Surgery is often a stressful event, and post-surgery pain can be frustrating to deal with through narcotics that leave you with apathy and constipation. Therefore, finding a way to manage pain after surgery is important, and Cannabinoid (CBD) may be a useful tool in reducing both pain and inflammation.
Let’s discuss how CBD may be used to relieve pain caused by surgery and how it is useful for a safe recovery.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory oil found in hemp and cannabis plants that mimics an endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and similarly binds to our CB-2 cell receptor. Through this interaction the phytocannabinoid, CBD, works like our endocannabinoid, 2-AG, creating many changes in our bodies such as inflammation, metabolism, and hormonal changes.
Unlike Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound in the cannabis plant that mimics our endocannabinoid, anandamide (ANA), CBD has no psychoactive properties and will not give you any sort of “head high” like THC or ANA. THC creates affects by interacting with the CB1 receptor. CBD actually works as an antidote to someone who may have consumed too much THC. CBD has very few reported side effects in most people, most common being drowsiness.
Though CBD hemp flower can be smoked or vaped, there are other popular ways of consuming CBD, such as oils, tinctures, edibles, as well as topical agents. Many animal and human studies from world renowned universities and organizations have shown the benefits of CBD by decreasing pain and inflammation through its interactions with the CB-2 receptor.
One study on kidney transplant recipients showed pain reduction in most of the participants taking CBD. Another study done on rats with arthritis pain concluded that CBD applied topically reduced pain and inflammation in the rats. Yet another study proved the benefit of using cannabinoids for neuropathic pain.
Furthermore, CBD reduces anxiety and depression, which can often go hand in hand with surgery, post-surgery, or chronic pain. A study on the effects of CBD on persons with various anxiety disorders showed notable improvement in the management of anxiety.
Since CBD has proven benefits for pain and inflammation, then it only makes sense that it would be a good treatment or supplement for post-surgery pain. Often after surgery, doctors will recommend a regimen of narcotics, Ibuprofen and Tylenol to combat pain and swelling. Therefore, for those who struggle tolerating drugs like Ibuprofen or who want to avoid narcotics, CBD may help with pain relief.
As with any supplement, if you take other prescription drugs, check with your doctor before taking CBD. Though CBD does not have any known negative severe side effects, it can potentially interfere with another medication you are taking. Your doctor can let you know if there would be any potential drug interactions.
As we have discussed, you may smoke or vape CBD in its flower form. CBD also comes in tinctures that you may drop underneath the tongue, or as edibles in the form of gummies. How you consume CBD is entirely up to you. The best edibles for pain after surgery are high-quality and have minimal ingredients. Gummies, like those offered by Cali-Born Dreams, are easy to take, discrete, and work well for on the go.
CBD has been shown to provide pain relief for various conditions. So, if you are anticipating pain post-surgical pain, then CBD may be a great option for you.
Browse our collection of CBD products to find the best fit for you!
The fight to legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical use has gone on for ages. Medical marijuana has become more accessible in the past few years. which is great news for the people who need it the most. Cancer patients and their advocates have been at the forefront of this battle since marijuana has many benefits for those who are under treatment for cancer. In this post, we’re going to talk about marijuana and cancer. We will break down the health benefits of cannabinoids with a specific focus on THC and CBD.
Cannabinoids are compounds found in marijuana plants. These compounds are what causes humans to react to the plant itself. Although there are hundreds of different cannabinoids, there are two in particular that you’ve likely heard of, CBD and THC. Since your body actually produces some cannabinoids naturally, it is equipped with the receptors for these compounds, which is why the body reacts to cannabis the way that it does. THC is the compound in the cannabis plant that gets you high. It is not totally legal for recreational use in the United States, however many states sell it to patients with a prescription or medical marijuana card. CBD, which is short for “cannabidiol,” is known for relieving stress, easing physical pain and regulating sleep cycles. CBD does not get you high. Many pills, gels, tinctures and other manufactured cannabis products give you the option of choosing CBD, THC or both since they each provide a unique benefit and experience.
Before we dive into how marijuana benefits cancer patients, we must make it abundantly clear that we are not suggesting that weed is a cure to cancer. We are talking about how marijuana can be used to treat some of the side effects of cancer and its treatments. Cannabis products are often used to treat the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting and appetite stimulation. THC is particularly helpful for appetite stimulation. Many people lose weight when they are very on chemo because they don’t have much of an appetite. Losing body mass can be dangerous for patients that are fighting to stay alive. Stimulating their appetites with THC can help them maintain or gain weight. Symptoms vary between different types of cancer, but some cause pain. CBD, a natural pain reliever often considered a great alternative to pain killers since it is not addictive. Some new studies suggest that CBD helps with neuropathy, which can be caused by cancerous tumors. Aside from the relief of side effects, some doctors and scientists are hopeful they might find links between marijuana and cancer that is even more positive. Researchers are trying to learn if marijuana might slow the growth of cancer.
Access to marijuana is helpful to patients who are battling cancer. Especially those who are feeling the negative side effects of chemotherapy. We welcome this plant’s increasing recognition for its true value. Escaping the societal confines that have kept it illegal for so many years. If you are battling cancer, we recommend talking to your doctor to see how marijuana might help you.