Many rely on opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs just to get through each day. In light of the opioid epidemic, many chronic pain sufferers are now turning to cannabis, specifically THC oil, for natural and effective relief. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound in cannabis plants that causes the “high” feeling. But, beyond providing a gentle euphoria, research shows THC also eases pain, reduces inflammation, helps with sleep, and lifts mood.
Understanding THC oil for pain
THC oil is extracted from cannabis plants and concentrated into an oil. It’s applied under the tongue, where the THC gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream for fast-acting effects. THC oil provides targeted pain and inflammation relief for:
- Arthritis
- Neuropathic pain
- Cancer pain
- Chronic migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Endometriosis
- Multiple sclerosis
Compared to smoking or vaping cannabis, thc oil for pain offers more precise dosing and longer-lasting effects. And as an oil-based extract, it avoids the potential risks of smoking. Many find swift and powerful pain relief from medicating with THC oil.
CBD and THC – A powerful pairing
While THC oil is potent for pain by itself, even better relief results when paired with CBD oil. CBD, or cannabidiol oil, contains high levels of CBD with little to no THC. It provides no intoxication. However, CBD strongly complements THC through its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and balancing properties. Using CBD oil alongside THC oil allows one to administer higher overall cannabinoid doses with fewer unwanted THC side effects like anxiety or fuzzy thinking. The symbiotic interaction between THC and CBD makes cannabis extracts more therapeutically powerful remedies for pain than singularly isolated compounds.
Optimal THC oil use
Finding one’s therapeutic cannabis oil dosage level requires patient self-experimentation. General dosage guidelines recommend starting with 2 to 5 mg of THC for mild pain or 10 to 20 mg for more severe pain. However, everyone’s biochemical individuality and tolerance differ. It’s best to “start low and go slow” when using THC oil, especially for first-time users. It’s important to allow up to two hours for the effects of cannabis oil to fully emerge before redosing. Tracking symptoms and dosages in a pain journal facilitates managing one’s treatment. Some find combining THC oil use with yoga, meditation, massage, cryotherapy or float therapy boosts relaxation and healing.
Methods for using THC oil
Most apply their THC oil dose directly under the tongue for expedient effects. Holding the oil here for up to 90 seconds before swallowing maximizes sublingual absorption. The inner cheek area also nicely absorbs cannabis oil preparations. However, one also ingests THC oil in beverages, foods, baked goods, pills, or other encased products for longer-lasting relief. Topically applying THC-infused lotions, salves, or transdermal patches directly on painful areas for localized benefits is also effective.
Revolutionizing pain management
Cannabis oils containing THC provide natural, plant-based pain relief that avoids the concerning pitfalls of long-term pharmaceutical reliance. While not yet fully mainstream, many respected doctors and health professionals now welcome and even recommend THC and CBD oils for chronic pain treatment. Extensive clinical research validates the immense therapeutic advantages of cannabis oil. If struggling with daily discomfort and pain interference, consider adding THC oil to your wellness regimen.