High Hopes for Chronic Pain Relief Using Medical Cannabis

greenharvesthealth
Aug 6, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 7

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and often disrupts sleep, mobility, mood, and overall quality of life. While opioids can play a role in short-term pain control, long-term use carries significant risks—including dependence, tolerance, overdose, and reduced function.

As medical cannabis physicians, we work with patients every day who are looking for safer, more sustainable ways to manage chronic pain. When used thoughtfully and under medical guidance, medical cannabis can be an effective tool for pain relief, improved sleep, and better daily function.

How Medical Cannabis Helps with Chronic Pain

Medical cannabis works by interacting with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—a regulatory network that helps control pain signaling, inflammation, immune response, sleep, and mood.

Key Benefits for Chronic Pain Patients

Reduces inflammation, a major driver of arthritis, autoimmune pain, and chronic injury
Improves neuropathic pain, which often does not respond well to traditional medications
Relaxes muscles and reduces spasms, helpful in spinal conditions and multiple sclerosis
Modulates pain perception in the brain, lowering pain intensity
Improves sleep quality, which directly impacts pain control
Supports mood and stress regulation, reducing pain amplification caused by anxiety and depression

Choosing the Right Medical Cannabis Products

Not all cannabis products are the same. The type of product and timing of use matter greatly.

Daily Baseline Pain & Inflammation

Best options:

CBD-dominant tinctures or capsules, low-THC balanced products. These are best purchased outside a dispensary from a reputable CBD website or store.

When to use: Morning and early afternoon.

Why: CBD control inflammation better than THC without impairment—ideal for work and daily activities.

Breakthrough or Severe Pain Flares

Best options:THC-containing tinctures or inhaled products (when appropriate).

When to use: As needed.

Why: THC provides stronger pain relief for flares, nerve pain, and cancer-related pain. Start low and increase slowly.

Nighttime Pain & Sleep Disruption

Best options:THC-dominant tinctures or edibles, CBN-containing products.

When to use: Evening or bedtime.

Why: Improves sleep, reduces nighttime pain, and decreases muscle tension.

Localized Joint or Muscle Pain

Best options:Topical creams and lotions, balms, or transdermal patches. Look for products with CBD as is an incredible anti-inflammatory.

When to use: As needed.

Why: Targeted relief without intoxication—great for arthritis and focal pain.

Medical Cannabis as an Opioid-Sparing Strategy

Research continues to show that patients using medical cannabis often:

Reduce opioid use
Experience fewer medication side effects
Report improved daily function and quality of life

Medical cannabis is not about replacing one drug with another, but about using a safer option within a personalized, physician-guided plan.

Why Physician Guidance Matters

Without medical guidance, patients may:

Use the wrong product or dose
Experience unwanted side effects
Miss opportunities for better pain control

A comprehensive evaluation ensures:

Proper product selection
Safe dosing strategies
Integration with existing medications
Ongoing adjustments as your needs change

Your Personalized Path to Relief

During your in-person or virtual evaluation, you’ll receive a clear, customized treatment plan outlining:

Which products to use
When to use them
How to dose safely
How to optimize pain relief while staying functional

Patients choose us because We Do Cannabis Differently—with medical expertise, education, and individualized care. Schedule your evaluation today and take the next step toward reclaiming your life and wellness.

If you would like more options on using products with less impairment, please visit GreenHarvestHealthCBD.com. You will be able to discover much more about options with impairment.