaping, and all...There is a delightful woman who guided me through my MM learning 'trip' and really led me to try tincture. She been using for pain, etc. for years and I think can help you with better info. Chris Trout, @artscaping. and @johnbishop.
Blessings, elizabeth

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@ess77

@jenatdky and others...I have some relief with CBD alone, with general pain, but mostly with the pain I have caused by anxiety and stress I think; That's the way it appears to me, Last year, I tried the combination, 1X1, and found the best relief I've had in 20-30 years. I use it at night and sleep quite well unless the leg/feet/hips/back pains are worse from overdoing. Then, I usually add the 1/1 lotion and/or add a Robaxin or Voltaren cream to help with the topical pain level. I've been known to take a spray of Thc or add 1/2 dropper of tincture in the middle of the night. That calms my issues pretty well, of course, added to my regular medications.
Yes, I read several of your posts on the pain site. I'm relaying my personal experiences. I never used marijuana in college...wasn't around in HS. Wasn't interested in trying something that would alter my mind...didn't drink much alcohol either, unless it tasted good and not for a numbing effect or buzz. Not my thing. But now, I rely on MM for real, serious help.
blessings, elizabeth

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Like you I found a scheme that works well for me. At this point I don't mind getting high once in a while as it helps to deal with anxiety of pain.

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@jenatsky

Like you I found a scheme that works well for me. At this point I don't mind getting high once in a while as it helps to deal with anxiety of pain.

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I totally agree. It’s similar to having a glass of wine in the evening to help relax and take the edge off the stress of the day. It definitely helps with anxiety and dulls the pain.

Remember alcohol was illegal, too! Let’s hope marijuana use for pain becomes more accessible to more people soon.

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@jenatsky

I don't necessarily agree with your comment that THC works best for pain. It may work best for your pain but are you speaking of THC plus CBD or THC alone? I've tried the highest THC I could buy and I've been using marijuana since I was 16 yo and it did not stop my pain. But higher CBD with lower THC did. Read my prior entry on Chronic Pain feed.

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You probably built up a resistance to it. I used medical marijuana for pain when the neurologists wanted to prescribe opioids. It was a while ago and in doing my due diligence I spoke with a number of doctors in CA where it had been legal for a while.
The pain was so bad I could not sleep. I was 35 with uncontrollable blood pressure and cholesterol. Was told by Northwestern University Hospital I would be lucky to live until I was 45. The dope took care of the pain, got full night's rest, no longer needed blood pressure or cholesterol medicine.
The doctors didn't connect the dots and completely blew the diagnoses. (This is not my only negative experience with doctors as they have been taught for years now diagnosing "most probable outcome" so the people outside the center of the bell-shaped curve receive poor medical instruction. The big exception for me was my cardiologist and heart surgeon. They were spectacular.)

Medical marijuana works with muscle pain, it does not help nerve pain - I know this from experience as well.

In time vaping marijuana no longer provided relief for me. What I did find out was creating medical marijuana in a coconut-based form adding DMSO and then cream that I applied to my muscles from waste down.

It helped for a while but I had to replace it with CBD, which I am still using. This does not help the nerve pain that runs the length of my muscles fibers.

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@jetsetter

I totally agree. It’s similar to having a glass of wine in the evening to help relax and take the edge off the stress of the day. It definitely helps with anxiety and dulls the pain.

Remember alcohol was illegal, too! Let’s hope marijuana use for pain becomes more accessible to more people soon.

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I want to thank you all for this conversation! I agree with you!
I find that a 1:1 ratio is helpful for sure- sometimes if I have to go out I will use a 3:2 ( 3 parts CBD: 2 parts THC) . I don’t drink anymore so it does help with anxiety and stress. I will also add that I am lucky to live in a MM state ( Ct.) .
I also make sure I buy indica as I want the relaxation effect to sleep. It does help.
I still have to take my Big Pharma drugs but the cannabis is natural and no side effects!!
Again- thanks! Appreciate this !
Luann

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@brett07281973

You probably built up a resistance to it. I used medical marijuana for pain when the neurologists wanted to prescribe opioids. It was a while ago and in doing my due diligence I spoke with a number of doctors in CA where it had been legal for a while.
The pain was so bad I could not sleep. I was 35 with uncontrollable blood pressure and cholesterol. Was told by Northwestern University Hospital I would be lucky to live until I was 45. The dope took care of the pain, got full night's rest, no longer needed blood pressure or cholesterol medicine.
The doctors didn't connect the dots and completely blew the diagnoses. (This is not my only negative experience with doctors as they have been taught for years now diagnosing "most probable outcome" so the people outside the center of the bell-shaped curve receive poor medical instruction. The big exception for me was my cardiologist and heart surgeon. They were spectacular.)

Medical marijuana works with muscle pain, it does not help nerve pain - I know this from experience as well.

In time vaping marijuana no longer provided relief for me. What I did find out was creating medical marijuana in a coconut-based form adding DMSO and then cream that I applied to my muscles from waste down.

It helped for a while but I had to replace it with CBD, which I am still using. This does not help the nerve pain that runs the length of my muscles fibers.

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Agree fully that nothing stops the nerve pain but helping your mind tolerate it is another approach to consider. Things only get worse over time with nerve pain too.

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@marye2

This is an old post; but I cannot help advising you to also ask for images of worst joints to see if PT would be appropriate. A daily walk or swim for generalized pain and then PT-type stretches for others. Dr Jo on youtube is not personalized, but the stretches are similar. Meds just can't do the whole job. Also adapt diet to non-processed, low sugar, avoid nightshades.

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Its cold outside: ] Winter Need indoor pool. I could join the fitness club; although, they have a bunch of classes in it. So, access is limited. Of course, they also want money. Cost of things get to be a bit much after awhile.

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Have to get back to you as soon as I get a different formula. Right now its a Tincture of CBD oil with very little THC. Nothing for the pain, does help with the anxiety. Also purchased some "Miracle Cream with THC" helps with the nerve pain and muscle cramping. I get that the THC is reported to interact with everything. Most the reports are not actual studies, rather based on theoretical models. Not that they are wrong, just that since THC was ostracized for so long. I'm sure reports still have concerns of the social repercussions. You never hear anyone saying a couple shots of vodka or whisky will help with the pain either.

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@betterway

Its cold outside: ] Winter Need indoor pool. I could join the fitness club; although, they have a bunch of classes in it. So, access is limited. Of course, they also want money. Cost of things get to be a bit much after awhile.

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Yes, costs can get a bit much.

Here is the way I thought of it (due to lung issues, I no longer use indoor pools) - if computed on a daily basis, our membership cost the equivalent of $1/day/person. That is equal to one nice meal out or 2 mid-price meals out for us per month - decided the gym was better for us. My daughter says her membership cost the same as one chiropractor copay.

When my Mom needed water exercise, the local therapeutic pool charged $4 per visit, or $36 for a 10 punch card.

Of course, with Covid at a very high rate, we are "on hold" yet - our primary docs both told us to stay away until local positivity rates are below 5% (we have been above it for MANY months in our county.)

Can you check on a limited or senior rate at the health club? Or, if you have a Medicare supplement, a "Silver Sneakers" membership?
Sue

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