{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/pain/5","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2217-markdown","title":"Cannabis Treats Heroin Addiction Successfully","slug":"cannabis-treats-heroin-addiction-successfully","content":"### Opioids & Heroin\r\n\r\nAccording to the Center for Disease Control, [opioids, including heroin, were responsible for more than](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-overdose-patients-continue-to-get-meds/) 28,600 deaths in 2014 and 61% of all overdose related deaths. \r\n\r\nHeroin is a growing problem in the United States and it is popping up everywhere from city streets to once quiet American suburbs. Often heroin addiction is caused by an addiction developed while taking prescription opioids, but heroin is then turned to as a much cheaper alternative to prescription opioids. \r\n\r\nHeroin is just one component of the opioid epidemic that is plaguing America. Only about half of people with addictions fully recover from their disease and do not resort back to using. In some cases, we see even higher rates of relapse for people with opioid addictions, meaning finding new approaches to ridding our country of widespread heroin addiction is essential. \r\n\r\n### Why Cannabis\r\n\r\nA survey carried out by [Amanda Reiman out of UC Berkley found](http://phys.org/news/2009-12-cannabis-booze-britain-problems.html# jCp) some of the main reasons patients at Berkley Patient Group, a medical marijuana dispensary, took cannabis. The results showed that  there was less withdrawal with cannabis compared to other illicit drugs, less adverse effects when taking cannabis compared to other drugs, and it provided them with the best symptom management for their various medical conditions. \r\n\r\nIf patients are choosing cannabis for better symptom relief qualities, then it is clear that access to medical marijuana could prevent some problematic addictions in the long run. Cannabis, however, might prove effective at helping people heal from their already present addictions as well.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Quells Symptoms\r\n\r\nSome states are looking to cannabis to help rid them of their growing heroin addiction problems. Maine is considering adding opioid and heroin addiction to the list of conditions that apply for medical marijuana. Since one of the most common routes into heroine addiction is prescription opioid abuse, usually prescribed legally for pain, it is thought that since marijuana has shown great efficacy at treating chronic pain, it could dramatically decrease the need for opioids in the first place. \r\n\r\n[Massachusetts also has a pilot program](http://www.drugfree.org/news-service/opioid-addiction-treated-medical-marijuana-massachusetts/) of opioid addicts being treated with medical marijuana. Dr. Gary Witman of CannaCare Doctors attempted to treat about 80 patients who were addicted to opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxers with cannabis over the course of a one month period. Three fourths of the patients stopped taking the harder drugs that they had previously been addicted to because cannabis adequately quelled their symptoms. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Replaces Other Drugs\r\n\r\nA 2009 study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that cannabis could be effective at treating alcoholism. Out of 350 cannabis users, 40% used cannabis to quell alcohol cravings, 66% used it as a replacement for prescriptions drugs, and 26% used it as a replacement for illicit drugs, in all of the cases cannabis was an effective alternative to what each patient had previously been taking. \r\n\r\n[A 2013 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24069004) by the National Institute of Health, which was conducted by the Psychiatry Research Unit in Montreal, Canada found that cannabinoids are able to alter the bodies reward system. The study found that the endocannabinoid system may be crucial in addiction treatment because it is closely tied with various neurological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Since cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid receptors in the body, it is believed that cannabis could be effective at helping people with addictions. \r\n\r\n[Another study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742578/) from 2013, which was published in NueroScience, found that targeting the endocannbinoid system in people who have opioid addictions could be a novel pathway for the treatment of addiction. Cannabinoids and opioids work on similar pathways in the body, so supplementing the body with cannabis could possibly alleviate up to seventy of the withdrawal symptoms associated with halted opioid use. [A 2009 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829756/), which was also published in the Journal of NueroScience, found that CBD specifically could be a potential treatment for heroine addicts. This was shown in an experimental rat model where CBD decreased heroine seeking behavior. \r\n\r\n### Stopping Addictions Before They Happen\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana could be the key to both alleviating heroin addiction and to preventing more addictions from developing. Multiple studies have proved both the efficacy of medical marijuana in helping with chronic pain, which is the most common reason that opioids are prescribed to patients. If medical marijuana is accessible to more people, it could prevent people who may have addictive tendencies from getting prescribed opioids in the first place. \r\n\r\nSince opioids are highly addictive, simply reducing the number of opioid prescriptions is a crucial aspect to reducing the number of opioid addictions. Preliminary studies have also shown that medical marijuana could provide relief from heroin addiction. More studies are needed to prove the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for addiction, but with multiple states considering adding addiction to the list of approved medical conditions for medical cannabis use means we could see more evidence in the near future. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\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.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/14b42/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/f836f/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/2244e/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 400w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/14b42/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 800w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/47498/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/54ac5/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/58556/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/61e93/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/1f5c5/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 400w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/58556/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 800w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/99238/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 1200w,\n/static/d7db765b1215bf7c2c7504318a20ae1f/5e0b8/08a7cdd570f7ccf3fa7d41d43583274f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2003-markdown","title":"Four Silent Side Effects of Chronic Pain","slug":"four-silent-side-effects-of-chronic-pain","content":"DiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today which is creamy and smells wonderful. As Didi says \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her latest post, Didi talks about the silent effects of chronic pain.\r\n\r\n### Living with Chronic Pain\r\n\r\nSomewhere in the US is a man or woman sitting down at a park or walking through a grocery store. They have trained themselves to not wince with every wave of pain. To fight through the stiffening aches that creep in between doses of prescription medications. To act as though they are fine when really they are suffering consistently. \r\n\r\nSeptember is National Pain Awareness Month, and to honor those who deal with this daily we’re taking a closer look at their story. We want to help build awareness around what chronic pain actually is, how it affects the lives of those who survive it daily and how those caught in the throws of it can find help.\r\n\r\n### Depression & Mood Swings\r\n\r\nMost of us can’t sit in traffic for longer than a few moments without getting stir-crazy. For the millions who suffer from chronic pain, sitting still has likely become the new normal. Having to opt-out of long walks, hikes, biking trips, team sports, and vigorous household tasks leave many feeling useless and bored. This leads to restlessness, increased stress levels and depression. \r\n\r\nAccording to the American Physical Therapy Association, depression in chronic pain patients very often leads to an increase in their originating pain and creating a pain cycle that is very difficult to get out of. While chronic pain can insight bouts of depression, depression tends to increase body stiffness, sleeplessness and stress.\r\n\r\n### Parental Hardships\r\n\r\nParenting is an athletic experience, especially for those with children under 5 years of age. Playing on the floor with them, reaching down to kiss an owie, cleaning up after play sessions. \r\n\r\nIf bending, reaching or standing for long periods of time causes chronic pain flare ups, parenting can prove to be physically and emotionally impossible. Scoliosis survivor and parent of a young daughter, Rachel Rabkin Peachman shared her experiences with The Atlantic: “My daughter was sick, and I desperately wanted to soothe her. But I just couldn’t stand and rock her for one more minute to help her get to sleep.”\r\n\r\nResearch has shown that children of parents with chronic pain tend to grow up and experience adjustment difficulties, behavioral issues and may even complain about non-specific chronic pain themselves.\r\n\r\n### Prescription Drug Side Effects\r\n\r\nOne of the most common treatments for chronic pain is opioid-based oral medications such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. While they are highly effective at blocking pain receptors from communicating with the brain, they also come with a slew of side effects. \r\n\r\nSide effects from dependency on pain medications can lead to a spiral of prescription drug use in order to combat breathing difficulties, insomnia, constipation and sexual side effects, just to name a few. \r\n\r\nOpioid use also has a very high risk for addiction. Over 2 million Americans are addicted to opioid pain relievers and the numbers show no signs of waning.\r\n\r\n### Financial and Economical Impact\r\n\r\nAccording to health economist studies, the US economy pours over $635 billion into chronic pain per year. This is more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These costs trickle down to patients, often causing disastrous consequences to household budgets and financial well-being. \r\n\r\nNationwide, the economical impact comes in many forms. Diminished productivity and the increased cost of healthcare plague businesses, especially those with physically demanding work. Chronic pain is the most common type of long-term disability in the US. The Council for Disability Awareness reported the average disability claim lasts over 2 years. For 1 in 8 workers disability claims can last over 5 years and may even be indefinite.\r\n\r\n### Tips for Patients\r\n\r\nIf chronic pain is taking over your life it’s important to reach out for emotional and mental support. Find someone to talk to who can offer guidance on how to co-exist with pain. The American Chronic Pain Association provides a list of tools for those seeking help on their Pain Management Tools page. \r\n\r\nTalk to your doctor about alternative options such as medical marijuana or topical cannabis as well as meditative therapies, yoga and alternative physical therapies. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about Sweet ReLeaf? Ask a question about the product in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-topicals/deeply-soothing-body-butter) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/14b42/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/f836f/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg 200w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/2244e/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg 400w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/14b42/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg 800w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/47498/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/54ac5/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/58556/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/61e93/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp 200w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/1f5c5/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp 400w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/58556/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp 800w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/99238/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp 1200w,\n/static/0cfe6d58d719af34c90b49ee87cd6d5c/5e0b8/a70e8143831edde518e2a180633ff592.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2134-markdown","title":"Top 6 Marijuana Strains for Back Pain","slug":"top-6-marijuana-strains-for-back-pain","content":"Back pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced by just about everyone. It’s [estimated that 80% of people in the U.S. will experience some kind of back pain](http://www.thegoodbody.com/back-pain-statistics/) over the course of their lifetime. Lower back pain is the most common with 31 million Americans experiencing it at any given time.  \n\nAnd so it comes as no surprise that many Americans want to know what’s best for back pain. In many cases, doctors prescribe prescription opioid painkillers, which are intended for short-term use. These opioids can help with back pain, but they come with a litany of side effects such as constipation and nausea. As well, they are highly addictive. Meanwhile, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can also bring on a host of issues such as stomach ulcers, liver or kidney problems and high blood pressure.\n\n### Three Major Kinds of Back Pain\n\nBack pain normally falls within three major categories: axial, referred and radicular pain. \n\n* **Axial pain**, which is also called mechanical pain, can vary greatly based on the case; it can be dull or sharp and can exist constantly or come and go. The most common source of axial back pain is muscle strain, which occurs when muscles are torn or stretched to an extreme. \n\n* **Referred pain** is often a dull and achy pain that tends to move around the back and body. Referred pain, which can vary in intensity, occurs away from the direct source of the pain. For example, referred pain can occur in the hips and thighs when there’s a problem like degenerative disc disease in the lower back. \n\n* You may know radicular pain by another name: **sciatica**. It’s a deep and intense pain that follows nerve pathways into your extremities, and it can lead to numbness and weakness. Radicular pain is often caused by inflammation, compression or an injury, usually to the root of the spinal nerve. \n\n### Studies Show Marijuana Can Help With Back Pain\n\nWondering what can help with back pain? Following are two studies that point to marijuana as being helpful with reducing chronic pain, which can of course include back pain.\n\nA study published in the _Canadian Medical Association Journal_ found that [cannabis could help reduce chronic pain in men and women](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20100830/marijuana-relieves-chronic-pain-research-show). The subjects were administered three different marijuana potencies at different times during the study. The strengths were rotated with a placebo, and none of the subjects knew what they were taking at any given point during the study. Pain was measured by patients on a 10-point pain scale.\n\nThere was an average of a one-point reduction in pain by patients who took the highest potency of cannabis. Though these results are modest, they were still considered successful because most strains of marijuana are much more potent in their percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). \n\nAnother study in December 2014 by the [College of Family Physicians of Canada recommended that patients with chronic pain smoke cannabis](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/12/31/physicians-organization-in-canada-releases-guidelines-for-prescribing-medical-cannabis-for-pain/). It stated that patients with severe neuropathic pain conditions could find relief in cannabis if they hadn’t had adequate responses to other medications. \n\nThe paper also stated that the recommended maximum dose of cannabis that a patient should consume in one day is one inhalation, four times a day, which is roughly 400 mg a day of 9% THC cannabis. Though the guidelines are fairly vague, it does back up anecdotal evidence that higher-THC consumption is best for chronic pain.  \n\n### Best Marijuana Strains for Back Pain\n\nEach cannabis strain works differently for everyone, but often THC-heavy strains are best to combat pain. Don’t discount cannabidiol (CBD) though, as it’s extremely helpful at reducing inflammation, which could also help decrease your back pain. \n\nIt’s also important to be aware that higher-percentage THC strains have more psychoactive effects. Some people find it useful to take a strain lower in THC during the day and then something higher in THC in the evening, right before bedtime. The key is finding which marijuana strains, consumption method and dosage work best in easing your back pain.\n\nHere are some of our top picks of marijuana strains that have been shown to be effective at relieving back pain.\n\n* **[Headband](https://hellomd.com/strains/headband)** is a hybrid of OG Kush and Sour Diesel. This particular marijuana strain contains 20–27% THC and less than 1% CBD. Headband is particularly helpful at easing muscle strains and relieving general pain. It’s also known for its long-lasting effects, though keep in mind that it’s a very potent strain. \n\n* **Candyland** is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies. Candyland is effective at reducing pain, including back pain, and muscle tension with uplifting and stimulating side effects. Candyland is also known to relieve stress and fatigue. Also a potent strain, it has high levels of THC, at roughly 24%, and it has about 1% of both CBD and CBN. \n\n* **[OG Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/og-kush)** is indica-dominant and is known for its high levels of THC. OG Kush is helpful at relieving back pain and muscle spasms. It has about 23% THC and only about 1% CBD. OG Kush is also one of the more psychoactive strains of cannabis on the market. \n\n* **[Bubba Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/bubba-kush)** is an indica with 14–22% THC and 0.06–0.1% CBD. Bubba Kush is believed to be a hybrid of Northern Lights and OG Kush through an accidental pollination. Bubba Kush is helpful at easing muscle tension, including the kind associated with back pain, and decreasing stress. \n\n* **Skywalker OG** is an indica-dominant hybrid of Skywalker and OG Kush. Skywalker OG is known for its effectiveness at reducing pain symptoms and decreasing physical limitations caused by pain. \n\n* **[ACDC](https://hellomd.com/strains/acdc)** is a sativa-dominant hybrid that’s has a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1. This cannabis strain has about 16–24% CBD and just 0.4–1.2% THC. ACDC is particularly helpful in reducing back pain with no psychoactive side effects. \n\nIf you’re still not sure which marijuana strain could help you with your back pain, head over to our [Answers page](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). There you can read answers on cannabis for back pain, and you can also connect with a doctor and our well-informed community who will respond to your questions.  \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://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":1.7094017094017093,"src":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/14b42/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/f836f/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 200w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/2244e/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 400w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/14b42/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 800w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/182e4/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 838w","srcWebp":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/58556/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/61e93/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 200w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/1f5c5/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 400w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/58556/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 800w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/cbc07/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 838w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2049-markdown","title":"HelloMD & UC Berkeley to Conduct Largest Study on Cannabis, Pain & Opioid Abuse","slug":"hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-to-conduct-largest-study-on-cannabis-pain-and-opioid-abuse","content":"The statistics are staggering: \n\n* Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids quadrupled since 1999. \n* From 1999-2014, more than 165,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses related to prescription opioids. \n* In 2014, 18,893 people died from opioid overdoses.\n\nOpioid abuse touches every corner of this country—the soccer mom who started taking Xanax to help get her through the day, the grandfather next door who had his knee replaced, the high school cheer captain who injured her back and was prescribed Vicodin for the pain, the teen who was warned against drinking and found an alternative in his mother’s medicine cabinet. Opioid abuse is color blind; it knows no race, religion, age, gender or social class. It wears a million faces. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### HelloMD Joins UC Berkeley to Conduct Study\n\nWith the guidance of the University of California, Berkeley, we’re following up on our landmark [Medical Marijuana Patient Survey Results](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b53cff3e9cd700080000ef/download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study) with this—the largest patient survey ever performed concerning cannabis, pain and opioid use. We’ll ask approximately 100,000 patients questions regarding cannabis and how it affects their use of opioids.\n\nThe study will be led by:\n\n* [Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW](http://www.medicalcannabis.com/about/faculty/amanda-reiman/), lecturer in the School of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley and manager of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance\n* [Perry Solomon, MD](https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-solomon-md-2b27a65), HelloMD’s chief medical officer\n* [Mark A. Welty, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, LSW](http://advancedcounselingsolutions.com/aboutus.html#Welty), Kent State University, Adjunct Faculty; Welty Counseling and Consulting CEO; The Village Network, director of research and innovation; The Ohio Patient Network, board of directors\n* [Chris Janson, PhD](https://www.unf.edu/bio/N00607194/), chair, associate professor, Department of Leadership, School Counseling, & Sport Management, University of North Florida.\n\n### How Does Cannabis Affect Opioid Use?\n\nTogether, we hope to better understand how and why increasingly more people are dependent on opioids and how cannabis may affect people’s use of opioids. \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA EFFECTIVELY CONTROLS CHRONIC PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/598f893156ef1d0031b26cb0/new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain)\n\nHelloMD is taking a step to help loosen the grip that opioid addiction holds on our country, while hoping to shatter the stigma and shame that often accompanies this dependence. The results of these findings will be available to the public during the first quarter of 2017.\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,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFAQP/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAezKOrnrkslP/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxETIf/aAAgBAQABBQJxzKJ4gOM5eG2yC98//8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEf/aAAgBAwEBPwFRKNR//8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAER/9oACAECAQE/AayM/8QAGxAAAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQETIhIkH/2gAIAQEABj8C2QvBYScnG//EAB0QAQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAIRExQZFhcYH/2gAIAQEAAT8hwgGW6YhUeIw3P6uOpnxBG+sNt1P/2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEITf/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAR/9oACAEDAQE/EFNgDL//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP/aAAgBAgEBPxBclr//xAAhEAEAAgECBwEAAAAAAAAAAAABABFRQWEhMYGRobHB0f/aAAgBAQABPxAAqyCzhEY0rka/DzmZCOqnIz36xKUCF0lsKNz+QAUNgV6n/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/7d509/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/f836f/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 200w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2244e/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 400w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/7d509/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.jpg 720w","srcWebp":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2aa8d/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/61e93/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 200w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/1f5c5/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 400w,\n/static/1c09475f0c1b6a11988f5331d62b7932/2aa8d/e6aa4027a8f2fde2dff583fedb9e7c0f.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1984-markdown","title":"Marijuana Treats Pain in Men Most Effectively","slug":"marijuana-treats-pain-in-men-most-effectively","content":"### Marijuana is More Effective with Men than Women\r\n\r\nA [study](http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/medical-marijuana-appears-more-effective-relieving-men-pain-women-1576997) conducted by Columbia University Medical Center found that marijuana may be more effective at treating pain in men than in women. The study, which was published online in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved the analysis from two double-blinded placebo controlled studies. The study focused on the analgesic effects of cannabis in 42 recreational cannabis smokers. Participants in the study were given a specific amount of marijuana or placebo to smoke. The participants were then immersed in an ice bath until they couldn't stand the pain anymore, they then followed up the experience by answering a short questionnaire. \r\n\r\n### Males Experience Far Less Pain\r\n\r\nThe male participants who smoked cannabis reported significant decreases in pain sensitivity and a higher pain tolerance. Females who had smoked cannabis during the study, however, did not experience a significant decrease in pain sensitivity, though they did experience a small increase in pain tolerance. Both men and women who smoked cannabis during the study, compared to those who smoked the placebo, reported equal levels of how “intoxicated” they felt despite the varying results in pain reducing effects. \r\n\r\n### Are the Results Accurate?\r\n\r\nA HelloMD [survey](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/download-our-medical-marijuana-patient-study) found that only 36% of medical marijuana users are women, compared to 64% who are men. The survey also found that pain was the second most common reason, after anxiety, for patients to use medical cannabis. A Journal of Pain [study](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/women-feel-pain-more-intensely/) from 2012 also found that women tend to feel pain more strongly than men do. All of these statistics lead to the question: Could the smaller number of women using medical cannabis possibly have something to do with the less positive results experienced by women as compared to the more positive results experienced by men, who make up the majority of cannabis users? \r\n### More Research is Needed\r\n\r\nBetween the statistical information and the study by CUMC, there's a lot of room for further investigation into how cannabis affects genders differently. Other factors such as different cannabis delivery methods or types of pain could also change the outcome of the study. Since women appear to need to ingest higher levels of cannabis to control pain, this could lead to the emergence of more female specific products. We are already seeing this trend in the form of menstrual pain specific products, that are targeted to work with the body chemistry of women and more directly target the source of their pain. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/14b42/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/f836f/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/2244e/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 400w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/14b42/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 800w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/47498/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/49d90/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.jpg 1240w","srcWebp":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/58556/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/61e93/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/1f5c5/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 400w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/58556/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 800w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/99238/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 1200w,\n/static/c6fd7f6d5d9a84d8f15ee412afcbf3b8/8e669/1fab61a6b690b31865fec31de9d651ad.webp 1240w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2077-markdown","title":"Green Flower Online Video Course: Cannabis as Medicine","slug":"green-flower-online-video-course-cannabis-as-medicine","content":"Like us, our friends at [Green Flower](https://www.learngreenflower.com/), are building great content and educating new cannabis users to a world of alternative therapy. Green Flower focuses on offering high value online cannabis courses over a wide range of interesting and educational topics. These include valuable advice as to how to enter the cannabis industry state by state, how to treat of a variety of medical conditions, to different methods of cannabis ingestion and more. HelloMD is excited to highlight Green Flower's latest online video course entitled [Cannabis as Medicine](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58). We hope you enjoy their first article below which talks about the history of cannabis and their educational video series.\r\n\r\n### A Brief History of Cannabis\r\n\r\nCannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It's reported that the first documented use of cannabis for medical purposes was in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Medical cannabis products were even common in America until federal prohibition was passed in 1937. That complete prohibition on medical cannabis ended in 1976 when, after a successful legal challenge, the United States government started a program which supplies medical cannabis to patients.\r\n\r\n### The Legalization Wave\r\n\r\nIn 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in America. Since that time, 24 more states followed suit. More states are voting on medical cannabis in November, and hopefully that will lead to more states being added to the medical cannabis legalization list. More and more people are using cannabis, which is a good thing. However, a lot of stigma and misinformation is still out there. That has led to a lot of patients being hesitant to use medical cannabis, even thought it would help them.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis As Medicine\r\n\r\nThe research study results are out there in regards to the medical properties of cannabis, as are personal testimonies from patients that have successfully treated their conditions with cannabis. So why are some patients so hesitant to consider medical cannabis? Obviously, more information needs to get in the hands and minds of people that need to hear it, and in a format and setting that works best for them to receive such important information.\r\n\r\nKeeping that in mind, we are excited to announce a new video series titled, [Cannabis as Medicine](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58) which was produced and released by our team Green Flower Media. The series is comprised of three videos. The series includes leading experts in their fields of study, can be viewed completely free of cost (for a limited time), and all from the privacy of one's home.\r\n\r\nThe videos will cover all types of ailments, including Pain, Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Inflammation, Seizures, Nausea, Cancer, Arthritis, ADD, Headaches/Migraines, PTSD, Menstrual Cramps, Pediatrics, ADD, Alzheimer's\r\n& Asthma.\r\n\r\n### Learning the Value of Cannabis\r\n\r\nHealth issues are often private, sometimes embarrassing to talk about, and/or sensitive to discuss for the patient. That's one big reason why we feel this video series is so important to share with others, as they can view the videos in a private setting that they are comfortable with.\r\n\r\nHow can cannabis be an effective medicine? How can a patient get the benefits of cannabis without the 'high?' What are some of the fears and misconceptions that patients face when considering to use medical cannabis? Those are just a few questions that will be covered in this video series.\r\n\r\nCheck out the video series, and share it with anyone that you think would benefit from the information. Given the enormous amount of quality information involved, there's something for everyone. You can view the first video in the series by visiting [Green Flower Media](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58) today.\r\n\r\n###[Find out more here](http://greenflowermedia.ontraport.net/t?orid=57479&opid=58)\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/14b42/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg","srcSet":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/f836f/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/2244e/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 400w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/14b42/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 800w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/47498/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 1200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/54ac5/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/58556/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/61e93/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/1f5c5/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 400w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/58556/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 800w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/99238/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 1200w,\n/static/58b6fc3b8a590e06050f0ca2d936e085/5e0b8/87601e652acd5d095e47844d3fefb457.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2131-markdown","title":"Q & A with Cannabis Aficionado David Downs","slug":"q-and-a-with-cannabis-aficionado-david-downs","content":"HelloMD got the chance to speak with [David Downs](http://www.davidrdowns.com/), an award winning journalist and the author of the new educational cannabis book [The Medical Marijuana Guide Book: America’s First How-To Guide for Patients and Caregivers](http://www.usmmj.org/). David is an impressive journalist and his work has been published in publications ranging from the New York Times to Rolling Stone. He has become an industry leader in cannabis journalism and has particular insight into the rapidly changing marijuana industry across the country. \r\n\r\n### Why cannabis journalism?\r\n\r\nAs a freelance writer you always want to write something people want to read because that will keep you making money as a freelancer. At first, I thought that was going to be a lot of arts and science writing, but that turned out to be a lot of cannabis writing. People wanted to read about marijuana and publishers wanted to publish articles on cannabis. Between justice issues, drug policy, and politics in general, I had an interest in marijuana journalism. As a citizen, I wanted to know about where my tax money was going and what medical options were out there if I got sick. Also personally, I have family and friends who have found efficacy in medical marijuana. I think it all contributed to this career direction taking off for me. \r\n\r\n### Has your recent book launch been successful?\r\n\r\nAmerica’s readers are really responding to the title The Medical Marijuana Guide Book: America’s First How-To Guide for Patients and Caregivers. They are getting back to me with positive feedback. They are responding with statements like, “this is the book that every bud tender should read,” and, “I am going to give this to this hospice nurse I know.” The book is doing what it is suppose to do by answering questions people have about cannabis and helping them get on track to start helping themselves.\r\n\r\n### What prompted you to write a book about cannabis?\r\n\r\nThis book was requested by patients. I have spent a lot of time in private and in public, through my writing, answering the questions that I cover in the book, such as how to legally get marijuana and how to use it properly.  After years and years of reporting on cannabis, I had a really good sense of what questions people had. I also knew what information was available in the form of books and what information was more questionable. This book was created for utilitarian purposes, I wanted to provide patients with a concise guidebook that condensed all of the information out there. Even though some of the information was just a Google click away, patients wanted that information condensed into a book that was short, factual, and loaded with references. I had been planning on self publishing, but then a publisher expressed their interest and they gave me a little money to help tie it all together.\r\n\r\n### Where do you source most of your information from?\r\n\r\nIt is a fallacy how few formal studies there are on issues like chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to the amount of free clinical information on dozens of websites. There is a lot of information to draw from on sites like PubMed or from interviews, like those by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. A lot of the information comes from being in the industry and talking to patients about what products are out there and what works for them. I also talked to bud tenders because they talk to patients all day about what people should try or what has worked. In medical terms, it was a systematic review of what the patients felt before and an analysis of what they felt after they tried medical marijuana. \r\n\r\n### What's your view on the future of cannabis in the US?\r\n\r\nIt seems like the tide has turned between government policies and medical options. It also seems that the opinion of people has already changed. People have more knowledge available to them now, and there has been a spread in the awareness of cannabinoid science. I think restrictions will lighten up to the point that people 21 and over will have access to cannabis in most places eventually. However, I was just reading about how the Philippines, which is a pretty modern country, and they have declared open season on all drug dealers and drug users. There has been over 2000 killings in the past two weeks because of this new declared War on Drugs. There is a spirit of prosecution, particularly of minorities and people of color, that is still very present in the world.\r\n\r\n### Will the War on Drugs lessen overall within the US?\r\n\r\nI think there may be a decrease, just because of the costliness of the war on drugs, but there will probably be some movement to fight other drugs. The lawyers that currently fight against cannabis will move to another drug because that is what they do. There may also be a push for synthetic cannabinoids over selling marijuana in a whole plant form. We can see from alcohol prohibition that just banning something doesn't reduce problems as was the idea with the war on drugs. \r\n\r\n### Do you see Big Pharma getting more involved with cannabis?\r\n\r\nYes, I think Big Pharma companies will try to get into synthetic cannabinoid therapies. For example, there is a synthetic THC called Marinol or Dronabinol, which is now generic and they can sell it for more than whole plant THC. Pharmaceutical companies will try to pursue single molecule therapies or ones that combine single molecules. Legal policies will likely support that because it is easier for the FDA to regulate these single molecule products.  I see a parallel world of quasi-medical herbal wellness with recreational products and purely medical products that are basically just specified tinctures in a bottle. Creating these pharmaceutical products is a difficult process though. They made a synthetic cannabinoid called Rimonabant and it was a weightless pill that made you want to kill yourself. So, one of the first products they came out with using synthetic cannabinoids was basically an anti-marijuana. Marijuana makes you happy and hungry and this product made you loose your appetite and suicidal. It was eventually pulled off the market because of its psychiatric side effects that prompted suicidal thoughts. \r\n\r\n### Will cannabis ever go across state lines freely? \r\n\r\nYou can’t have the inter-state commerce until marijuana is made federally legal and you are looking at probably 10 or 15 years until that will likely happen. But right now, you do have people getting in their cars and driving to medical marijuana legal states to get the medicine they need. The idea behind drug control is uniformity. Prohibition provided uniformity, but the next step is to try uniformity with legalization. Uniformity in legalization is what we have with alcohol, which has worked well so far. We don’t have a crazy black market economy for alcohol like we currently see for cannabis and other drugs. \r\n\r\n### What's your advice to people considering medical marijuana?\r\n\r\nDon’t listen to your friends or family. Listen to a doctor, like Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who is an informed physician. Medical marijuana is such a personal thing because people don’t normally come to marijuana unless they are very very sick. Most people don't encounter medical marijuana until they experience something calamitous, like a terminal illness, but the people that find the plant the hard way are often the plants biggest advocates. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/14b42/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/f836f/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/2244e/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/14b42/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/47498/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/54ac5/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/58556/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/61e93/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/1f5c5/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 400w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/58556/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 800w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/99238/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 1200w,\n/static/abb043a2601dd12f5e9339ee4bf4dced/5e0b8/2103d20f91acfd08d801379d519307d9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2187-markdown","title":"Bloom Farms CBD Cartridge Review","slug":"bloom-farms-cbd-cartridge-review","content":"Much has been written about the [magical effect of CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56c52e887c6109000800009a/cbd-cannabidiol-the-medicine-of-the-future) for a variety of medical conditions. Its wide ranging medical benefits include decreasing nausea, controlling seizures, combatting inflammation, is an anti tumoral/cancer, and it decreases anxiety, depression and is known to be an anti-psychotic. CBD has been the most powerful force in helping me prevent and fight both [migraines and fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5595d75d3264380006170000/migraines-how-i-got-off-pain-meds-and-found-relief-with-cannabis). Once I discovered the magical effect CBD had on my own medical condition, I began seeking the best of each product type as well as [experimenting with dosages](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain). In this review I am going to share my absolute favorite CBD product available in California. It has altered me, forever, for the better!\n\n### Bloom Farms – CBD Electra-Tsu Cartridge\n\nBloom Farms is a beloved manufacturer within the California cannabis industry. The packaging is dead gorgeous, the vape pen experience is exceptional and the cannabis is sourced from top tier farms that harvest crops with organic practices. Often when you mention Bloom Farms, people get a happy look upon their face, and why not, they deliver a great experience. As a more or less purely medicinal consumer with a very low THC tolerance, I have found high THC vape pens simply have not worked well for me. So for the most part, Bloom Farms has not been an option for a cannabis consumer like myself. That is, until now!\n\n### Electra-Tsu is a CBD Bombshell\n\nLet’s be totally clear, Bloom Farms CBD Electra-Tsu oil 3:1 cartridge has officially stolen my heart. It has run away with it, hands down, this is my favorite CBD vape pen experience of all time. I can stop looking, I want to get married. Really.\n\nI have tried many CBD vape pens over the years and some work pretty well, enough to take the edge off of a migraine but none sent me to the moon. Taking an inhale of the Electra-Tsu, the woody flavor is lovely, with a tinge of a sweet  aftertaste. The feeling of deep relaxation after a few inhales is exquisite. It is usually at this point I assume I will start getting sleepy, but with Electra-Tsu, there was a little kick of happiness and euphoria, which I guess is related to it being sativa-dominant. The ratio of 3 parts CBD to 1 part THC seems to be the perfect ratio, for me at least, and it turned my headache on its heels! This is a 'borderline' psychoactive oil cartridge, I felt GREAT but not altered significantly. It was just just enough! \n\nElectra-Tsu deserves to be placed in the limelight. She was bred specifically to be higher in CBD than THC. CBD happens to be non psychoactive as well, so it is a great choice for pain relief when you also need to function. The strain was bred from the combination of Electra and Tsunami and because the ratio of CBD is so high to THC, you will not feel like you need to go to bed or can’t leave the couch. It is also noted that this strain was bred to treat “pain, stress, and depression, without any anxiety or paranoid side effects”. I completely agree, as a person who tends to get cannabis-induced anxiety, this strain absolutely lives up to the promise. I purchased my cartridge at Sava, which does state wide delivery.\n\n### My Bloom Farms Haiku\n\nIf I were to write a Haiku about my love of the CBD Electra-Tsu vape pen and my gratitude to Bloom Farms for releasing a CBD product to an audience like me it would go like this:\n\n>Electra-Tsu you\n\n>Stole my heart instantly\n\n>Please don’t go away.\n\nEVER.\n\nDo you have questions about Bloom Farms? Ask a question about the product in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\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/56201c206430320006bb0000/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/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/14b42/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/f836f/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg 200w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/2244e/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg 400w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/14b42/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg 800w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/47498/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/54ac5/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/58556/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/61e93/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp 200w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/1f5c5/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp 400w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/58556/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp 800w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/99238/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp 1200w,\n/static/7d9648707d764f6a621c4676be6f49ab/5e0b8/45d6882929a40c439839ded41aaa1169.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2176-markdown","title":"The Best Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain","slug":"the-best-cannabis-strains-for-chronic-pain","content":"When deciding what strain is best for your pain, it's important to consider what time of day you're planning on using the product, the kind of pain you're experiencing, and the level of psychoactivity you're comfortable experiencing. Often patients will choose different strains of marijuana based on the time of day they plan to take it. It can be helpful to use one strain of cannabis during the day, such as a low THC, high CBD variety, and another higher THC strain to aid in pain relief and sleep during the evenings.\r\n\r\nDifferent administration methods are also important to consider when thinking about pain management. Vaporizing, for example, allows for quick pain relief, whereas edibles or oils may process slightly slower, but maintain pain relief for a longer period of time. It's important to remember that each patient is different and choosing the right strain may take some trial and error to figure out what strikes the best balance for the individual. Here are some examples of cannabis strains that are prized for their ability to decrease pain.\r\n\r\n### Harlequin\r\n\r\nHarlequin is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain of marijuana. Since Harlequin is CBD heavy, it helps reduce inflammation and pain with little to no psychoactivity, “Strains with a high percentage of CBD often work well for migraines, pain relief, and anxiety. Harlequin may be one of the best strains available for migraine treatment. It typically has a CBD/THC ratio of 5/2. The CBD should enhance the pain-killing effects of THC while preventing its intoxicating effects,” says [Dr. Mark Edmunds](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/578e7e592430ec000b00001d/i-have-intense-migraines-and-i-find-too-much-thc-actually-makes-them-worse-is-harlequin-a-good-strain-for-me). Harlequin can be particularly helpful for controlling pain during the day because most patients won’t experience any high when using it.\r\n\r\n### OG Kush\r\n\r\nOG Kush is arguably the most well-known cannabis strain and is readily available at most dispensaries. OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that's known for its high levels of THC. The THC concentration in OG Kush ranges from 20-25%. OG Kush can be very effective for pain, but users will often experience high levels of psychoactivity. OG Kush has very low levels of CBD, less than 1%, but it shows promise beyond just its high levels of THC.\r\n\r\n“It has several terpenes that exceed the CBD content and are pain relieving (Linalool and Myrcene). Myrcene also sedates and [relieves] muscle spasms…[OG Kush] would be a reasonable choice for back pain relief,” explains [Dr. Sherellen Gerhart](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/574dee0aaa9671000c000024/i-have-a-lot-of-chronic-pain-and-have-had-multiple-back-surgeries-is-og-kush-a-good-strain-for-me). It is important that patients start slow with OG Kush in order to control the levels of psychoactivity experienced while using such a THC heavy strain. OG Kush is often a good choice for relieving pain in the evenings, because it can also aid with insomnia. \r\n\r\n### Sour Diesel\r\n\r\nSour Diesel, also known as Sour D, is another THC heavy strain of marijuana. Sour Diesel is a sativa that has about 20% THC and no noticeable CBD content. Sour Diesel tends to have a psychoactive effect on users, but it's often associated with an energized feeling. It's commonly seen as good for day-time pain management because it tends to boost the mood of patients rather than slow them down and has strong pain relieving qualities from the high levels of THC.\r\n\r\nHelloMD doctor [Dr. Andrew Vanderveer](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57506b09983582000b000019/what-makes-sour-diesel-so-popular-with-people-and-how-does-it-make-people-feel) states \"Many people utilize Sour Diesel to decrease depression, treat pain (without sedation), and increase energy and creativity.\"\r\n\r\n### Canna-Tsu\r\n\r\nCanna-Tsu is a high CBD strain of cannabis that has shown great promise in targeting pain. Canna-Tsu is a sativa-dominant hybrid of two CBD heavy strains and its higher level of CBD means that there's little or no psychoactivity associated with it. Canna-Tsu has gained in popularity in the medical marijuana community.\r\n\r\n“The high CBD and other combination of cannabinoids seem to be beneficial for management of pain, spasms and anxiety. ... The popularity may be related to the effects on symptom relief and the fact that higher CBD products produce less cognitive disruption and therefore leave patients more functional and clear-headed.” explains [Dr. Sherellen Gerhart](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57927b33fd739e000bef7b4d/i-am-hearing-more-and-more-about-canna-tsu-why-is-it-so-popular). Patients describe the effects of Canna-Tsu as mellow with an increase in mental clarity and happiness. The high levels of CBD in Canna-Tsu mean that it can be helpful at reducing inflammation, so it can aid in healing the root cause of the pain, as well as simply providing relief from painful sensations. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about which strains are best to fight pain? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and community will answer.\r\n\r\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.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/14b42/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/f836f/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg 200w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/2244e/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg 400w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/14b42/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg 800w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/47498/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/54ac5/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/58556/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/61e93/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp 200w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/1f5c5/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp 400w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/58556/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp 800w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/99238/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp 1200w,\n/static/c921357bf37fc97e2fedf3e988f0ef0e/5e0b8/4d30f25841d0812536072d359c9970f2.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2139-markdown","title":"Could Cannabis Provide Hope for Parkinson’s Patients?","slug":"could-cannabis-provide-hope-for-parkinsons-patients","content":"Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative [disorder](http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) that slowly cuts off a person’s ability to produce dopamine. A recent [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/11/14/parkinsons-disease-and-medical-marijuana/) in Clinical Neuropharmacology found that Parkinson’s patients who smoked marijuana had significantly improved motor skills and less general impairments. Participants in the study found a decrease in tremors, rigidity, and dyskinesia, which is the difficulty performing voluntary movements. In 2014, the Journal of Psychopharmacology released a study where participants took 300 mg of CBD per day. The participants in this study found an increase in well being and quality of life, compared to patients who took a placebo. This study was significant because CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, was able to solely decrease the symptoms of patients. Another study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that THC could prove useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. THC was found to aid in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals and activate a receptor that stimulates new mitochondria formation. \r\n\r\nThe studies that are currently available in relation to cannabis and Parkinson’s are just scratching the surface of the potential that marijuana has to help improve the lives of Parkinson’s sufferers. The individual symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, can all be improved by the use of cannabis. \r\n\r\n### Pain\r\n\r\nRoughly 85% of people who [suffer](http://www.pdf.org/winter12_understanding_pain_pd) from Parkinson’s experience a large amount of chronic pain. Pain is often the first symptom that Parkinson’s patients face, sometimes even before they are formally diagnosed. Much of the pain experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers is caused by tissue that has been damaged due to tremors, rigidity, and inflammation. There is an almost 5000 year old recorded history of cannabis being used for chronic pain management. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, many in areas that are responsible for pain production. Cannabis stimulates these receptors to reduce the sensation of pain, “Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process, and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine,” reported Dr. Mark Rabe, the Medical Director of Centric Wellness, to [Medical Jane](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/13/chronic-pain-and-the-theraputic-benefits-of-medical-cannabis/). \r\n \r\n### Anxiety & Depression\r\n\r\nCannabis can also be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression. It is [estimated](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16383211) that 40% of patients with Parkinson’s experience substantial anxiety in the form of various anxiety disorders. Depression symptoms are also experienced by around 60% of Parkinson’s patients and can range in their severity. It is [suggested](http://www.pdf.org/en/depression_pd) that chemical changes in the brain caused by Parkinson’s itself could be responsible for the development of depression. University of Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions recently [found](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/marijauna-depression_n_6622126.html) that endocannabinoids may be helpful in treating depression that results from chronic stress. Cannabis could be used to supplement naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body, helping to relieve depression. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating anxiety. A study in 2011 showed that when participants with social anxiety disorder were given 600 mg of CBD before an anxiety inducing situation, they experienced a decrease in anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort. \r\nCannabinoids are also neuro-protective agents, meaning that they have a chance to help prevent damage caused by Parkinson’s disease. As with many different conditions, more studies are necessary to provide clinical evidence for the efficacy of medical marijuana and Parkinson’s disease specifically. The individual symptoms of Parkinson’s, however, can be greatly decreased through the use of cannabis. Large amounts of anecdotal evidence also show that cannabis could greatly improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbuckley/6171350805/in/photolist-apkMA6-aqjC3T-do9QH1-fdYWXc-fNW48c-fJfMFW-fK7iRh-fGdEm8-feesaG-2s6K39-joHNQk-bv3aE8-3YWNT-feeASq-FVKr54-4Amu3e-4AmtWg-fdZkrF-a86XcH-2KuUec-eb5FRy-qiJEpC-d71k9s-ny1hR4-nhQJWs-5Av5Ej-bGTZ8M-cL53To-5pjnXV-rg2f7A-JpoALS-gsZK5-nSc1Tu-qovcag-7GrnJa-5pjoeg-5pjnGa-2KuUep-ooKsF-d71jMu-fLN9is-rDERbX-4VBjq2-4CXatN-4CSUQg-4CSUQM-9ksQHw-aqPojH-bKKdz6-e7CWqT)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png","srcSet":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/69585/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/497c6/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/2cf95/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 831w","srcWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/61e93/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/1f5c5/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/e8cc8/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 831w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2065-markdown","title":"NFL Player Ryan McBean Talks with HelloMD ","slug":"nfl-player-ryan-mcbean-talks-with-hellomd","content":"Last week we were thrilled to welcome retired NFL player Ryan McBean and his fiancé Stephanie Gayles to be filmed in the HelloMD studio. Ryan spent his career as a Defensive Lineman in the NFL playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, his career ended with a terrible final injury to his right ankle the same year the Ravens won the SuperBowl. \r\n\r\nRyan came forward to talk to HelloMD about his journey with chronic pain after serious physical injuries, multiple concussions and the positive impact cannabis has had on his life. As with so many other NFL players Ryan had a long history of opioid use to deal with his physical pain, which left him both incapacitated and depressed. With cannabis he has found new hope and is able to live his life to the fullest; it has enabled him to deal with constant pain while allowing him to be mentally present and energized. His hope is tell his story and let others know that cannabis is a viable option to opioids and other narcotics when dealing with traumatic injuries. While Ryan’s physical pain may never fully heal he has found a solution with cannabis that works for him and in his own words he says ‘I am not sure what I would do if I had not found cannabis, it has given me my life back.’\r\n\r\nWe are busy editing our clips with Ryan and Stephanie where they tell their full story. As soon as we are finished we will be sure to share with you and we will be looking for additional opportunities to share with a much larger audience! HelloMD is excited to have Ryan’s story be a part of the ongoing conversation surrounding cannabis and the NFL.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEA//EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAF5TKorIxP/xAAZEAEAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDBDH/2gAIAQEAAQUC06LVzdlgVZYmnpZJ/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEh/9oACAEDAQE/AdV//8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAETIf/aAAgBAgEBPwHFcv/EABkQAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESECEP/aAAgBAQAGPwJLmEMdNRUvP//EABsQAAMAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESExUZGh/9oACAEBAAE/IUhIk50PLfhfct3odNkZnQzyI4sH/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABBkz//EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAEUH/2gAIAQMBAT8QAGWe3//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABETFB/9oACAECAQE/EIZjwo//xAAcEAEAAwADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMVGxwWH/2gAIAQEAAT8Q7fiqos82CSC8pk3yYMNCmMMphyE0RvTVfkwoW2xeP538iAaXxjP/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/14b42/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/f836f/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg 200w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/2244e/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg 400w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/14b42/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg 800w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/47498/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/54ac5/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/58556/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/61e93/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp 200w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/1f5c5/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp 400w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/58556/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp 800w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/99238/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp 1200w,\n/static/b6a3e2b6c1988cd66a2a688232da5ae6/5e0b8/d7a90e18628e798efff8e19df55f3fa3.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2085-markdown","title":"THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters","slug":"thc-in-cannabis-topicals-why-it-matters","content":"DiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today which is creamy and smells wonderful. As Didi says \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her this blog post Didi talks about why THC matters in topicals.\n\n### The Importance of THC In Cannabis Topicals\n\nThough CBD has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue lately, we’re taking a look at how vital THC is to the pain equation.\n\nCannabis is made up of over 500 compounds and cannabinoids represent around 85 of them. The most significant cannabinoids, by and large, have been THC, THCa, and CBD. In today's news, CBD (or cannabidiol) has practically become a buzzword. Vogue magazine recently wrote about how marijuana-infused products can give you better orgasms. Whoopi Goldberg's new line of menstrual cycle pain relief products contains CBD exclusively. Even nuns have gotten into the CBD product market.\n\nAlthough CBD hosts a myriad of benefits and its non-psychoactive effects are a commercial favorite the star player is still THC when it comes to pain relief. CBD and THC have very similar benefits, but vary in how they interact with our bodies. \n\n### The History of THC\n\nTHC as an isolated compound was discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in 1964 at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. He and his associates were able to successfully extract THC from cannabis allowing them to study it exclusively. Dr. Mechoulam is a strong advocate for cannabis as medicine and his research has led to several other discoveries about cannabis including the discovery of the human endocannabinoid system. This naturally occurring system communicates organically with cannabis compounds.\n\n### What is THC?\n\nTHC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical compound found in most marijuana plants. When smoked or ingested, THC stimulates brain cells to release dopamine creating a euphoric high. If THC is applied to the skin, however, it skips the bloodstream and causes no mind-altering effects. It does, however, penetrate deeper tissues to bring relief for pain and inflammation.\n\n### What is THCa?\n\nTHCa, essentially, is the mother of THC. It is a non-psychoactive acid that, once heated to a certain temperature, eventually becomes THC. This process is called 'decarbing' (short for decarboxylating). When used in its purest form, THCa can relieve pain with less dosage than THC or CBD.\n\n### What is CBD?\n\nCBD is often the more submissive compound in cannabis strains. With selective breeding, however, there have been developments of strains containing mostly CBD and almost no THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and tends to create an all-over effect, flooding the entire body.\n\n### THC & Pain\n\nPain, in essence, is nothing more than a communication between our brain and our body to signify that something is wrong. Pain can be felt in different ways. We can feel pain through our nervous system, through our tissues and organs and even through our imagination. THC can intercept this communication and prevent pain from being experienced on a physical level. One of the mechanisms in our bodies which regulates pain is our own endocannabinoid system. \n\nInhaled or ingested, THC carries side-effects like euphoria, sleepiness and increased appetite. These are life-saving benefits to patients with AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. \n\nBut for some, this could be a hindrance to their daily lives. Perhaps a patient has small children to look after and needs as much energy as possible. Those who work in fields that require random drug testing also have to avoid smoking and ingesting cannabis. In these cases, THC-rich topicals provide effective options.\n\n### THC vs. CBD\n\nThe comparison comes down to patient need. CBD is often prescribed to children and those who need a powerful medicine without mood or mind-altering side effects. However, THC is simply more potent. You need less of it to experience relief and it can be extremely useful in calming and sedating patients who need serious help overcoming intense pain or psychological episodes. \n\nTHC used topically is the best of both worlds. It affects the source of pain quickly and exclusively and produces no high to the user. Because it skips the bloodstream, cannabis topicals are undetectable in drug tests and don’t upset the patient’s ability to function. THC-based topicals are a great option for people living with conditions such as:\n\n### Chronic Pain and Arthritis \n\nBy applying directly on the joints, muscles and other parts of the body, even people with chronic pain see immediate results.\n\n### Menstrual Cramps \n\nMenstrual cramps are essentially muscle aches caused by minor contractions. Applying a THC-rich topical to the site will decrease cramps if not eliminate them altogether.\n\n### Skin Conditions \n\nConditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne can all be treated and even cured with a THC-heavy cannabis topical. Because these conditions are often a sign of a larger problem, a cannabis topical should be part of a holistic approach to correcting the imbalance.\n\n### Migraine Headaches \n\nRecent studies have shown that topical cannabis reduces headache frequency when applied directly to the temple.\n\nWhether you prefer an all-over body high, a euphoric mindstate or area-specific pain relief, the first step is to do your research. Don’t be turned off by THC’s less desirable side effects. And don’t automatically assume CBD isn’t strong enough for your condition. Cannabis gives birth to a diverse array of options depending on needs and preferences. THC may be the very thing missing in your treatment plan. We encourage you to ask questions, do your research and stay open to how cannabis and all its cannabinoids can heal.\n\nDo you have questions about Sweet ReLeaf? Ask a question about the product in HelloMD's new Answers feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/14b42/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/f836f/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg 200w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/2244e/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg 400w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/14b42/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg 800w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/47498/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/a6974/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.jpg 1536w","srcWebp":"/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/58556/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/61e93/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp 200w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/1f5c5/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp 400w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/58556/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp 800w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/99238/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp 1200w,\n/static/4aae6fa7b89b34a82cb37e867c2e33fd/d5052/1f8d8f411142587c50e2c12260ca77a0.webp 1536w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":48,"numPages":11,"currentPage":5,"id":5599,"name":"Pain","slug":"pain","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}