{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/pain/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2543-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Muscle Spasms/Soreness Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-muscle-spasmssoreness-answered","content":"People experience muscle spasms or sore muscles for a variety of reasons—from having conditions like muscular dystrophy to completing an intense session at the gym. Luckily, cannabis can help. Studies show that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana [improves the communication between muscles and nerves, and reduces inflammation](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.327.9531&rep=rep1&type=pdf), which helps relieve spasms and sore muscles. \n\nWe’ve gathered our three most popular Q&As about how marijuana can help alleviate muscle spasms, aches and pains. The advice comes from professionals in the cannabis industry as well as experienced consumers, who shared their knowledge in our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) section. We hope you find this information helpful and practical.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: pain from muscle spasms\n**_I have dystonia which causes muscles spasms and pain in the upper trapezius muscles when I'm active. The pain subsides when I'm sleeping or resting. I've tried the Cheeba Chews with 50 mg CBD and 2 mg THC divided in halves. I’ve also tried the 18:1 high CBD spray from Care by Design—neither seem to help. I don't need to take anything at night, but how often should they be taken during the day? Should I try a different product?_**\n\nAnswer: [@andrewvanmd]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/55d3990c32326600062d0000/andrewvanmd) I would recommend massaging a high THC topical ointment/cream directly onto the dystonic muscles every few hours. I would also try increasing the THC in your edible and sublingual cannabis preparations. Also, when you take the sublingual spray make sure you are doing the following.... 1) Before applying the spray, remove excess saliva from your mouth. 2) Allow the preparation to remain under your tongue for as long as possible, in order to achieve sublingual/oral absorption.\n\nRELATED: [EASING MUSCLE SPASMS WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b156f433303700060f0000/easing-muscle-spasms-with-medical-marijuana)\n\n### Q: Does the Alta California Spasm Relief Tincture really help with muscle spasms? If so, how much do I take?\nAnswer: [@melissa](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5697f4f109d7dd000c000018/melissa) I am not a doctor but I have tried this product. It has helped me with muscle spasms effectively after a tough workout. I started with a half a dropper and then went to a full dropper. When you try a product always look at the dosage and start “low and slow” as the saying goes. Perhaps start with slightly less than the suggested amount, wait 20 minutes and then try a bit more. Hope this helps.\n\n### Q: Will Sweet Releaf help muscle soreness?\n**_I work out a lot and my muscles get very sore. Will this help to receive some of the soreness?_**\n\nAnswer: [@didi](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5751d3fdfe8dee000b00004f/didi) Yes, you can get a lot of relief from sore muscles using the original formula of Sweet Releaf which addresses soreness and discomfort of muscles and tendons at the mild to moderate level. For a typical workout, a moderate level of soreness would be expected afterwards and topicals are perfect in such cases because you just apply them directly to the spots that hurt and wait a few minutes for the area to relax, loosen up and pain to resolve.\n\nFor added effectiveness, use Sweet ReLeaf after a shower or bath when your skin's pores are open. We've heard from patients that applying it when pores are open helps the medicine penetrate quicker so relief is felt sooner and sometimes more deeply.\n\nPhoto credit: [Austin Neill](https://unsplash.com/@arstyy)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/14b42/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/f836f/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 200w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/2244e/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 400w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/14b42/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 800w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/47498/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/0e329/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/15f9c/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.jpg 3611w","srcWebp":"/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/58556/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/61e93/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 200w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/1f5c5/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 400w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/58556/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 800w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/99238/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 1200w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/7c22d/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 1600w,\n/static/cac3ecbd24021e94593b6dbd5b7edecc/328de/fef845fd14b1c2f456c09d49f77443b1.webp 3611w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2504-markdown","title":"The Rise of Opioids—and Cannabis’s Role in Their Downfall","slug":"the-rise-of-opioidsand-cannabiss-role-in-their-downfall","content":"The American [opioid epidemic accounts for more than 90 overdose deaths per day](https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis). In some states, the number of prescription opioid medications dispensed far exceeds the total population. People desperate for opioids often turn to heroin when they can’t get more prescribed to them. Meanwhile, heroin laced with the vastly more powerful fentanyl is responsible for many fatalities associated with opioids.\n\nResponding to pressure from a number of organizations and legislative bodies, President Trump declared the [U.S. opioid crisis a national public health emergency](http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/26/politics/donald-trump-opioid-epidemic/index.html), prompting proposals for solutions ranging from increased scrutiny of prescribing physicians to making the opioid antidote naloxone available to everyone.  \n\nEven as public attention focuses on the soaring rates of opioid addiction, a potential solution is emerging: cannabis. Many people are turning to marijuana in a variety of forms for pain relief without the side effects and risks associated with powerful opioid medications.\n\nBut the movement to make cannabis more widely available is facing stiff opposition from both the government and a pharmaceutical industry committed to promoting—and profiting from—the sale of opioids.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### How Did Using Opioids Become an American Way of Life?\n\nThe [American love affair with \nopioid medications](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/09/29/the-greatest-drug-fiends-in-the-world-an-american-opioid-crisis-in-1908/?utm_term=.04b0ec8c4779)\ncan be traced back to the post-Civil War era of the 1860s and 187os. At that time, morphine, opium and the opium-based laudanum were widely used for pain relief by everyone from Civil War veterans coping with what today would be called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to wealthy, bored society ladies. The problem was so widespread that in 1908, President Teddy Roosevelt appointed the first drug czar, known as the “Opium Commissioner.” \n\nThis ushered in an era of increasing regulation of morphine, opium and other opium-based substances, including heroin—a morphine derivative developed in 1899 by the German pharmaceutical giant Bayer. But doctors continued prescribing opioids, encouraged by advertisements and even scientific studies claiming that opioids were not addictive and entirely safe for relieving pain of all kinds.  \n\n\nAs HelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Perry Solomon \nnotes, the current opioid epidemic can be traced to the mid- to late-1990s, when the medical community recognized the need to assess and treat pain as a condition all its own. After that, drug companies made it easy—and lucrative—for doctors to prescribe opioid medications that included not only morphine but also synthesized opiates like oxycontin, vicodin and oxycodone.  \n\n### How Pain Helped Shape the Opioid Crisis\n\nToday’s opioid crisis is also related to another phenomenon—an \n[epidemic of pain](https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015).\nChronic pain affects a growing number of Americans, and this pain is caused by conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. Data collected by the National Institutes of Health reveal that nearly 25 million American adults experience chronic pain—and almost 40 million experience severe pain, which impacts their health, productivity and quality of life.  \n\nUnder pressure to provide relief, and encouraged by drug companies, doctors have enthusiastically embraced opioid painkillers—so much so that in the past decade alone, deaths from opioid overdose have outpaced accidental deaths from all other causes in some states. Addiction rates have soared, straining medical and social services and compromising whole communities where multiple generations live their lives on pain-related disability.\n\nThe opioid epidemic has also sparked an upswing in heroin addiction and overdose, as people turn to heroin when prescriptions become too expensive or hard to get. And because street heroin is often laced with even more potent synthetics like carfentanil or fentanyl, the potential for overdose and death becomes even greater. \n\n### Cannabis: Age-Old Pain Relief Is New Again\n\nIn some ways, the progression of [cannabis in American \nculture](https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026)\nparalleled the evolution of opioids. Just as people in years past turned to opium and its products for relief from pain and other conditions, many cultures embraced cannabis for the same reasons. But in the early years of the 20th century, cannabis, or marijuana, was seen largely as a vice of immigrants from Latin America, while the country worried about the widespread addiction to morphine and opium.\n\nIn the 1930s, familiar names in American pharmaceuticals such as Parke-Davis and Eli Lilly sold marijuana extracts as over-the-counter medicine, to be used for purposes including pain relief and sedation. But as opioids gained in popularity, they overtook the emerging medicinal marijuana industry and those products eventually vanished.\n\nBy the 1960s, marijuana was on the government’s radar once again, as it became the symbol of a defiant counterculture. In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was passed. Not long after, President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs, and cannabis landed on the Act’s highly restricted Schedule 1, along with heroin, LSD and other psychoactive substances—all deemed to have no redeeming medical qualities.\n\nIn the years since, cannabis has become the subject of intense scientific study as researchers work to validate the claims of cannabis consumers that it can control pain as well as, or better than, opioids.\n\n ### Marijuana Beats Opioids for Pain Relief\n\nRecent landmark research by HelloMD in partnership with the University of California at Berkeley is part of the current crop of studies demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis for pain. That study revealed that out of nearly 3,000 respondents surveyed:\n\n* 97% agreed they could decrease their use of opioids by using cannabis. \n* 95% preferred cannabis to opioids.\n* 81% said that cannabis was more effective for pain relief than their prescription opioids.\n\nAs the opioid crisis continues to damage lives and communities throughout the country, cannabis continues to gain legitimacy as an effective pain reliever without the side effects, risks and addictive potential of opioids. But the federal government remains firm in its opposition to easing restrictions on cannabis.\n\nAnd according to HelloMD’s Dr. Solomon, the pharmaceutical industry remains dedicated to promoting opioid use with a lobbying budget that topped $800 million in the past decade—a figure that dwarfs the spending of the gun lobby.  \n\nIn years past, medical marijuana was developed for pain control, but it was pushed aside by the popularity of opioids. Now, the tables could be turning. Cannabis could lead the way out of the opioid crisis—but the twin obstacles of federal restrictions and pharmaceutical lobbying remain.\n\nPhoto credit: [Eric Norris](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sfxeric/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/14b42/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/f836f/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.jpg 200w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/2244e/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.jpg 400w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/14b42/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.jpg 800w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/16310/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/58556/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/61e93/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.webp 200w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/1f5c5/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.webp 400w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/58556/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.webp 800w,\n/static/9e390eee162e95dcb814dcd66ce669e8/cc834/076235970e41a6264d290dc220ac4c56.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2487-markdown","title":"How Opioids & Cannabinoids Interact to Boost Pain Relief","slug":"how-opioids-and-cannabinoids-interact-to-boost-pain-relief","content":"Some recreational marijuana users like to take an oxycodone or another kind of opioid at the same time as cannabis, saying that this intensifies the high. Other people who take opioids for pain say that when they use cannabis, they’re able to take fewer opioids—or none at all. These effects indicate that each of these substances is able to enhance the effects of the other, and [recent \r\nresearch](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147148920900157x) now reveals why this might be true.  \r\n\r\nNumerous new studies show that a majority of people who use marijuana are able to either reduce their use of opioids for pain or stop them altogether—great news in the fight against the growing “opioid epidemic” in the U.S. This is because the human body is naturally primed to respond to both these substances, with built-in systems for opioid and cannabinoid receptors—and [these two systems interact in surprising and synergistic ways](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14706563). \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Opioid & Cannabinoid Receptor Systems Coexist—& Interact\r\n\r\nThe human body is rich in receptor systems—collections of cells that respond to the input of certain chemical triggers from inside and outside the body. Under ideal conditions, the body is able to manufacture its own supply of these chemicals, which regulate processes as diverse as mood, thinking and responses to pain. Substances from external sources can be similar enough to these natural chemicals to stimulate the same receptors. \r\n\r\nOver the past decade or so, a number of studies explored the relationship between opioids and marijuana for a better understanding of how these two systems interact in the brain and body. Some studies suggest that not only do cannabinoid and opioid receptors co-exist in many of the same areas of the brain, but that [opioids and cannabinoids may also directly interact with each other](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1751787/)\r\non a cellular level. \r\n\r\n### The Opioid Receptor System: Pleasure, Reward & Pain Control\r\n\r\nThe opioid receptor system is hard-wired into many areas of the brain, as well as the spine and digestive system, and is responsible for triggering responses related to pain control, pleasure and reward. The body produces its own naturally occurring opioids, including enkephalins, dynorphins and the endorphins responsible for the “high” folks experience while running and performing other kinds of exercise.  Opioid drugs, including prescription medications such as OxyContin or Vicodin, morphine, and the street drug heroin, also bind to these receptors, blocking pain signals and triggering powerful responses in the brain’s circuits of pleasure, reward and memory. \r\n\r\nBut opioid drugs can quickly overwhelm the body’s natural opioid receptor system. These drugs depress natural opioid production, causing a chain reaction that leads to rising levels of norepinephrine, a chemical responsible for stimulating respiration, heart rate and temperature, as well as the “flight or fight” response. Because the brainstem is rich in opioid receptors, an overdose of opioid drugs can depress those processes to the point of death.\r\n\r\nLong-term opioid use suppresses the excess norepinephrine that’s created when the body produces less of its natural opioids. When a person stops using opioids, this norepinephrine floods the system, causing the often severe effects of withdrawal. \r\n\r\n### The Endocannabinoid & Opioid Systems Overlap\r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is more widespread than the opioid system. The two known cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are found in nearly every part of the body and respond both to the body’s own natural endocannabinoids—anandamide and 2AG—and to the very similar cannabis compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  \r\n\r\nBecause cannabinoid receptors are so numerous throughout the body, it’s no surprise that these receptors share space with opioid receptors in many areas of the brain and spine— with one notable exception: the brainstem. The brainstem  is rich in opioid receptors but nearly free of cannabinoid ones. That explains why large doses of opioids can depress respiration and other functions to the point of death, but marijuana overdose alone does not cause death.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system)\r\n\r\nLarge numbers of opioid and cannabinoid receptors are found in areas of the brain related to pleasure, reward and pain control, so both [opioid drugs and cannabis can cause similar feelings of relaxation, euphoria and relief from pain](http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases/23622-medical-marijuana-reduces-use-of-opioid-pain-meds-decreases-risk-for-some-with-chronic-pain). But because of the opioid receptor system’s relatively limited distribution, its effects are largely confined to those three things. \r\n\r\nIn comparison, the ECS affects a wide range of processes and functions directly, or indirectly, by triggering responses in other kinds of receptors. But the [close proximity of those two receptor systems in key areas of the brain and spine]( https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11077/ucsf-study-finds-medical-marijuana-could-help-patients-reduce-pain-opiates) make it possible for opioid drugs to affect the endocannabinoid system, and for cannabis to affect the opioid system.\r\n\r\n### Opioids & Cannabinoids Enhance Each Other’s Effects\r\n\r\nOpioids and cannabis compounds can also interact indirectly, as part of the signaling cross-talk among these and other systems in the body, so that they contribute to the expression of other kinds of neurotransmitters farther down the line. In that way, THC is able to enhance the potency of opioids, and certain opioid receptors can boost the pain-relieving properties of THC and CBD. \r\n\r\nCannabis can also make it easier to withdraw from opioids, because it moderates the mechanisms that trigger withdrawal symptoms and reduces the need for medications like methadone or buprenorphine to help folks get through withdrawal.\r\n\r\nPeople who consume opioid drugs and marijuana often say that these substances can have a significant effect on each other, and now science supports their claims. Opioid and cannabinoid receptors not only share space in the brain and spine, but opioids and cannabis can also interact on deeper levels, creating a synergy that boosts the effects of both. Many questions remain about the complicated interactions between these systems, but recent insights about their relationship may lead to new alternatives for pain control—and a way out of the epidemic of opioid abuse. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Théo](https://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny_montana/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/14b42/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg","srcSet":"/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/f836f/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 200w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/2244e/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 400w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/14b42/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 800w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/47498/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 1200w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/0e329/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 1600w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/745df/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.jpg 1946w","srcWebp":"/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/58556/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/61e93/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 200w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/1f5c5/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 400w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/58556/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 800w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/99238/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 1200w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/7c22d/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 1600w,\n/static/68c51425dc40d954d23680d6460b94a5/07df4/4bf375dd2b5c23be150f87d39a3e2a52.webp 1946w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2459-markdown","title":"Marijuana’s Role in Helping Parkinson’s Disease Patients","slug":"marijuanas-role-in-helping-parkinsons-disease-patients","content":"Scientists have been investigating the endocannabinoid system in neurodegenerative diseases for many years. So, it’s no surprise that cannabis, which acts on this system, could have an important role to play in the treatment and management of Parkinson’s disease. While more studies—especially clinical trials—still need to be done, many Parkinson’s patients are already using cannabis to manage their symptoms, and others have begun to incorporate marijuana into their holistic approach to living with the disease. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### What Is Parkinson’s Disease?\r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease is a disorder that originates in the substantia nigra—the part of the brain responsible for motor control. In the substantia nigra, there are nerve cells that normally produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, behavior, sleep and cognition. In Parkinson’s disease patients, these cells become damaged and stop their production of dopamine—causing the body’s normal operations to go awry. \r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disorder, which means symptoms change and worsen overtime. Because early-stage symptoms such as insomnia and constipation often seem minor, Parkinson’s usually isn’t diagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly.\r\n\r\nOnce 60–80% of dopamine-producing nerve cells are damaged, patients begin to experience difficulty controlling movement; tremors and limb rigidity are often the most visible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but because dopamine regulates many facets of behavior, patients can also experience less visible symptoms like depression, anxiety and difficulty thinking. The rate of progression in the disease varies from patient to patient, and while Parkinson’s doesn’t often lead to death, loss of motor control and mental impairments can reduce quality of life and put the patient’s life in danger. \r\n\r\nThe cause of Parkinson’s disease is still largely unknown, though research suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Currently, there’s no cure and treatment options usually involve surgery or medication to both manage symptoms and supply the body with dopamine. Every individual experiences Parkinson’s differently, and lifestyle changes can determine how well patients cope with this disease.\r\n\r\n### Who’s Most Affected With Parkinson’s Disease? \r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the United States, second only to Alzheimer’s. According to the [Davis Phinney Foundation](https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org) Parkinson’s disease affects one to one-and-a-half million Americans—that’s more than the number of Americans with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined—with 50,000–60,000 new cases being reported annually. Around the world, it’s estimated that seven to 10 million people are living with Parkinson’s, but none of these numbers take into account people who are experiencing symptoms but have yet to be diagnosed. \r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease affects about 1% of people over age 60, although most people living with Parkinson’s are older than 65. This disease is one-and-a-half times more common in men, with about 60% of those affected being male. Fifteen percent of people with Parkinson’s are under age 50, and 5% are under age 40—those diagnosed with Parkinson’s under age 50 are designated as having young onset Parkinson’s disease, which is usually characterized by a slower progression of the disease.  \r\n\r\n### How Can Cannabis Help Those With Parkinson’s Disease?\r\n\r\nAnecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis can play a role in helping those with Parkinson’s disease: A 2011–2012 study by Israeli researchers analyzed the [effect of cannabis on motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24614667) in 22 patients and revealed significant improvement in symptoms after only 30 minutes of smoking cannabis; and most recently, an October 2017 study in _Clinical Neuropharmacology_ interviewed 47 patients with Parkinson’s and found that [medical marijuana improved symptoms in the initial stages of treatment](https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00002826-900000000-99616&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&utm_campaign=sfc_greenstate_dailybriefing) without major adverse effects. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS HELPED ME FIND RELIEF FROM PARKINSON’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57a7cefba123030007ba033a/how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease)\r\n\r\nIt’s not surprising that many patients report that cannabis alleviates their symptoms: Among those in the medical marijuana community, cannabis has long been known to help ease anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle rigidity and pain—all of which are associated with Parkinson’s or are side effects of medications involved in a traditional treatment regimen for the disease. \r\n\r\nParkinson’s disease has no cure, so existing therapies can only relieve symptoms or supply the body with dopamine—none address the destruction of dopamine-producing neurons, which is the root cause of the disorder. The neuroprotective qualities of cannabis and cannabinoids may provide guidance to future research: \r\n\r\n* In a mice cell culture, researchers found that [THC and THCA can protect the brain cells that make dopamine from neurotoxins](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22571976). Moreover, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, has been shown to have further neuroprotective properties in [a study that involved a human cell culture](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22236282). \r\n\r\n* Cannabidiol (CBD) is also neuroprotective, but likely by way of a different mechanism than seen in THC. In rats, CBD [protects brain cells that project into the substantia nigra](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17672854)—the part of the brain that’s affected in Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases. \r\n\r\nThe extensive reports of positive patient experiences combined with promising pre-clinical research has led scientists and patients to advocate for more in-depth studies on what role cannabis can play in this debilitating disease. \r\n\r\n### How Does Marijuana Complement Traditional Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease? \r\n\r\nConventional therapeutic approaches to Parkinson’s disease usually involve a combination of surgery and medications to address symptoms and supply the body with dopamine. However, patients can undertake a number of lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. Research and experts in this disease advocate for sleeping well, eating well and engaging in regular exercise—all of which cannabis can help support. \r\n\r\nGetting adequate sleep is an essential component to any healthy lifestyle, but people with Parkinson’s often suffer from insomnia due to many factors, including pain, side effects from medications, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Preliminary research suggests that [CBD can help treat insomnia, while THC can help you fall asleep faster](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11920-017-0775-9), but may also have an effect on the quality of sleep. However, [plenty of cannabis users report having success treating insomnia](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Tringale-Jensen-20111.pdf) with the use of either THC or CBD, or even both—it all depends on the user. \r\n\r\nInflammation of nerve cells in Parkinson’s disease is thought to contribute to the degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the brain—thus, research indicates that [decreasing inflammation in affected areas may help slow progression of the disease](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/mmr/10/5/2223). Moreover, the carbidopa-levodopa drug combination often used to help with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often leads to a slew of side effects, including dyskinesia and triggering more inflammation in the body. Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants and aimed at reducing inflammation may be beneficial to Parkinson’s patients. And incorporating cannabis—which has anti-inflammatory  and neuroprotective properties—into this regimen may also be helpful. \r\n\r\nVisit the webpage of any organization or foundation dedicated to Parkinson’s disease, and you’ll notice it touting the benefits of an exercise regimen. Studies show that [regular exercise can be neuroprotective and neurorestorative](http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/19532109)—in other words, exercise may help slow or even reverse disease progression.\r\n\r\nSome [professional athletes use cannabis in their training regimen](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/599a051e503739404aa2215d/nfl-to-conduct-study-on-pain-management-and-cannabis) because its anti-inflammatory nature helps them recover after an intense workout. Likewise, consuming cannabis post-workout may help some Parkinson’s patients in the same way. \r\n\r\n### Effective Cannabis Consumption Methods & Dosages for Parkinson’s Disease\r\n\r\nWhile plenty of evidence points to cannabis’s place in a Parkinson’s disease therapy regimen, there’s no recommended dosage in helping treat the symptoms of the disease. Like most conditions and symptoms that respond well to cannabis, it all comes down to the individual user. Because Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, even if you were to find a cannabis regimen that worked for you, you may discover that as the disease changes, so will your needs in terms of cannabis dosage. \r\n\r\n[Liz Rudner](https://www.hellomd.com/people/57aa64a72bf1bd000ba8922e/lizrudner), a holistic wellness expert who works with Parkinson’s patients and the co-founder of MoonMan’s Mistress, a company that produces healthy edibles, says she’s found that her clients need a solid 10 mg of THC daily, along with 15–25 mg CBD. She also notes that CBD tends to help her clients find daytime relief. However, she also emphasizes that every person’s biochemistry is different. \r\n\r\n“This might work for you, but it might not work for the next person—or this might work for you right now, but you might get to a point where your body doesn't want anymore, and you're going to have to find something else,” she says. \r\n\r\nThe general rules of cannabis dosing apply to this disease: Start small and increase until the desired effect is achieved. If you’re looking for immediate relief from a certain symptom, smoking or vaping brings about effects more quickly. Ingesting cannabis in edible or tincture form will provide longer-lasting relief, but effects may take up to an hour to kick in. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Soragrit Wongsa](https://unsplash.com/@invictar1997) \r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/14b42/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/f836f/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 200w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/2244e/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 400w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/14b42/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 800w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/47498/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/0e329/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/77d93/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.jpg 3600w","srcWebp":"/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/58556/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/61e93/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 200w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/1f5c5/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 400w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/58556/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 800w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/99238/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 1200w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/7c22d/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 1600w,\n/static/d35be94e8b3aa28fe96db84727f73abe/d4378/bc79f805d802fdacec162b8a0e5b3356.webp 3600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2439-markdown","title":"Cannabis: An “Exit Drug” for the Opioid Epidemic? ","slug":"cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"Americans make up only about 5% of the world’s population, but use\nmore than 80% of the world’s supply of opioids—a class of powerful painkilling drugs that [accounts for nearly 100 overdose deaths per day](https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates), outstripping all other accidental causes of death.\n\nStatistics like these, say addiction experts, clearly prove that the country is in the grip of an [opioid epidemic that demands immediate action to save lives](http://www.businessinsider.com/opioid-overdose-death-statistics-2017-2016). But the many plans and programs put forward to end the epidemic ignore the safe and effective solution to opioid abuse: offering pain sufferers a better way to manage their pain in the first place. For these patients, marijuana could be the “exit drug” from opioids that helps them avoid addiction.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### No One’s Plan to Get Off Opioids Includes Marijuana\n\nA recent [_New York Times_ op-ed presents a typical approach](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/opinion/opioid-addiction-treatment-program.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region&region=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region), outlining an eight-point plan with strategies such as improving treatment options, educating children about opioids and training doctors. Conspicuously absent though, was a mention of cannabis as a less addictive and much safer alternative for pain control.\n\nThat absence was so noticable, in fact, that HelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer Perry Solomon, wrote a letter to _The Times_ taking issue with the column’s failure to mention marijuana as an “exit medication” from opioids. In that letter, Solomon cites [HelloMD’s landmark study conducted with the University of California, Berkeley](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication), in which 97% of patients were able to decrease opioids or stop using them altogether with cannabis. But even though pain management tops the long list of [conditions that can be successfully treated with marijuana products](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq), that option is left off the list of possible solutions to the crisis of opioid abuse. \n\n### What Are Opioids & Why Are They So Addictive?\n\n“Opioids” is a general name for a group of [powerful sedative \ndrugs](https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids) that includes morphine; heroin; a large group of prescription medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and oxycodone; as well as a newer group of very strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. These medications act by depressing activity in the central nervous system—and activating powerful responses in the brain’s pleasure and reward system.\n\nThis combination of effects makes it possible for opioids to deliver swift relief from pain, create a relaxing euphoria, but it also means they can easily become physically and psychologically addictive. Opioids can be deadly, too. When a person takes too much, or uses opioids in combination with other kinds of sedative drugs or alcohol, this can depress respiration and decrease breathing to fatal levels.\n\n### A Pain Epidemic Means More Prescriptions\n\nIt’s been said that [Americans are also in the grip of a “pain epidemic.”](https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015) Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. About 25 million adults experience chronic pain—that is, pain every day for the preceding three months. And around 40 million experience pain that’s severe.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS HELPS REDUCE CHRONIC \nPAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59cbfaff388e3e39f0f313c8/how-cannabis-helps-reduce-chronic-pain)\n\nThe causes of this pain varies widely, from surgical procedures to injuries to chronic health conditions such as arthritis. But whatever the cause, in many situations, a physician’s first move in treatment is to prescribe an opioid medication. And when patients can’t keep getting prescription opioids, they often turn to its cheaper alternative, heroin, which often comes laced with the far more potent fentanyl or carfentanil.\n\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\n\nCannabis contains over 100 compounds. The most abundant of these are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the ingredient responsible for feeling “high,” and cannabidiol, or CBD, which has no psychoactive effects at all. Separately or in combination, these compounds have shown promise in treating a variety of conditions, particularly chronic pain, thanks to their activity on the body’s network of natural cannabinoid receptors.\n\nThe human body contains natural receptors for both opioids and cannabis, but these receptors behave very differently—and that can help explain why cannabis can trump opioids for safer and more effective pain relief. Opioid receptors are located throughout the body, but they’re prevalent in the brain and central nervous system. This accounts for their ability to block pain messages and also to trigger powerful responses in the pleasure and reward system.  \n\nBut cannabis receptors are found not only in the brain and nervous system, but also in nearly all tissues and organs. They form an extensive and multi-functional network called the [endocannabinoid \nsystem](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), which plays a role not only in regulating pain responses and mood, but also in managing immune responses, controlling inflammation and keeping all the body’s systems in balance. THC and CBD affect these cannabinoid receptors to produce relief from pain, anxiety and disorders such as fibromyalgia and migraines.\n\nThough cannabis and opioids can create some similar outcomes—suppression of pain and, with THC, relaxation and euphoria—cannabis products are largely non-addictive. And because relatively few cannabinoid receptors are located in the brain stem, there’s little risk that a cannabis overdose could cause death by depressing respiration and heartbeat to dangerous levels.\n\n### Roadblocks Limit Access to Cannabis\n\nThe mainstream medical community has been slow to embrace cannabis as an opioid alternative. As both _The New York Times_ editorial and Dr. Solomon’s letter point out, that may be due to lack of awareness—and also to a lack of research from sources doctors consider trustworthy. \n\nAlthough numerous private sector and academic studies validate the use of cannabis for pain, fierce government opposition to marijuana research restricts access to cannabis for study and prohibits government-funded entities such as the Veterans Administration from even mentioning marijuana to patients. \n\nIn the next decade, opioid abuse may kill nearly half a million people—but an obvious solution remains conspicuous by its absence. In the old days, drug-fearing authorities labeled marijuana the “gateway drug” to harder substances. But today’s cannabis may turn out to be just the opposite—the “exit drug” that stops addiction in its tracks.\n\nPhoto credit: [freestocks.org](https://unsplash.com/@freestocks)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/14b42/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/f836f/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/2244e/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 400w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/14b42/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 800w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/47498/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/57cfc/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.jpg 1402w","srcWebp":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/58556/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/61e93/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/1f5c5/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 400w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/58556/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 800w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/99238/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 1200w,\n/static/aaa45c26b29854532095b0f55a7e217e/c569c/f81938d7094d10da907866fb3b85ccc0.webp 1402w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2456-markdown","title":"Why Doesn't My Doctor Know Anything About Marijuana?","slug":"why-doesnt-my-doctor-know-anything-about-marijuana","content":"Anxiety, stress, migraines, insomnia, chronic pain and even [opioid dependence](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)—there’s mounting evidence that cannabis can be used as an effective treatment for all of these conditions (and more). Yet many doctors don’t know much about the efficacy of marijuana. Attitudes towards cannabis and the people who consume it are improving, but unfortunately the stigma still lingers. And because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and classed as a Schedule 1 drug, most physicians don’t receive formal training in schools on medicinal marijuana and there are very few medical studies done on the plant, so doctors don’t have any concrete information to go on. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Doctors Are Behind the Curve in Medical Marijuana\n\nA recent study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed that [medical schools are doing a very poor job in educating their students on cannabis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28892720)—medical or recreational. \n\nIn a survey that included more than 100 medical school deans and 258 medical residents and fellows, 85% of students admitted that they’d never received any sort of cannabis education. The study also revealed that only 9% of medical schools provide any kind of cannabis education to their students—despite 29 states (plus the District of Columbia) having access to some form of legal medical or recreational marijuana. \n\n### The Legal Gray Area in Marijuana as Medicine\n\nCannabis has been intentionally shut out of the conversation when it comes to medicine in the U.S. Although at the state level cannabis is legal in some locations, the federal government maintains that it's still illegal and has listed it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, along with drugs like heroin, LSD and ecstasy. This classification means that in the eyes of the federal government, marijuana has no known medical uses whatsoever. This also makes it extremely difficult for researchers to gain access to marijuana for studies. \n\nHelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Perry Solomon notes, ”The U.S. government’s stance creates an environment of fear for most practicing physicians, who must keep up with the most current laws in their state to ensure that they're allowed to recommend cannabis to their patients. Even if this is the case, most worry, unnecessarily, that they’ll get in trouble with the D.E.A. if they do so. Thankfully, there hasn’t been a government crackdown on prescribing physicians in legal states in many years. \n\n“There have been more than 8,000 studies done worldwide showing the efficacy of cannabis in treating a variety of medical conditions. However, the tendency of U.S. physicians is to only look at studies that come from the mainstream medical schools and universities in this country. The Schedule 1 status of cannabis makes those studies very difficult to perform.”\n\nRELATED: [SURVEY REVEALS 76% OF DOCTORS WOULD APPROVE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f45ff26463310006530000/survey-reveals-76-of-doctors-would-approve-medical-marijuana-use)\n\n### Fighting on the Front Lines for Cannabis\n\nSome organizations within the medical community like [The American Cannabis Nurses Association](https://cannabisnurses.org) advocate for the use of cannabis in medical treatment. These groups raise awareness of medicinal cannabis among healthcare providers through education, research and policy development. \n\nHelloMD is also a great resource to connect to doctors who’ve studied medicinal marijuana extensively. We offer access to doctors for consultations as well as the [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) platform, where folks can ask a medical professional about anything and everything marijuana related.\n\n### Doctors Need to Know about Cannabis\n\nAs more people gain access to medical marijuana, doctors need to be knowledgeable about:\n\n>* how the plant affects the body—an in-depth understanding of how the endocannabinoid system functions.\n>* the various conditions that cannabis can treat.\n>* perhaps most importantly, how it interacts with other prescription medications. \n\nMost people rely on the folks at their local dispensary or more experienced friends for medicinal marijuana advice, but with other prescriptions you wouldn’t accept guidance in regards to dosage, consumption method or side effects from anyone but your doctor. It’s time for medical schools to get up to speed with the ways people are using cannabis as medicine so that patients receive informed, professional and safe advice.\n\nPhoto credit: [Jesse Orrico](https://unsplash.com/@jessedo81)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/14b42/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg","srcSet":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/f836f/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/2244e/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 400w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/14b42/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 800w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/47498/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 1200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/231d7/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.jpg 1393w","srcWebp":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/58556/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/61e93/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/1f5c5/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 400w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/58556/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 800w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/99238/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 1200w,\n/static/35c9d58cf2942836a878fb2059a1791c/bd6e8/4c5ee15050b565fa4557b8602e086520.webp 1393w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2311-markdown","title":"Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Prevent Migraines","slug":"lifestyle-changes-you-can-make-to-prevent-migraines","content":"[Pamela Hadfield](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-hadfield-19a986), the co-founder of [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/), suffered from “head-splitting” migraines that would leave her in bed for days, beginning when she was 14. She was prescribed traditional migraine medication—which didn’t always work and had unpleasant side effects, leaving her “foggy and practically comatose in bed.” Pamela finally found relief years later after trying [cannabidiol (CBD)](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/how-does-cannabis-work-to-relieve-migraines) sublingual spray. That experience—and the relief she found using cannabis—was what inspired her to begin HelloMD.\n\nHere are several lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your day—including **adding cannabis** to your daily routine—to help you get a handle on preventing and managing your migraines.\n\n![Hello4-min (23).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_23_489cb45ba1.png)\n\n### Microdose With Marijuana to Keep Migraines at Bay\n\nTaking very small amounts of cannabis is also known as [microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/microdosing) and can be an effective way to medicate. [CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd) has been shown to relieve neurogenic pain, and [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc) has anti-inflammatory properties—both can help reduce migraines. \n\n![Hello1-min (28).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_28_5c6cd240aa.png)\n\n### Stay Hydrated to Ward Off Migraines\n\nGetting enough water throughout the day keeps you from getting dehydrated, which is a common trigger for migraines. To make sure you’re getting enough fluids, set a daily water intake goal and try to keep a water bottle nearby. Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in water content can help too. Some good choices are watermelons, strawberries, zucchini, and cucumbers.\n\n![Hello4-min (22).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_22_6ff20480bb.png)\n\n### Practise a New Response to Stress\n\nIt’s no secret that chronic stress and anxiety lead to tension throughout the body, so learning how to manage your mood can do a lot to help reduce migraines. Finding an outlet like physical movement (yoga, walking, stretching), meditation, listening to calming music, or just having a good laugh can all help you decompress and prevent your body from responding to stress with a raging migraine.\n\n![iStock-1255853773-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1255853773_min_d8fad890f8.jpg)\n\n### Keep Your Sleep Routine in Check\n\nWhile you’re asleep, your body does most of its repair, but too much sleep can be just as much of a problem as sleeping too little. Pay attention to your sleep patterns and take note if it’s late nights with little sleep that triggers your migraines or if it’s sleeping in for too long that makes the difference. If possible, try to avoid major changes in your sleep schedule that may disrupt your normal routine and throw off your body’s internal clock. \n\n![Hello3-min (24).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_24_97f7880cd2.png)\n\n### Get Physical to Reduce Migraine Frequency\n\nSpeaking of physical movement, studies have shown—and many migraine sufferers report—a [reduction in migraine frequency with regular exercise](https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/effects-of-exercise-on-headaches-and-migraines/). When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller and stress reliever, and also help improve sleep. The key is finding a physical activity you like and are more likely to stick with, whatever it is. Just be careful not to start any exercise if you’re already in the middle of a migraine episode, and avoid extremely strenuous activities as they can trigger migraines. \n\n![iStock-825886208-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_825886208_min_cd6c860a0f.jpg)\n\n### Avoid Foods that Are Potential Migraine Triggers\n\nFor some people, [foods high in histamines, nitrates, sulfates, and/or tyramine](https://migraine.com/blog/elimination-diet-foods-to-eat-foods-to-avoid/) such as avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, soy, cured and processed meats, aged cheese, red wine, nuts, and chocolate can trigger a migraine. It may be helpful to keep a food diary so you can pinpoint foods that coincide with your migraines. That way, you can start making some informed changes to your diet as a means of prevention.\n\nHopefully, with a little bit of experimentation, you’ll find the right combination of sleep schedule, eating patterns, and cannabis consumption to help you live your best life—migraine-free.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/14b42/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/f836f/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg 200w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/2244e/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg 400w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/14b42/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg 800w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/47498/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/2d2b9/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.jpg 1254w","srcWebp":"/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/58556/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/61e93/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp 200w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/1f5c5/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp 400w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/58556/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp 800w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/99238/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp 1200w,\n/static/063ae26ab4857dfb3b3b0116517a9bbd/3c324/ec160ea23557fd35afe2fc391fc82b9a.webp 1254w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2393-markdown","title":"Cannabis & Chronic Pain: Margaret’s Success Story","slug":"cannabis-and-chronic-pain-margarets-success-story","content":"New York’s medical cannabis program currently serves over 31,000 registered patients. Margaret is one of those patients, and this is her story about how she’s successfully using cannabis to reduce her dependence on opioids to combat her chronic pain.\n\n“I was actually excited to speak with you!” says Margaret when answering the phone. A patient at PharmaCannis’ Amherst location for the last four months, Margaret felt it was time to share her story. “I’ve had five cervical neck fusions from a tractor trailer accident,” she adds. “I can barely move my neck.” She takes CBD oil for pain management and to help improve her mobility.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Almost Two Decades on Opioid Painkillers\n\nEver since the accident happened in 1999, Margaret has been taking narcotics for the pain. “Unfortunately, both of my surgeons said there’s no way I’m going to be off the narcotics because of the damage,” she explains. “My outlook wasn’t too great because narcotics definitely taint your quality of life. You’re always exhausted and the side effects … I can’t begin to tell you.”\n\nMargaret’s regime didn’t end with the medications; she also tried various procedures that she hoped would improve her situation. “Trigger points three times a month, years of therapy, they’ve burned my nerve endings,” she says. Despite tremendous discomfort and no assurances that the procedures would work, she was willing to try anything that might help. “Everything was very invasive and painful,” Margaret recalls. “I’ve tried everything out there. You can even ask my doctors or surgeons; they say they’ve never seen anybody try so hard.”\n\nFinding relief from the pain felt impossible. “I was really at a point before I tried cannabis where I felt, I can’t do this anymore, my body’s giving out, I’m tired.” Then earlier this year Margaret’s doctor revealed that he had three patients currently taking medical cannabis, and their reports had been positive. “He said I’d been through hell and back and suggested I give cannabis a shot.” \n\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTORS: WHERE ARE THEY?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5806c02b5bcbef00076268ad/medical-marijuana-doctors-where-are-they)\n\n### Overcoming the Stigma to Give Cannabis a Try\n\nMargaret was reluctant. “To be honest, I just wasn’t sure it would work with everything I had tried out there,” she says. The negative stigma she’d attached to cannabis her entire life fueled her doubts even further. “It was a no-no. The way I was raised, I never smoked pot. I didn’t know how to do it. I was a cheerleader, you know what I mean?”\n\nMargaret didn’t even know New York’s medical cannabis program had begun or that she might even benefit. “I knew about cannabis treating seizures and chronic pain, cancer, that’s it. I associated medical cannabis with pot, and I would never try it, are you kidding me?” Still, she decided to visit PharmaCannis in Amherst and from the moment she walked in, Margaret’s life changed.\n\n“The first thing I have to say, the staff …” she pauses for a moment, then continues, “I just wish my doctor’s office every other place had a staff as nice as these people. They really do care.” Her PharmaCannis pharmacist guided her through the process and titration of the right CBD-to-THC dosage to best suit her needs.\n\nThe result? Margaret is experiencing pain relief for the first time in over 18 years.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59de618e5fea3938e500c3cd/embedded_images/59de68299ce4ed3be156c3cb/image2.png)\n\n### Getting Off Opioids with the Help of Cannabis\n\n“What a difference,” she says, her voice trembling. “And I thought, well OK, maybe it’s just going to work a little bit and then like everything else, it’ll stop.” \n\nWhile the pain will never be completely gone, Margaret has already seen improvements in just four months. “My outlook is better, and my mood is better because I finally found something that helps after everything that I’ve gone through. Is the pain gone? Of course not. But if I could just control it a few hours a day, that’s all I’m asking for. I know my life will never be the same, and I’ve accepted that fact, but I can’t begin to tell you what cannabis has done for me.”\n\nMargaret still takes Opana ER, a narcotic that her doctor says she’ll need for the rest of her life, but thanks to medical cannabis she has been able to cut back her usage of another opioid. “I went from three Nucynta pills a day to two pills a day within just three months,” she says proudly. “My goal is to get this one completely out of my life and just stay on the one narcotic.”\n\nMargaret visits PharmaCannis every 10 days and pays out of pocket for more CBD oil. “If cannabis had been around after my accident, truthfully I think I may have had a different type of life. With all the narcotics that I’ve had, this is the only thing truthfully that has made a difference in my pain. I wouldn’t even have had to be on the narcotics.”\n\nShe hopes that cost and outdated stigmas, like the ones she grew up with, won’t prevent people from considering medical cannabis as an option. “I would recommend it to anybody with those conditions. It’s changing my life day by day for the better.”\n\n### Cannabis Gives Patients Hope\n\nMedical cannabis has given Margaret more than pain relief. She also has hope for the first time in years. “I got so disgusted. I didn’t even want to go to the doctor’s anymore,” she says about life before cannabis. Now that Margaret has seen what medical marijuana can do, she has a message for other patients suffering from debilitating pain like hers.\n\n“Don’t give up,” she says passionately. “There are things out there that do work, at least try them. You have to try. I got my spirit back. I got my will back. I have a lot of hope. I’m even thinking that in the future, maybe if this keeps working as well as it does now, that I’ll be off the narcotics completely even though my doctor said I’ll be on it the rest of my life. \n\n“You know, who knows that?”\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/3c17d/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.png","srcSet":"/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/69585/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.png 200w,\n/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/497c6/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.png 400w,\n/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/3c17d/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.png 720w","srcWebp":"/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/2aa8d/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/61e93/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.webp 200w,\n/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/1f5c5/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.webp 400w,\n/static/6b215f791c51ec83d30ef5c81fbcd4c0/2aa8d/afd37144e6c031693e7998f219f1ca12.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2317-markdown","title":"Is Cannabis Less Effective During Your Period?","slug":"is-cannabis-less-effective-during-your-period","content":"Cannabis has proven to be effective in managing and relieving pain. As such, it makes sense that [cannabis may also bring relief to women suffering from cramps, back pain, mood fluctuations and insomnia associated with their periods](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a4121d38323000065b0000/medical-marijuana-may-alleviate-symptoms-associated-with-pms). \n\nThat said, brands are introducing products for women suffering from PMS and dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. Whether it’s cannabis-infused suppositories, bath salts intended to ease cramping, or a topical to soothe back or stomach pain, cannabis products have gained in popularity as a means of relieving the pain and discomfort that often comes with that time of the month.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIf you’ve ever tried using cannabis just before or during your period, you may find that you need more cannabis than usual to achieve the same effects. You ingest the same amount as you did the week prior to your premenstrual week, but somehow it doesn’t get the job done.\n\nWhy is this the case? Well, it seems estrogen may have something to do with it. In a study by Washington State University, researchers found that [female rats were 30% more likely to experience pain relief than male rats when their estrogen levels were at their peak](https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2014/09/03/Females-are-more-sensitive-to-cannabis-researchers-say/1921409778270/). Estrogen is at its highest during ovulation; it then takes a big dip during your premenstrual week and stays low throughout your period.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA BRINGS RELIEF TO WOMEN SUFFERING FROM MENSTRUAL CRAMPS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dcd66a3961660006470000/marijuana-brings-relief-to-women-suffering-from-pms-symptoms)\n\n### How Estrogen Affects THC\n\nEstrogen, a hormone most associated with a female’s menstrual cycle, has a unique relationship with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis and occur naturally in our bodies. We have an entire system, [the endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), designed to process cannabinoids and help regulate many of our biological processes, from sleeping and immune function to appetite, pain management and more.\n\nWhen we consume cannabis, estrogen helps break down the THC, or the cannabinoid in cannabis that makes us feel high, into a more potent chemical compound for our bodies to absorb. This is great when our estrogen levels are high throughout our monthly cycle. High levels of estrogen make it easier for the body to process THC efficiently, allowing a smaller amount of cannabis to be more effective. \n\nUnfortunately, our period comes when estrogen levels are at their lowest. That means there’s less estrogen available in your body to efficiently break down THC, so you may find yourself consuming more cannabis than usual to achieve the same results. \n\n### How Estrogen Affects Endocannabinoids\n\nEstrogen has another very special relationship with a cannabinoid our body naturally produces: anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression, helping us feel more calm and euphoric. Our bodies also naturally produce anandamide’s enemy: fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). \n\nFAAH is an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, the bliss molecule. But anandamide finds protection in estrogen, which makes it harder for FAAH to break down anandamide in the body. When estrogen levels are low, like they are just before and during your period, FAAH is freer to break down anandamide; this makes us more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. \n\n### Cannabis Solutions During Your Period\n\nLuckily, there are some pretty clear ways to battle the lowered effectiveness of cannabis just before and during our periods. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is increasing your cannabis intake when that dreaded week of the month comes around. With more product options available than ever before, you can keep your cannabis routine fresh and new. If you’re not keen on smoking cannabis, try dosing with a tincture or consuming a marijuana edible. Or look into a product from one of the many female-run cannabis businesses—such as Moxie Meds—that make options specifically for easing period pain. \n\nAnother option is mixing high-CBD products into your cannabis routine. CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that helps block FAAH from breaking down anandamide, just as estrogen does. Remember, anandamide helps us feel good by alleviating anxiety and depression. When your estrogen levels are low during your period, it may help to supplement your system with more CBD. The CBD will do the work estrogen usually does, helping to regulate your mood and relieve inflammation. \n\nPhoto credit: [@entersge](https://unsplash.com/@entersge)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/14b42/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/f836f/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg 200w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/2244e/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg 400w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/14b42/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg 800w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/47498/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/56abc/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.jpg 1408w","srcWebp":"/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/58556/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/61e93/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp 200w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/1f5c5/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp 400w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/58556/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp 800w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/99238/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp 1200w,\n/static/0b17ac3213dc649eb31e76ae074c5942/770c1/6ee312cfa8c662cc0d2ebb0ad8e0468e.webp 1408w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2405-markdown","title":"DIY Recipe: Marijuana Infused Topical for Pain Relief","slug":"diy-recipe-marijuana-infused-topical-for-pain-relief","content":"Cannabis topical products are a great introduction for people entering into the world of cannabis. Marijuana topicals provide a powerful dose of medication without the need to ingest cannabis directly and without the psychoactive side effects. Even with high levels  of  pain-fighting THC, topicals applied to the body do not enter the blood stream. The cannabinoids when absorbed into the epidermis bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin providing localized pain relief.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nCannabis topicals may be the key accessing a wider audience, especially one that may be skeptical about its potential benefits. I find that when someone I know is unsure about using medical marijuana, cannabis topicals are a great place to start. Common stigmas against cannabis tend to dissolve out of peoples’ minds when they find such positive and unique relief from cannabis infused topical products without any of the negative side effects that are unfairly attached to marijuana. \n\nCannabis infused topicals are also a great alternative to other pain relief options, which often come with negative side effects. Many products also unnecessarily target the whole body, compared to topicals, which target pain on a localized basis. Topicals allow you to apply cannabis medication directly to the source of discomfort, be that from chronic pain, swelling, headaches, or cramping. Topical products are great at providing relief to people with conditions like arthritis or chronic back pain.\n\nRELATED: [MARINOL VERSUS CANNABIS: WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56267b443861380006e90000/marinol-versus-cannabis-which-is-more-effective)\n\nTopical products are easy to create on your own depending on your personal preferences and needs. You can create a topical with a cannabis strain based on the level of cannabinoids most appropriate to targeting your personal condition. CBD heavy strains, for example, are a great choice if you need to reduce inflammation. High THC strains, on the other hand, are a great choice for targeting chronic or acute pain. The first step in curating a personalized topical medication is to start with cannabis infused coconut oil. Cannabis infused coconut oil alone can be used as a topical, but you can also create s more customized cannabis salve through the addition of other skin loving ingredients like like olive oil and shea butter. \n\nHere is a simple recipe for creating a customized cannabis topical salve. \n\n### Ingredients\n\n* 1 cup cannabis infused coconut oil (medicate the coconut oil deepening on your own cannabinoid needs and desired strength - here is our recipe for [cannabis infused coconut oil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56d69dde22efe4000b00004c/how-to-make-marijuana-coconut-oil-recipe))\n\n* 1/4 cup olive oil\n\n* 1/4 cup beeswax, shea butter, or cocoa butter\n\n* optional: essential oil of your choice (lavender is a great choice for calming effects, while tea tree and mint are both great for a more invigorating salve)\n\n### How-To\n\n1. Melt all ingredients over a double boiler except for essential oil \n\n2. Remove from heat and mix in essential oil\n\n3. Cool mixture until partially solidified\n\n4. Whip mixture with a hand or stand mixer until a smooth, whipped texture is achieved\n\n5. Place in desired container and cool completely\n\nYour salve can be customized to any strength that you need. Feel free to exchange the oils and butters in the recipe for products that work best for you. If you would like the salve to be vegan, make sure you avoid the beeswax and choose to use shea butter or cocoa butter instead. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.639344262295082,"src":"/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/ee604/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.png","srcSet":"/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/69585/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.png 200w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/497c6/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.png 400w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/ee604/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.png 800w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/82f56/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.png 1106w","srcWebp":"/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/58556/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/61e93/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.webp 200w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/1f5c5/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.webp 400w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/58556/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.webp 800w,\n/static/86eddce04c53a1edf0bf19db57b1e4c9/b387f/4655048049fd467dfc33d008c0f5b430.webp 1106w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2287-markdown","title":"HelloMD and UC Berkeley Release Study on Cannabis Use as a Substitute for Opioid and Non-Opioid Based Pain Medication","slug":"hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication","content":"### Study Introduction\r\n\r\nImportant news for the fight against opioid addiction was announced yesterday, [sharing the results of a landmark new study by HelloMD and UC Berkeley](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012), that shows the overwhelming majority of cannabis patients (92%) prefer using cannabis to opioids when managing their chronic pain.  These results may not be surprising to some, but the significant findings take us one big step closer to showing doctors, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders the potential for cannabis to alleviate the opioid crisis our nation is experiencing.  \r\n\r\n[VIEW HELLOMD & UC BERKELEY STUDY RESULTS](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012) \r\n\r\n[View the HelloMD Press Release Regarding Landmark Study](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uc-berkeley-and-hellomd-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opiate-and-non-opiate-based-pain-medication-300481006.html)\r\n\r\n### The Opioid Crisis\r\n\r\nDeaths from opioid overdoses have been on an exponential rise since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Their latest report released in February showed more than 183,000 Americans have died from overdoses related to prescription opioids in the last 16 years, with 91 Americans dying each day.  This number is even larger when we include deaths due to heroin overdose, which caused nearly 13,000 in 2015 alone.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly half of young people who inject heroin abused prescription opioids first. \r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/embedded_images/595413af914ae4001b40307b/Screen_Shot_2017-06-28_at_1.14.20_PM.png) \r\n\r\nResearchers have already noticed a decline in overdose-related deaths in states where cannabis is medically legal, and the evidence will continue to build as time goes on.  A study published last July by Health Affairs found that a typical physician in a state where medical cannabis is legal prescribed 1,826 fewer painkiller doses in a given year for Medicare patients because seniors chose to treat their pain with medical cannabis.  Researcher and cannabis policy maker Amanda Reiman states, “the treatment of pain has become a politicized business in the United States. The result has been the rapidly rising rate of opioid related overdoses and dependence.”\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Effectively Treats Chronic Pain\r\n\r\nThis past year UC Berkeley partnered with HelloMD to conduct the largest patient survey ever exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for opiate and non-opiate based pain medication.  The significant results support the views that cannabis can and should be considered the primary option for managing chronic pain due to its safety and efficacy.  \r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/595413ae914ae4001b40307a/embedded_images/595413b1914ae4001b40307c/Screen_Shot_2017-06-28_at_1.37.04_PM.png) \r\n\r\nThe study was led by a trio of experts in their field:  Amanda Reiman PhD, MSW, of UC Berkeley and the Drug Policy Alliance, Perry Solomon, MD, the Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD, and Mark A. Welty PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, LSW, of Kent State University.   With access to HelloMD’s patient database they were able to mine data from the nation’s largest community of medical cannabis patients.  Surveys were sent out to HelloMD’s entire patient database, and data was collected from close to 3,000 participants.  Patients were asked about their usage of cannabis and how it affected their consumption of opioids. Among the key findings, the study found: \r\n\r\n>* 97% “strongly agreed/agreed” that they could decrease their opioid use when using cannabis\r\n>* 92% “strongly agreed/agreed” that they prefer cannabis to treat their medical condition\r\n>* 81% “strongly agreed/agreed” that cannabis by itself was more effective than taking cannabis with opioids.  The results were similar when using cannabis with non-opiate based pain medications. \r\n\r\n\r\n“The results of our study were striking, showing 97% of people were able to decrease the amount of opioids that they used in conjunction with cannabis use. This was more than double the amount shown in any previous studies conducted,” said Dr. Perry Solomon.  “The latest publication from the National Academy of Sciences clearly showed that chronic pain is one of the medical conditions that cannabis can be used for with great efficacy. Our study not only supports this but also goes further in that the clear majority of patient’s state that they prefer it. Hopefully this will awaken the public, medical professionals and legislatures to the fact that there is a safe, non-addictive product available to help fight the opioid epidemic, and that is cannabis.”\r\n\r\nAmanda Reiman adds, “Cannabis has been used throughout the world for thousands of years to treat pain and other physical and mental health conditions.  Patients have been telling us for decades that this practice is producing better outcomes than the use of opioid based medications. It’s past time for the medical profession to get over their reefer madness and start working with the medical cannabis movement and industry to slow down the destruction being caused by the over prescribing and overuse of opioids.”\r\n\r\n[VIEW HELLOMD & UC BERKELEY STUDY RESULTS](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012) \r\n\r\n[View the HelloMD Press Release Regarding Landmark Study](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uc-berkeley-and-hellomd-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opiate-and-non-opiate-based-pain-medication-300481006.html)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/14b42/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/f836f/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg 200w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/2244e/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg 400w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/14b42/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg 800w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/47498/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/54ac5/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/58556/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/61e93/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp 200w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/1f5c5/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp 400w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/58556/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp 800w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/99238/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp 1200w,\n/static/a5038c6ae75a18298644e4d11ad85f06/5e0b8/ad1f9129192d77fd1c356a133b9cbe7d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2434-markdown","title":"Why My Surgical Patients Prefer Cannabis Over Opioids","slug":"why-my-surgical-patients-prefer-cannabis-over-opioids","content":"My name is Dr. Mark Kimmins. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon; I happily put in countless years of studying conventional medicine, did my surgical residency and then a fellowship in colorectal surgery at the Northwest Colon and Rectal Clinic in Seattle, WA. I’m now a colorectal surgeon in Anchorage, AK.\n\nAll told, I’ve been a doctor for 23 years. But I've been pro-marijuana for much longer than that.\n\n### It Started in High School (but not how You Think ...)\n\nGrowing up in British Columbia, I was exposed to marijuana from an early age. Cannabis was effectively, but not officially, decriminalized in western Canada at that time. I knew lawyers, doctors, police and teachers who used it socially and the hypocrisy—particularly with regard to the risks of alcohol vs. marijuana—was already evident to me.\n\nBack in grade eight (in 1981!), I wrote an essay about why marijuana should be legalized. Believe it or not, it started with evidence from the 1972 Nixon Shafer Commission report, which concluded that marijuana posed no significant danger to society and should be decriminalized.\n\nMany years passed before I had any more real exposure to medical cannabis. While I remained pro-marijuana, during medical school and residency, we had no formal teaching related to the potential benefits of cannabis for our patients. And I completed my sub-specialty training (and practiced medicine) in Seattle before Washington state legalized marijuana.\n\nThat said, my father used cannabis during chemotherapy and radiation treatment for brain cancer. He reported improvement in balance, less nausea, better appetite and less pain.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Is Marijuana a Viable Option Instead of Opioids for Post-op Pain?\n\nNow practicing in Alaska, it's evident that the wave of pro-cannabis ballot initiatives has allowed my patients to feel empowered to ask about, and comment on, the benefits of marijuana in their recovery from surgery.\n\nAs a colorectal surgeon, I frequently perform hemorrhoid surgery, a surgery known as one of the most painful to recover from. The acute severe pain typically lasts one to three weeks, during which patients are often kept on continuous oral opiates.\n\n![Dr. Kimmins at work.](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b4d1f8afae7a000f75a4ba/embedded_images/58b616e9079e1000072111df/Screen_Shot_2017-02-28_at_4.32.11_PM.png)\nDr. Kimmins at work.\n\nWhile these medications are partly effective for pain relief, they’re sedating, constipating, and carry risks of respiratory depression and drug tolerance. And they can invoke the beginning of drug dependencies, and in rare cases, bring on drug-related deaths. I’ve personally observed two patients die from the consequences of an opioid addiction that began with elective but very painful anorectal surgery.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nNot long ago, one of my patients returned after hemorrhoid surgery and shared that he hadn’t suffered as much as expected during recovery. He’d only used half of his prescribed opioids and explained that regular cannabis consumption had dulled the pain better than the opiates, yet didn’t cause constipation.\n\nSince seeing that patient, and now that marijuana is legal in Alaska, I regularly ask patients if they’re cannabis consumers. If yes, I suggest how it might help with post-op pain and have found in follow-up that this group takes far fewer opiates and suffers from far less constipation.\n\nThe opiate-sparing benefits of cannabis are now being validated in multiple studies; still I refrain from widespread recommendation of cannabis to my patients mostly due to concerns that it remains illegal federally, and my federal DEA license requires adherence to federal law.\n\n### Cannabis: One of the Widest Therapeutic Index Values Known to Science\n\nAmong the many benefits of cannabis is that it doesn’t suppress respiration or other vital organ functions as opiates do. This makes cannabis one of the widest therapeutic index values (gap between effective and lethal dose of a drug) known to science. Hence, its seemingly unmatched safety record. All effective medicines have potential toxicities, but acute marijuana toxicity is exceedingly rare.\n\nWe stand at the dawn of understanding the benefits of cannabis for the treatment of medical conditions, including acute post-operative pain. I look so forward to research that may validate the anecdotal claims of my patients and better inform us on effective dosing and delivery methods.\n\nMark H. Kimmins, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FASCRS\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/14b42/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/f836f/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/2244e/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 400w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/14b42/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 800w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/47498/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 1200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/3a12e/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/58556/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/61e93/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/1f5c5/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 400w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/58556/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 800w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/99238/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 1200w,\n/static/74ced02199ff72b72a631259068c5abb/b5697/4fedd02e7a5b5574d47ed6b107682c89.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":11,"currentPage":3,"id":5599,"name":"Pain","slug":"pain","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}