The COVID-19 disease has affected the entire world and all the people around the world are doing their best to prevent the spread of this new coronavirus disease. Many governments from different countries have imposed the lockdown to restrict the movement of people for the safety of their citizens. And while we are maintaining social distancing and staying indoors, many of us are suffering from some medical conditions such as chronic pain. Thankfully, medical cannabis can help people dealing with chronic pain and some more conditions. Medical cannabis is known to help people suffering from various medical conditions such as epilepsy, arthritis, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and more. To buy medical cannabis, you need a medical marijuana card. Medical cannabis doctors in Rochester can provide you this recommendation card after evaluating your condition. This card allows you to buy medical cannabis for your condition from a licensed dispensary.

Medical cannabis can provide relief from constant, life-altering pain to people suffering from ailments related to chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the most common conditions for which medical cannabis is used to deal with the symptoms. This magical herb has been used for centuries to treat the feelings of pain, and now you have legal access to it. Because of such medical benefits of cannabis, it has been included in the list of essentials during the COVID-19 lockdown. Basically, there are two types of pain – acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is short-lived (does not last for more than six months). Acute pain is caused because of traumatic injuries like bone fractures, muscle strains, burns, wounds from surgery, or cuts. But, chronic pain is different from this.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is a lingering type of pain, which heavily impacts the quality of life of the person suffering from it. It can be caused because of illnesses like cancer, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. But, there can be some other reasons also such as injury, suboptimal biomechanics, and nervous system. It can present even if there is no obvious tissue damage or pathology. The symptoms can sometimes last for six to twelve months at a time.

Many people are now considering medical cannabis to deal with the symptoms associated with chronic pain. Medical cannabis can offer effective short-term relief, which can increase the quality of life of the sufferers. In small doses, medical cannabis can help in managing symptoms of pain, enhancing sleep, and improving mood. Let’s learn more about it.

How medical cannabis can impact chronic pain?

Anecdotal evidence proves the efficacy of medical cannabis in treating chronic pain conditions. Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has receptors located throughout the body. Internal molecules known as endocannabinoids activate these receptor sites. Some of these endocannabinoids are very similar to phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids present in plants. And this is why the external cannabinoids can impact the ECS in similar ways as the internal cannabinoids.

The two cannabinoids of cannabis plants are THC and CBD. These two can alter the signaling of cannabinoid receptors, which lead to a modulated pain threshold. Cannabis also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in relieving naturopathic and inflammatory pain. There are many studies that also show that medical cannabis can help in managing chronic pain symptoms and provide relief to people suffering from chronic pain.

According to a study from the University of Michigan from March 2016 showed that cannabis can help in improving the quality of life, reduce the usage of opioids by an average of 64 percent, and also help in decreasing side effects caused by other medications.

Chronic pain symptoms that can be managed by medical cannabis

It can be very difficult for anyone to deal with chronic pain without any help. Fortunately, medical cannabis can be very helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with chronic pain, and provide substantial relief from these following symptoms.

• General non-specific chronic pain such as cancer pain or chronic neuropathic pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Headaches
• Neck pain 
• Pain-related to HIV/AIDS 
• TMJ disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Pain caused by an accident and injury
• Central nervous system issues
• And many more

The best cannabis strains for chronic pain

There are many stains that can help you deal with chronic pain. Because of the coronavirus, it is better for you to avoid smoking and consume edibles. Here are some of the best cannabis strains that you can use for chronic pain.

White Widow

White Widow is an Indica dominant hybrid cannabis strain that is known for its ability to deal with chronic pain. It offers a good body high that can help you get relief from tension and mild aches and pains. The amazing high produced by the Sativa part of this amazing strain can help provide rest to your body while keeping your mind off the physical pain. It is also a great pick for people suffering from insomnia, as it can help them fall asleep faster and maintain that sleep for a longer period. It can soothe your pain, and also help you fall asleep at night, making it a great choice for pain and sleep.

Sour Diesel

This Sativa dominant cannabis strain is popular amongst medical cannabis users. It provides an amazon mindful and uplifting high, which makes it easier for you to forget about your pains and ailments that may be causing problems to you. With this strain you will not have to worry about getting couch-locked, hence you can consume it during the day-time. Due to its popularity, you can easily find it in the dispensaries. If you want a cannabis strain that you can keep you going through your day, Sour Diesel can be your best pick.

Northern Lights

It is undoubtedly one of the most famous cannabis strains that you can find on the market. Northern Lights is an Indica dominant hybrid strain that can provide a body high that can help in managing severe pain, which allows your body and mind to relax. Also, because of the dominance of Indica, this strain can put you into a couch-locked situation. So, if you are a beginner, it is better for you to be careful while consuming this strain – start slow and low. This also makes it a great choice for people suffering from insomnia.