Having CRPS, I vape during flare-ups and smoke flower occasionally. It works better than pain killers. I know it's frowned upon, the smoking and vaping part, but they work differently between each other and more than edibles. I find CBD is a good supplement but it does not work the same. I find it easier to access than pain killers at the doctor.

It's always a problem asking for stronger lower-dosed painkillers and yet CRPS is some of the highest human pain you can have. In 2006, they had me on OxyContin 40mg working may way to 60mg and eventually onto 80mg. I had problems at 40mg and was ramping up when I stopped on a dime and went through the harsh withdrawals. I wish doctors could understand people who seek a better grade, aren't drug seekers. Oxycodone 2.5mg seems fair. But, here I am talking about marijuana for pain relief.

The options for vaping and flower is purchased with quite a bit of research. I use the higher grade 28-32% THC content for flower with effects that relax, calm, and reduce the pain and burning. Being Indica it has an added bonus, I sleep through the whole night. Without it, I can sleep well. The vape pen is 77% THC. I only recommend this if you are experienced, it is heavy but three puffs and my 7/10 flare-up pain goes down to 5/10 pain. The next day symptoms are reduced. I keep THC in my system often. I go to bed when I use the vape and flower. Lay still, get comfortable, wrap up warm in blankets, and relax, sometimes even fall asleep. This is my take only, but if you are suffering in bed and have to use painkillers to have the same quality of life, what's the difference? I use it privately only.

CRPS robbed me of friendships years ago and my quality of life, even though functional (i.e. working, grocery shopping, and family routines), my quality of life is declining. I quit drinking recently for the second time even though alcohol kills the pain, specifically single malt scotch. Can't do it anymore, feel too guilty and after 20 years of self-medicating I'm over it. Rambling, sorry.

Do your research and don't let others tell you they know best. Use the internet for keyword searches. Be willing to accept some level of pain. Living with this hell has taught me that there truly is no cure for normal before the accident life. In my experience, all the pharmaceuticals make things worse and now countering side effects. Been there, done that.

Oilfield worker, car dealership warehouse, detailer, driving dump tracks, aerospace machinist at Boeing for 9 years, and now a government career. These flare-ups force me to use intermittent FMLA nearly on a weekly basis when the storms roll in. Depending on the season varies but generally life sucks. Taking the regiments of pills that happened from 2001-2007 will never happen again, I won't allow it. I don't fault them for it (one of the top 3 hospitals), just happy I stopped when I did.