{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/pain-management/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2621-markdown","title":"Cannabis: A Workplace Solution for Chronic Pain","slug":"cannabis-a-workplace-solution-for-chronic-pain","content":"The opioid epidemic claims lives and impacts American society in many ways, but recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveal that the [greatest financial stress of opioid misuse and addiction are felt by employers](https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/02/13/585199746/cost-of-u-s-opioid-epidemic-since-2001-is-1-trillion-and-climbing). Lost productivity, workplace accidents and injury are among the costs affecting employers of all kinds when workers use these powerful prescription painkillers. \r\n\r\nA growing body of evidence shows that cannabis is a safer and more effective alternative to opioids—one that can save billions by keeping workers on the job. But employers who want to include cannabis in a workplace wellness strategy will need to overcome challenges including legal issues, prevailing myths about cannabis and the reluctance of network doctors to recommend the plant as treatment. \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### How Do Opioids Affect the Workplace?\r\n\r\nEven though they’re initially prescribed for legitimate pain conditions, opioids are recommended for short-term use only. In fact, studies suggest that they may not even be particularly effective in the long term. But a majority of doctors generally prescribe them for longer periods, or indefinitely. \r\n\r\nWhether prescribed for a condition outside of work or as a result of a workplace injury, opioid misuse can lead to poor productivity, absenteeism and workplace accidents. Employees struggling with addiction and the side effects of opioids miss more work than their peers, and a significant number of people who use opioids while recuperating from a workplace injury never actually return to work at all. That results in higher costs and lower revenues for companies in a variety of sectors.\r\n\r\nMany [solutions for supporting people with legitimate chronic pain while avoiding the very harmful consequences of taking opioids have been proposed](http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/Prescription-Nation-White-Paper.aspx). These include more stringent drug testing, seeking out doctors with a more conservative approach to opioids and providing support for employees struggling with addiction. But both insurers and the CDC have suggested [recommending alternative methods of pain management](http://www.constructionexec.com/article/a-prescription-for-reducing-workers-comp-costs)—and for many people, cannabis can be the most effective option. But to make cannabis a viable solution for workers in pain, employers must advocate—and educate.\r\n\r\n### Challenging the Myths About Cannabis\r\n\r\nCannabis has a fearsome reputation as an illegal substance with no medical applications. For many people, including employers, the idea of using cannabis conjures up images of stoned employees moving through the workday at half speed, dealing drugs on the premises and a host of other undesirable behaviors. Others are doubtful about the medical benefits of marijuana and cannabis’s ability to relieve pain and the symptoms of a wide range of health conditions.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN OPIOIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a453281100a820006562f3f/the-science-behind-why-marijuana-is-safer-than-opioids)\r\n\r\nA workplace campaign to promote cannabis as a way out of opioid use needs to be able to address these issues, and that begins with education. Workplace trainings can draw from the growing body of research that shows how cannabis for medical purposes is very different than recreational cannabis use. Many people who use cannabis medically rely on the non-psychoactive compounds in the cannabis plant for pain relief, most famously cannabidiol (CBD). \r\n\r\nEmployee assistance programs designed to help workers with addiction and other issues could include cannabis as an option to reduce dependence on opioids—or eliminate them altogether. But even if employees learn about medical cannabis, they can still have problems getting access to it.\r\n\r\nOn the federal level, cannabis is still an illegal substance on the most restrictive Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. And although many states have legalized cannabis in some form, those laws aren’t consistent—and they don’t apply across state lines. In states where medical cannabis is available, not all health conditions are considered eligible, and not all doctors are willing to recommend it or refer patients to dispensaries.\r\n\r\n### Managing the Medical Perspective of Cannabis\r\n\r\nSome opioid reduction plans proposed by workers’ compensation representatives and workplace safety advisers also recommend that employers either work with doctors to reduce the amount of opioids being prescribed for workplace injuries, or seek out doctors who generally prescribe fewer opioids.  \r\n\r\nOverall, a large number—76% in one survey—of [American doctors are in favor of using cannabis for medical purposes](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/), at least in theory. But many medical professionals still maintain that cannabis is a dangerous substance with limited research supporting its medical benefits.  \r\n\r\nSome doctors say that prescribing cannabis is risky because it can be difficult to standardize doses, and individual responses can vary widely. Others doubt the medical applications of a substance so popular for recreational use and fear that users could simply substitute one addiction for another. And for some, prescribing opioids is simply easier and more lucrative.  \r\n\r\n### Next Steps if You Think Medical Cannabis Is Right for Your Workplace\r\n\r\n* Encourage employees to [talk about cannabis with their doctors](https://patriotcare.org/talk-doctor-medical-marijuana/)—and encourage doctors to [talk about it with their patients](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085). This can help nudge companies towards considering cannabis as a workable alternative for pain management and a way to reduce the liabilities caused by opioids.\r\n\r\n* Present recent research on [cannabis as an effective pain reliever](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569620/) as doctors and insurers like hard data. Recent studies show that large numbers of people have been able to [reduce their use of opioids with cannabis](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), or stop using opioids entirely.\r\n\r\n* Enlist the support of medical cannabis professionals who can help create programs to introduce cannabis as a workplace treatment for chronic pain—and protocols to safely get employees off opioids and back to work.  \r\n\r\nCannabis offers a way out of the opioid epidemic at work—and with the help of medical cannabis experts and solid research, the cannabis alternative can help companies of all kinds reduce the workplace costs of runaway opioid use. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Joshua Ness](https://unsplash.com/@theexplorerdad)\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 private, easy and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/14b42/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/f836f/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 200w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/2244e/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 400w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/14b42/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 800w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/47498/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/0e329/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/727f7/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.jpg 2491w","srcWebp":"/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/58556/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/61e93/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 200w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/1f5c5/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 400w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/58556/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 800w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/99238/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 1200w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/7c22d/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 1600w,\n/static/9a2f986d5ce464ffcc933db7c38a498a/a510a/af502b968264bd94c8af0bb390401dcb.webp 2491w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2619-markdown","title":"Cannabis in the Workplace: A Plan for Productivity","slug":"cannabis-in-the-workplace-a-plan-for-productivity","content":"The United States has just over 4% of the world’s population, yet its doctors prescribe more than 80% of the world’s oxycodone. [The opioid epidemic of abusing oxycodone and other prescription pain medications has cost the country more than a trillion dollars](https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/02/13/585199746/cost-of-u-s-opioid-epidemic-since-2001-is-1-trillion-and-climbing) since 2001—and the greatest financial burden of the crisis is in the workplace.\r\n\r\nOpioids cost billions every year in lost productivity, workplace safety issues and workers’ compensation claims. But cannabis can provide the solution employers need to restore the productivity and revenue lost to the opioid crisis.\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### Many Plans, Few Solutions for the Opioid Crisis\r\n\r\nEmployees bring opioid use to the workplace when they take these medications for pain from off-work accidents or chronic conditions like arthritis. But the workplace can also create opioid use and dependence when someone suffers a workplace injury and opioids are prescribed. \r\n\r\n[Workers using opioids can cause accidents, miss work and cost far more in workplace compensation claims](http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/prescription-painkillers-for-employers.aspx) than their peers in similar situations who don’t use opioids. To combat the problem, entities from the federal government to workplace-related bodies such as workers’ compensation insurers and safety councils have [proposed solutions that focus heavily on limiting access to opioids](http://www.constructionexec.com/article/a-prescription-for-reducing-workers-comp-costs), rather than finding safer alternatives for treating the pain opioid users legitimately feel.\r\n\r\n[Plans proposed by the National Safety Council (NSC)](http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/Prescription-Nation-White-Paper.aspx) and some workplace insurers emphasize tighter control of prescriptions and penalizing overprescribing doctors. [Other recommendations](http://www.talenteconomy.io/2017/09/05/can-employers-fight-opioid-epidemic/) include wider drug testing in the workplace to spot opioid users, workplace education programs and expanded employee assistance programs to help with dependence and addiction.  \r\n\r\nSome agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and NSC also suggest advocating for alternative methods of pain control including chiropractic treatments, physical therapy and acupuncture. But conspicuously absent from those options is a true medical alternative that can manage pain without the harmful and dangerous side effects of opioids: cannabis. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Controls Pain, Not Lives\r\n\r\nRecent studies support the claims of many cannabis users that [cannabis products can treat pain](https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/755388) as well as, or better than, opioids can. And these cannabis products don’t cause the impairment, addiction and risk of overdose that opioids can. That’s because the [cannabinoids in cannabis work very differently](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/01/5-surprising-things-you-need-to-know-about-prescription-painkillers/index.htm) in the body than opioids do.\r\n\r\nThe body contains receptor networks for both cannabis and opioids, and both types of receptors can be activated to block pain signals to the brain. But the endocannabinoid receptor network—receptors for cannabinoids (the compounds found in the marijuana plant) and naturally occurring endocannabinoids—affects nearly all of the body’s processes to promote immune responses, lower inflammation and a variety of other benefits. By comparison, the opioid receptor network is limited, and its receptors are found largely in the brain, particularly the brainstem, and the digestive system. \r\n\r\nOpioid receptors in the brain are responsible for the powerfully addictive nature of these medications—and also the potential for death by overdose. Opioids depress autonomous functions in the brainstem such as respiration and heartbeat, and when a person takes too many, or takes opioids in combination with other sedatives, these functions can be depressed to the point of stopping.\r\n\r\nBut the number of cannabinoid receptors in the brain is negligible, eliminating the risk of an overdose death.  To put it another way: Because of where the different receptors are located in the body, opioids can cause death—but cannabis can’t. \r\n\r\nStopping the use of opioids can be stressful and risky, too, thanks to the surge of norepinephrine that occurs when opioids are no longer in control. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and potentially life-threatening; this plays a role in keeping people addicted. But while it’s possible to become psychologically addicted to cannabis, stopping its use doesn’t cause the same wrenching physical symptoms, because cannabis doesn’t affect norepinephrine production in the brain.  \r\n\r\n### Separating Myth From Medicine\r\n\r\nCannabis is now being more widely used to control pain and the symptoms of many other diseases and conditions. But it still faces barriers thanks to its fearsome and legendary reputation as “marijuana,” a substance that’s still classified as a Schedule 1 restricted drug along with heroin and LSD. And anti-drug campaigns have for generations portrayed cannabis as a dangerous way to get high and a gateway to abusing harder drugs.  \r\n\r\nBut cannabis products for medical uses such as pain control can contain relatively minimal amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient responsible for the “high,” in comparison to cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabis compound that activates cannabinoid receptors related to managing pain and inflammation.\r\n\r\nEmployees using high-CBD cannabis for pain control aren’t likely to be high at work, cause accidents or take large amounts of sick leave due to opioid-related issues. In fact, they may experience greater focus and energy, and be less susceptible to the stresses of the workplace.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [CANNABIS: AN EXIT DRUG FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f0d5d6453ba8000f3478d6/cannabis-an-exit-drug-for-the-opioid-epidemic)\r\n\r\n### Introducing Cannabis as an Opioid Alternative\r\n\r\nBecause cannabis is a safer and less addictive alternative for pain control, incorporating it into plans for combatting opioid abuse can save lives and reduce or eliminate the many problems associated with opioids in the workplace. Employers can encourage doctors associated with their insurance and workers’ compensation programs to prescribe cannabis when possible, or at least discuss it with patients. Training that covers the risks of opioids can include cannabis as another alternative for pain management along with other natural remedies.  \r\n\r\nOpioid misuse and dependence robs employees of wages, careers and health—and costs employers billions every year. Cannabis can change that picture—and medical cannabis specialists can work with employers of all kinds to develop pain management protocols for keeping workers healthy, and workplaces safer and more productive.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Rawpixel.com](https://unsplash.com/@rawpixel)\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":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/14b42/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/f836f/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 200w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/2244e/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 400w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/14b42/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 800w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/47498/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/0e329/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/e0e30/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.jpg 3660w","srcWebp":"/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/58556/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/61e93/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 200w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/1f5c5/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 400w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/58556/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 800w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/99238/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 1200w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/7c22d/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 1600w,\n/static/f82eafee129f2df8906a4eaf918d98f5/46196/87f665c4b9b5705f4ccdff8bfaff65a8.webp 3660w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2577-markdown","title":"Using Cannabis to Relieve the Pain of Hemorrhoids","slug":"using-cannabis-to-relieve-the-pain-of-hemorrhoids","content":"Let’s be honest: Hemorrhoids are embarrassing and uncomfortable. Many hemorrhoid sufferers don’t want to discuss it, even if they’re in pain. \r\n\r\nBut the truth is, hemorrhoids are extremely common and treatable. [Three out of four Americans](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268), men and women, will deal with hemorrhoids at some point in their life. And while all hemorrhoids are unpleasant, most people experience no complications during treatment. But for those extreme cases involving intense pain, out-patient surgery and weeks of healing, cannabis can be an effective treatment before and after surgery. \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 Are Hemorrhoids?\r\n\r\nSimply put, hemorrhoids are swollen or bulging veins in the anus. Think a varicose vein, but in an extremely sensitive and active part of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, [hemorrhoids can be caused by many factors](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268) including:\r\n\r\n* Pregnancy\r\n* Straining during bowel movements\r\n* Sitting for a long time\r\n* Obesity\r\n* Chronic diarrhea \r\n* Persistent constipation\r\n* Anal intercourse\r\n* Low-fiber diet\r\n\r\nThere are three distinct types of hemorrhoids, each with varying degrees of pain and discomfort.\r\n\r\n### Different Types of Hemorrhoids\r\n\r\n**Internal:** Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum. These are usually the mildest type of hemorrhoid, typically not causing much discomfort. But occasionally, an internal hemorrhoid can undergo straining or irritation, which can lead to bleeding. In the most extreme cases, straining can cause internal hemorrhoids to protrude out of the anus. If this happens, there can be a lot of pain and discomfort.\r\n\r\n**External:** External hemorrhoids are found under the skin around the anus and can generally be seen and felt. These can be pretty painful and extremely sensitive to the touch, which can make it hard to sit, walk and go to the bathroom. External hemorrhoids are often treated with some sort of topical pain treatment. \r\n\r\n**Thrombosed:** If there’s one type of hemorrhoid you want to avoid, it’s a thrombosed one. These occur when an external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot. They often become swollen, hard, turn purple or blue and run the risk of bursting. A doctor should examine thrombosed hemorrhoids as soon as possible to determine the best path forward. Sometimes, in minor cases, patients may just have to wait it out. In more extreme cases, it may need to be removed by the doctor in an out-patient surgery.\r\n\r\n### Can Cannabis Help Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain & Inflammation?\r\n\r\nWe spoke with HelloMD’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Perry Solomon, about hemorrhoids and how their symptoms can be managed with cannabis. Dr. Solomon noted that while he’s never heard of any medical research on cannabis as a hemorrhoid treatment, he does say marijuana can be part of an effective regimen for dealing with the pain and inflammation that often come with hemorrhoids. \r\n\r\nBut what type of cannabis product would be best for managing hemorrhoid-related symptoms?\r\n\r\n“If you’re using [cannabis] for pain relief,” says Dr. Solomon, “I would suggest a tincture. The reason being that smoking or vaping could result in coughing, which could make the hemorrhoid larger and more painful. I might also try a topical placed on the hemorrhoid itself, which might help with the itching.”\r\n\r\nBecause of its highly effective anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis applied directly on the hemorrhoid could help alleviate some of the swelling, itching and pain. Taking a tincture, especially one tailored for pain relief, can help relax the body and alleviate the painful aspects of hemorrhoids. For less extreme cases, marijuana suppositories for hemorrhoids could be enough to help treat any associated discomfort. \r\n\r\n### Traditional Hemorrhoid Pain Relief\r\n\r\nWhen dealing with more extreme hemorrhoids, doctors may suggest a quick out-patient surgery in which the doctor removes the hemorrhoid. They typically do the out-patient surgery in an exam room with local anesthetic; this can be extremely painful. \r\n\r\nUnfortunately, opioid painkillers aren’t only highly addictive, but they can also cause constipation, which can exacerbate the hemorrhoid issue. As a result, many doctors forego writing painkiller prescriptions and opt to give patients a high dose of Tylenol instead.   \r\n\r\nHigh-dose Tylenol doesn’t always provide enough relief to patients who’ve just had a hemorrhoid removed. This is where cannabis can step in to provide an added boost of anti-itch and anti-inflammatory pain relief.  \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHY MY SURGICAL PATIENTS PREFER CANNABIS OVER OPIOIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58b4d1f8afae7a000f75a4ba/why-my-surgical-patients-prefer-cannabis-over-opioids)\r\n\r\n### Allison’s Success Using Cannabis to Relieve Her Hemorrhoid Pain\r\n\r\nWe also sat down to speak with someone who has firsthand experience using cannabis to battle intense hemorrhoid pain. Allison, in her mid-40s, is a working mother with a long history of dealing with hemorrhoids. Unfortunately for her, these often end up external and thrombosed, two of the most painful types. \r\n\r\nAllison has undergone multiple out-patient hemorrhoid removals and describes the process as “almost barbaric.” She explains that the local anesthetic did little to stop the pain of the removal and an extra strength Tylenol didn’t do much for her either. Because hemorrhoids are in such a delicate area, the healing process can be hard. The anus must continue to be used, wiped and stretched—all things that can reopen wounds and complicate healing. \r\n\r\nDuring a particularly challenging external thrombosed hemorrhoid, Allison’s friend suggested using cannabis in the days leading up to and following its removal. Her friend, who Allison lovingly refers to as her “cannabis angel,” dropped off some cannabidiol (CBD) salve. \r\n\r\nAfter consulting with her doctor about applying it directly to the site of the hemorrhoid, she began using the topical a couple days before her surgery to help manage the pain. She was stunned by how effective it was, so she kept using it during her recovery.   \r\n\r\nAfter her surgery, Allison continued to apply the CBD salve directly to the affected area. Its anti-inflammatory properties helped alleviate pain better than any other treatment she used in her 20 years of dealing with hemorrhoids. Allison also used her [Dosist Calm CBD pen](https://www.hellomd.com/products/58068e8323698800071d25a7/calm), which she’d historically used to help her sleep, to calm her nerves after surgery. Because she doesn’t like the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD vape pens and topicals were the perfect options for her. \r\n\r\nAllison was so shocked by the effectiveness of cannabis in treating the pain of hemorrhoids that she had to tell her doctor about it. She encouraged her doctor to suggest CBD for anyone dealing with hemorrhoid pain and swelling. \r\n\r\nIf you’re reading this and currently suffering from hemorrhoids, cannabis could be the key to ending the pain and swelling. Consult with your doctor about using a CBD topical to alleviate inflammation and a tincture or vape pen to help numb the pain. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [ANMOL](https://unsplash.com/@estd97)\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/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/ee604/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.png","srcSet":"/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/69585/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.png 200w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/497c6/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.png 400w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/ee604/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.png 800w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/a384c/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.png 1090w","srcWebp":"/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/58556/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/61e93/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.webp 200w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/1f5c5/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.webp 400w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/58556/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.webp 800w,\n/static/870ee6b8cba71089a03c590f3f8ad578/8820a/b2260a74cef3017245da8da807a51d65.webp 1090w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2566-markdown","title":"Opioids Take a Toll on the Workplace—Can Cannabis Help? ","slug":"opioids-take-a-toll-on-the-workplacecan-cannabis-help","content":"More than $78 billion a year—that’s how much The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate the economic burden of prescription opioid use and misuse to be. That figure includes not only costs to society, but also costs to the workplace. Lost productivity, health-care expenses, workers’ compensation claims and on-the-job risks are among the opioid-related issues facing employers everywhere. \r\n\r\nA number of strategies have been proposed to combat the problem of opioid use in the workplace, but these plans fail to offer an alternative solution for managing pain. Safer and more effective than opioids, cannabis can provide that alternative, with benefits for employee health and a company’s bottom line.\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 Are Opioids?\r\n\r\n[Opioid pain medications](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/01/5-surprising-things-you-need-to-know-about-prescription-painkillers/index.htm) such as Vicodin and OxyContin belong to a class of powerful painkillers that includes heroin and morphine. These medications block pain signals in the brain, but they also depress the central nervous system, causing breathing and heart rate to slow. When a person takes too many opioids, or combines them with other sedatives or alcohol, those automatic functions can be depressed to the point of death.  \r\n\r\nThe CDC warns that [opioids are intended only for short-term use](https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis) to relieve acute pain from injuries or surgery. After only a few days of use, opioids can become addictive. But a majority of doctors who prescribe opioids do so for longer than 60 days—even though these medications aren’t very effective for chronic pain. All of these factors combine to raise the risk of misuse, addiction, and harm to self and surroundings.\r\n\r\n### Opioids in the Workplace Raise Risks & Costs\r\n\r\nOpioid use can negatively affect the workplace in a number of ways. A worker might be using opioid medications prescribed for something unrelated to the workplace, such as an off-time injury or pain from a chronic condition. But if that employee is overusing the medications, or has become addicted to them, work performance and productivity can suffer.  \r\n\r\nPrescribing information for opioid drugs typically warns against operating machinery or other activities requiring precision and concentration until users know how the medication will affect them. Opioid users in jobs requiring these kinds of tasks can cause serious workplace accidents, or errors that create a cascading series of problems.  \r\n\r\nPeople who misuse opioids may also miss work more often, leaving essential tasks undone or forcing others to take on their workload. Opioids can also cause a long list of secondary health problems including constipation, depression, and a heightened risk of bone fracture, all of which can lead to more sick days and difficulty performing job duties.\r\n\r\nBut many people who end up misusing or becoming addicted to opioids do so because of a workplace injury that leads to a prescription for at least one opioid drug for pain, typically for 60 days or more. When long-term use of opioids is involved, the [cost of workers’ compensation claims can skyrocket](https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2017/12/07/281919.htm).\r\n\r\nAccording to a 2012 study, workers who received even one opioid medication for a workplace injury had [claims costs that were four to eight times higher](http://www.lockton.com/whitepapers/Opioids_Wreak_Havoc_on_Workers_Compensation_Costs.pdf) than claims incurred by workers who didn’t take opioids. Meanwhile, the Workers Compensation Research Institute found that the cost of time lost for workers using opioids averaged $117,0000—roughly 900% higher than the cost of time taken off by workers who didn’t take opioids.\r\n\r\nAdditional research reveals that workers taking opioids for more than 90 days aren’t likely to go back to work, both because of dependence on the drugs and the side effects and secondary diseases related to using them.   \r\n\r\n### Proposed Strategies to Combat Opioids in the Workplace Miss the Point\r\n\r\nTo reduce harm to the workplace and reduce costs related to workers’ compensation and insurance claims, employers in several industries are working with insurers and claims managers to [find ways to limit the prescribing of opioids in workplace injury cases](http://www.constructionexec.com/article/a-prescription-for-reducing-workers-comp-costs), and reduce problems caused by opioid use on the job. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS CAN BREAK THE CYCLE OF OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a14b5edeea891000897e26c/how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse)\r\n\r\nSuggested strategies include:\r\n\r\n* Working closely with doctors to monitor opioid prescriptions \r\n* Instituting drug reviews and educating claims managers on red flags for opioid misuse \r\n* Instituting random drug testing \r\n* Encouraging doctors to recommend other solutions for managing pain, such as non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy or acupuncture \r\n\r\nConspicuously absent from these solutions, though, is cannabis—a demonstrably safe and effective approach to managing chronic pain without the risks associated with opioid drugs.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis: An Effective Solution for Chronic Pain\r\n\r\nResearch reveals that a majority of participants who used cannabis were able to reduce their use of prescription opioids—or stop using them altogether. Because cannabis affects the body in ways that are very different from opioids, a cannabis protocol can ease pain without the risk of addiction and withdrawal, or death from overdose. When used as an alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, cannabis can restore lost productivity, reduce employer costs—and save lives.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Bradley Wentzel](https://unsplash.com/@bradleywentzel)\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":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/14b42/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/f836f/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 200w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/2244e/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 400w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/14b42/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 800w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/47498/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/0e329/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/85195/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.jpg 2700w","srcWebp":"/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/58556/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/61e93/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 200w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/1f5c5/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 400w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/58556/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 800w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/99238/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 1200w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/7c22d/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 1600w,\n/static/d44d7312ba8b4af5569eae4d6a48dff1/a9f42/be27e6203dd840a0413b1b2b16bccb16.webp 2700w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2547-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Arthritis Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-arthritis-answered","content":"Arthritis is a fairly common condition in which inflammation of the joints causes pain, stiffness and trouble moving. Because cannabis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, some arthritis sufferers anecdotally say that the plant has helped with their condition. Cannabis also causes fewer side effects than traditional treatments do—mainly nonsteroidal drugs that can also cause ulcers, stomach pain and diarrhea.\n\nWe’ve compiled our most popular questions about how marijuana can be an effective treatment for arthritis pain. We hope you find this information useful if you or someone you know is thinking about treating arthritis with cannabis. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. What solution is best to relieve my chronic pain?\n\nAnswer: [@dredmunds](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5695961d38c92e000a00006e/dredmunds) Cannabis may be useful in the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia. Cannabis has both immune-modulating properties and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to analgesic effects. Because both RA and fibromyalgia are systemic illnesses, most patients administer either vaporized or ingested cannabis. Strains or products with a higher CBD/THC ratio have been effective in alleviating chronic pain while lessening psychoactive effects of the medicine.\n\nAlso, for musculoskeletal discomfort in general, many patients have found topical salves to be beneficial in treating localized joint or muscle pain. One benefit of this approach is that most, if not all, of the cannabis does not enter the blood stream, so there are no systemic effects; therefore, topicals can be used comfortably during the day as well as the night.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS SOOTHES ARTHRITIS PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5822789665e8fd000cc74ebc/cannabis-soothes-arthritis-pain)\n\n### Q: My husband has severe arthritis in his hand. Cannabis oil has been recommended, what is best?\n\nAnswer: [@andrewvanmd](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55d3990c32326600062d0000/andrewvanmd) Cannabis can be utilized in a number of ways for arthritis relief. You may want to start with topical creams applied directly to the arthritic areas. Tinctures of a whole plant cannabis preparation with CBD and THC can be applied under the tongue and should take effect within 20 minutes. Inhaled cannabis will provide more immediate relief. Try a variety of methods and see what works best for you.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/584ba0c500234a000ca73426/husband-has-severe-arthritis-in-hand-cannabis-oil-has-been-recommended-what-is-best).\n\n### Q: Would you recommend Sweet ReLeaf topical for arthritis pain or migraines? \n\nAnswer: [@ryan](https://www.hellomd.com/people/56e9a5ccccdf36000b000029/ryan) I have used many topicals and Sweet ReLeaf is consistently one of my favorites! From my observations, they also have the strongest formula for the price. I always keep one at my desk for wrist pain and find it very effective at reducing my pain and swelling if things flare up. I would highly recommend Sweet ReLeaf for your wrist pain.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57fbfa0cd805a30009a9f9a3/would-you-recommend-this-product-for-arthritis-pain-or-migraines).\n\nPhoto credit: [Ant Rozetsky](https://unsplash.com/@rozetsky)\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":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/14b42/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/f836f/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 200w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/2244e/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 400w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/14b42/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 800w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/47498/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/0e329/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/77d93/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.jpg 3600w","srcWebp":"/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/58556/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/61e93/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 200w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/1f5c5/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 400w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/58556/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 800w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/99238/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 1200w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/7c22d/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 1600w,\n/static/d14de25a44878e520617007338c69fca/d4378/fd4b614b7aa5db0667603cd195957ac8.webp 3600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2576-markdown","title":"How to Ease Migraine Pain With Cannabis","slug":"how-to-ease-migraine-pain-with-cannabis","content":"Migraine is the most common neurological disorder, affecting about 10% of the world’s population. Symptoms range from visual disturbances to debilitating headache pain that lasts for days. Though the causes of migraines remain unclear, recent research points to deep connections between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and migraine—and those connections can explain why cannabis can be an effective treatment for a variety of migraine symptoms.\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### Migraine Types & Common Symptoms\r\n\r\nThere are many different types of migraines that produce numerous symptoms. Migraine types include:\r\n\r\n* common migraine, characterized by severe and disabling headache pain.\r\n* classic migraine, which includes an aura stage characterized by temporary vision loss, strange distortions in vision and in some cases even hallucinations. \r\n* optical or ocular migraines, characterized by the visual distortions of the aura without the accompanying severe headache.\r\n\r\nBesides aura and headache pain, migraine sufferers of all kinds can also experience:\r\n\r\n* nausea\r\n* chills\r\n* temporary numbness or tingling in extremities\r\n* sensitivity to light and sound\r\n\r\n### Migraine: The Mystery Disease\r\n\r\nAlthough migraine treatments aim to relieve symptoms, the [actual mechanisms that trigger migraine are still largely unknown](https://www.scienceofmigraine.com/Migraine-Pathophysiology)—but that may be changing. \r\n\r\nStudies on the [causes of migraine](https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/causes-of-chronic-migraine) have cited many factors such as:\r\n\r\n* genetic predisposition\r\n* hormonal imbalances\r\n* stress\r\n* flashing lights\r\n* food sensitivities that trigger changes in neurological activity in the brain and central nervous system\r\n\r\nBut recent research on the functions of the ECS suggests that this vast and still relatively unexplored [network of cannabinoid receptors may play a major role in the migraine process](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436334/). These discoveries help explain why many migraine sufferers are able to find relief by using marijuana in some form.\r\n\r\n### The Endocannabinoid System: Key to the Migraine Puzzle? \r\n\r\nThe human body is home to a number of receptor systems—cells that are stimulated to respond when they come in contact with a triggering chemical; these chemicals can be naturally produced by the body or introduced from an outside source. Some receptor systems are relatively limited, but others, such as the ECS, are found throughout the body and affect the activity of many other processes.\r\n\r\nThe ECS’s receptor network responds primarily to natural cannabinoids produced by the body, and so far, two of these have been identified: anandamide—or AEA—and 2-AG. These chemicals contribute to the regulation of a variety of processes including pain signaling, immune response, mood regulation and digestion. \r\n\r\nThese natural cannabinoids are very similar to the compounds in cannabis called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When marijuana is consumed, these compounds can trigger the body’s ECS receptors in virtually the same way. That’s why, for example, marijuana can help relieve conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety or depression—it triggers a response from the ECS in areas of the brain related to pain modulation or mood. \r\n\r\n### Endocannabinoid Deficiency May Set the Stage for Migraine\r\n\r\nFor a variety of reasons, the ECS can become deficient or dysfunctional so that the body doesn’t produce enough of the natural cannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG. Recent \r\nresearch suggests that [endocannabinoid deficiency may play a role in a number of chronic conditions](http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/medical-marijuana/debilitating/Debilitating-Conditions-Migraine-Headaches.pdf) including fibromyalgia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, a variety of mood disorders—and headaches including migraine.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO YOU HAVE CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID \r\nDEFICIENCY?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b2191f214a9d000dd6a3fe/do-you-have-clinical-endocannabinoid-deficiency)\r\n\r\nSome research on the connection between cannabis and migraine reveals that sufferers appear to have a decrease in the expression of a gene called CNR1, which encodes the cannabinoid receptor CB1. This deficit appears to be associated with brain activity that can trigger migraine.\r\n\r\nMigraine sufferers also tend to have higher activity related to fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), a fatty acid that degrades anandamide. This contributes to an overall decrease in endocannabinoids throughout the body.  In general, people with migraine tend to have lower levels of anandamide and elevated levels of a protein called CGRP, which can trigger the inflammation in the brain’s blood vessels that lead to migraine pain and other symptoms.\r\n\r\nLower levels of endocannabinoids also affect the composition of a migraine patient’s blood. Cannabinoids play a role in stabilizing blood platelets, and one migraine study found that endocannabinoid levels are low in the platelets of migraine patients’ blood. This could explain why antiplatelet medications—often prescribed to prevent dangerous blood clots—can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of migraine.\r\n\r\nConsuming cannabis in all its forms can increase cannabinoid levels and help cannabinoid receptors perform their many functions—including preventing migraines from developing and easing symptoms once the process begins. Although research on cannabis for migraines has been limited, consumers say anecdotally that it can help stop the pain of a headache and ease other migraine symptoms as well.  \r\n\r\n### How to Treat Migraine Symptoms With Cannabis\r\n\r\nIn general, the most effective cannabis products for treating migraine are typically high in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. That said, everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system and biochemistry—so experimentation is necessary to figure out if a pure CBD product or one containing both CBD and THC works best for them. Effective delivery methods include inhalation, sublingual sprays and tinctures along with cannabis salves and creams that can be rubbed into the temples, forehead and neck during a migraine attack.\r\n\r\nWhen a migraine begins, [cannabis expert Dr. Patricia Frye recommends inhaling cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/577d4650d64ada0007000013/treating-migraines-with-marijuana-dr-patricia-frye), either by vaping or smoking, which gets cannabis compounds into the bloodstream quickly and can help to “head off” the impending migraine. Then, taking small doses of a CBD tincture or sublingual spray can help keep pain levels low. [Experienced cannabis consumers recommend starting with small amounts of an unfamiliar product](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59d40f3dea8e1f3e9b676c74/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-migraines-answered) and increasing doses gradually until the desired effect is reached.\r\n\r\nSome [cannabis strains tend to offer more relief for migraine symptoms](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57f283d9e4b4f6000a8dba0e/the-best-cbd-marijuana-strains-for-migraines)\r\nthan others. Consumers say that high CBD and low THC strains such as Cannatonic, ACDC and Hawaiian Dream are most effective for treating pain and other migraine symptoms—but you’ll need to find the marijuana products that work best for you.  \r\n\r\nMigraine is a common but complex disorder, and questions still remain about its causes and the best options for treatment. But recent research reveals that the endocannabinoid system can play a major role in the processes that trigger migraines—and for many migraine sufferers, cannabis is uniquely able provide the relief they’ve been looking for. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Jose Navarro](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonavi/)\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/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/14b42/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/f836f/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 200w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/2244e/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 400w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/14b42/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 800w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/47498/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/0e329/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/90dd4/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.jpg 3589w","srcWebp":"/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/58556/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/61e93/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 200w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/1f5c5/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 400w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/58556/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 800w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/99238/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 1200w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/7c22d/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 1600w,\n/static/2a58e6a6e68bf75beb976702e5b88d0f/8f17d/9f8c4c948f0717ec97ca840700ac17f7.webp 3589w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2578-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Back Pain Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-back-pain-answered","content":"If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 80% of Americans endure back pain of some kind. Doctors mostly prescribe opioids or other powerful pain-relieving medications, which can help, but often just mask the problem and can come with their own set of serious side effects. \n\nCannabis has proven to be an effective way to treat back pain for some. And with so many treatment options—topicals, tinctures, vape pens—people can find a protocol that fits their lifestyle.\n\nHere are our most popular Q&As about treating back pain with marijuana, with answers provided by doctors and cannabis professionals. As always, head over to our [Answers](www.hellomd.com/answers) if you have a question about medical marijuana for back pain, and our community will be happy to answer it for you.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: What do you recommend for back pain caused by a bulging disc incurred in an accident?\n\nAnswer: [@drraisen](https://www.hellomd.com/people/564e05ec3618f90008000088/drraisen) Take one dose a day of a CBD-only-tincture as a first-line therapy for the back pain.\n\n* See the article: https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/micro-dosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain \n* For more pain-relief, add a tincture of CBD/THC that is 50%/50% concentration.\n* For additional pain relief, use a vape pen with Canna Tsu, ACDC or Harlequin. These strains contain around 20% CBD. \n* Use topical cannabis in a lotion or cream to treat to areas of pain and inflammation, one to three times a day as needed; they can give you immediate relief.\n\nConsider nutrition-grade cannabis-infused edibles in 10mg THC dose for extended-duration pain relief as an alternative to NSAIDs and opiates. You can try a 20mg THC dose to promote sleep.\n\nThe edibles, will last a long time. REMEMBER, WITH ALL THE CANNABIS, START LOW, AND GO SLOW. \n\nBest of luck.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyrq11rNcL4`\n\n### Q: I suffer from upper cervical nerve/back pain. What product do you recommended? \n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/550c5a786336370003010000/drolson/questions/) The best cannabis treatment for neck and back pain from nerve inflammation would be a topical cannabis salve applied along the spine, frequently at first because it will block the nerve pain. \n\nIn a tie for first place I also include posture. Your body can't call you on the phone to scream at you, \"Stop pinching the nerves!\" So, it screams at you internally, but most people cover up the screaming with drugs, and that's when damage occurs. \n\nLearn to listen to your body and lift your spine up. It takes practice to learn to lift your spine and to build the strength in the supporting muscles, so I advise practicing yoga to learn body awareness and posture with core strengthening. \n\nMedications can give you relief, but please don't just treat the pain and not correct the posture. Adequate water intake and vitamin D3 are also necessary to keep the spine healthy. Vaporizing high-CBD cannabis is very effective in relieving pain, also.\n\nRELATED: [BACK PAIN, CANNABIS & DEHYDRATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57361295d8405a000c00003e/back-pain-cannabis-and-dehydration)\n\n### Q: What's the best product for back pain and muscle tightness?\n\nAnswer: [@lyp](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5507070036393300031b0000/lyp) Hi, we've got an article going over the best strains for back pain, which includes potent strains such as Headband, as well as higher CBD strains such as [ACDC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57e1803d16ce30000b06ba0a/the-best-marijuana-strains-for-back-pain).\n\nYou may also want to consider a cannabis-infused topical to ease your pain. We've got a write-up going over the top 3 topicals for back pain: https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/589b56e47a547a0008f2c9ce/the-top-3-cannabis-topicals-for-back-pain though there are many more cannabis topicals on the market that you may find helpful. \n\nMy partner has a bulging disc in his lower back that he's been applying Farmaceuticals' High CBD balm on—and he's found pain relief with that particular product. Of course, it all depends on your biochemistry, whether a high-CBD topical is what you need. There are different ratios of CBD to THC available on the market, and you may need to experiment to see which is most effective for you. Hope this helps!\n\nPhoto credit: [Jairo Alzate](https://unsplash.com/photos/1CsfTx0DuLs)\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/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/14b42/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/f836f/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 200w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/2244e/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 400w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/14b42/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 800w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/47498/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/0e329/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/b160c/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.jpg 2686w","srcWebp":"/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/58556/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/61e93/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 200w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/1f5c5/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 400w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/58556/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 800w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/99238/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 1200w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/7c22d/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 1600w,\n/static/97da22f5ae89a3836b1c5b3025e0de20/13bf9/43c65a60a1c7b2938fb50d7f4cd95f1a.webp 2686w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2544-markdown","title":"How We Can Disrupt the Opioid Epidemic With Cannabis","slug":"how-we-can-disrupt-the-opioid-epidemic-with-cannabis","content":"On Jan. 11, I was honored to moderate the panel discussion hosted by Women Grow NYC, co-sponsored by HelloMD and New York medical marijuana dispensary PharmaCannis. The panelists—medical professionals, family therapists, nutritionists and cannabis executives—wanted to examine the ever-growing opioid crisis and the role cannabis could play in helping free us from this deadly epidemic. I shared some of my thoughts, including my personal experience replacing Vicodin with medicinal marijuana. \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### The Reality of Pain, Opioids & Death in America\r\n\r\n[In 2016, nearly 65,000 people died in the United States from drug overdoses](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioids-drug-overdose-killed-more-americans-last-year-than-the-vietnam-war/). Two-thirds of those deaths were attributed to the powerful class of drugs called opioids. It’s estimated that an average of 90 people a day are dying from opioid overdoses, and that number seems to be increasing every year. As the number of deaths climbs precipitously higher, the U.S. government acknowledged the depth of the problem recently and [declared the opioid epidemic to be a public “health emergency.”]( http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/26/politics/donald-trump-opioid-epidemic/index.html) However, no additional federal funds have been allocated towards the problem. \r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmF1RwNWxN0`\r\n\r\nSome studies suggest that 110 million Americans will suffer from chronic pain—defined as pain that lasts for more than 90 days—at some point in their life. For the past 20 years, opioids have been the go-to solution for helping people combat chronic pain. Unfortunately, they’re highly addictive, often leading patients to take more and more as they affect the brain’s pleasure/reward system. Because of the number of opioid receptors in the brainstem, they can also be deadly when the dose is too high or if taken in combination with other drugs, such as sleeping pills.\r\n\r\n### How I Went From Vicodin to Cannabis to Treat Chronic Pain\r\n\r\nAs a life-long migraine sufferer, I dealt with my share of chronic pain. What I can tell you is that once you’re in pain, you’ll do whatever you can to get out of it. For this reason, after I went through much trial and error, I landed on Vicodin as my trusty solution for treating migraine-related pain. Although I wasn’t happy about using an opiate frequently, it was honestly the only drug that allowed me to remain semi- functional. However, as my usage of Vicodin went up, so did my concern about becoming addicted.\r\n\r\nA good friend of mine at some point came to me and said, “Why don’t you consider using marijuana for your migraines?” I scoffed at this suggestion and thought, “Maybe for other people, but that’s not me.” As with so many others, cannabis truly was my medication of last resort—I was out of options. Fortunately, I live in California where finding a medical marijuana dispensary is as easy as finding a Starbucks. \r\n\r\nAfter receiving my medical recommendation, I found myself at The Apothecarium, a high-end dispensary in San Francisco with a highly trained budtender named Aaron. He suggested I start on a protocol of high-CBD tinctures and vape pens. Within three months of starting treatment with cannabis, I was managing my pain effectively, and within six months I was preventing my migraines entirely. \r\n\r\nHappily, I can say that in the past three years I haven’t experienced a migraine. For me, cannabis was a silver bullet, and I was able to eliminate opioids entirely. However, most people aren’t as lucky when opioids are introduced into a chronic pain treatment protocol.\r\n\r\n### How Did Opioids Become So Pervasive Anyway? \r\n\r\nFor much of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the medical community had “opiophobia,” or fear of prescribing opioids. However, a small medical study published by two Boston University researchers named Porter and Jick altered how America viewed opioids. They declared in a one-paragraph letter to the editor in the _New England Journal of Medicine_ that [only four out of nearly 12,000 cases resulted in a narcotics addiction](http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM198001103020221). \r\n\r\nAlthough Porter and Jick’s study wasn’t peer reviewed or performed in a clinical setting, this one finding went on to be cited more than 900 times by medical and scientific journals. By 1996, when OxyContin was released on the market by Purdue Pharmaceuticals, our community at large was conditioned to believe opioids weren’t addictive, when in fact we now know the opposite to be true.\r\n\r\n### How Opioids Were Marketed to the Masses\r\n\r\nThe release of OxyContin into the market kicked off a massive marketing campaign to get America hooked. Not only was OxyContin more powerful than any other opioid to date, it was touted to give pain relief from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with only two daily doses necessary. The American people were marketed to on TV and in print and were told that:\r\n\r\n* the rate of addiction was less than 1%.\r\n* there were no serious medical side effects.\r\n* opioids don’t wear out; they keep on working.\r\n* they should be used far more for the treatment of chronic pain. \r\n\r\nFrom 1996 onwards, the mortality rate skyrocketed.\r\n\r\n### Can Cannabis Really Replace Opioids for Pain Relief?\r\n\r\nWe’ve been told for the past 20 years that opioids aren’t addictive—which they are—and that they’re the best option for treating chronic pain—and they’re not. The reality is, cannabis is far less addictive than opioids, and new research shows that it’s more effective in treating chronic pain. It also happens to be safer—marijuana has never killed anyone. It’s impossible to die by cannabis overdose.\r\n\r\nAlthough many people say that not enough research has been done to back the claim that cannabis is an effective alternative to other medications, there’s a mountain of evidence starting to surface. In the past year, The National Academy of Science stated, “[Adults with chronic pain are more likely to experience clinically significant levels of pain reduction when treated with cannabis or cannabinoids](https://www.nap.edu/read/24625/chapter/1#ii).”  \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently funded [two studies exploring the relationship between marijuana legalization and adverse outcomes associated with prescription opioids](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana/marijuana-safe-effective-medicine). NIDA found that “[a]ccess to medical marijuana dispensaries is associated with lower levels of opioid prescribing, lower self-report of non-medical prescription opioid use, lower treatment admissions for prescription opioid use disorders, and reduction in prescription opioid overdose deaths.” \r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS CAN BREAK THE CYCLE OF OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a14b5edeea891000897e26c/how-cannabis-can-break-the-cycle-of-opioid-abuse)\r\n\r\n### HelloMD-UC Berkeley Study: Patients Prefer Marijuana to Opioids\r\n\r\nIn 2017, HelloMD conducted a study in conjunction with UC Berkeley which looked at [cannabis as a substitute for opioid-based pain medication](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). Three thousand patients participated in the largest study of its kind done to date. The study was led by a trio of experts in their field: \r\n\r\n* Amanda Reiman PhD, MSW, of UC Berkeley and the Drug Policy Alliance \r\n* Perry Solomon, MD, chief medical officer of HelloMD\r\n* Mark A. Welty PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, LSW, of Kent State University\r\n\r\nAmong the study’s key findings were: \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\nIn states where [medical marijuana is legal and readily available, researchers have seen a 24.8% reduction in opioid-related overdoses](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1898878?__hstc=9292970.6d480b0896ec071bae4c3d40c40ec7d5.1407456000122.1407456000123.1407456000124.1&__hssc=9292970.1.1407456000125&__hsfp=1314462730). Yet, members of the medical community are still hesitant to refer patients\r\nto marijuana as a possible alternative to opiate use for chronic pain or many other medical conditions. \r\n\r\n### How to Disrupt the Opioid Epidemic With Medical Marijuana\r\n\r\nIn fact, PharmaCannis, a well-established medical cannabis provider in New York and Illinois, refers to\r\n“windows of opportunity” to get us out of the opioid epidemic. They describe three \r\nwindows of opportunity—before, during and after opioid dependency—where it’s possible to disrupt\r\nthe opioid epidemic with medical marijuana. \r\n\r\n**Before:** Prior to opioids being introduced, a patient can experiment with cannabis to see if it works\r\nfor their chronic pain.\r\n\r\n**During:** If a patient has been introduced to opioids, cannabis can be used as an opioid reduction\r\nstrategy. \r\n\r\n**After:** If a patient has become addicted to heroin or fentanyl, cannabis can be used as an adjunct\r\n anti-addiction therapy to replace treatments such as methadone.\r\n\r\n### Marijuana as “Exit Drug” From the Opioid Epidemic \r\n\r\nBased on recent findings, both through research and mounting anecdotal evidence, cannabis may be the exit drug to the opioid epidemic. Although mainstream America has yet to adopt cannabis en masse as the de facto replacement for opioids, there’s current momentum for a significant change in how we address the treatment of chronic pain—and cannabis as a solution. \r\n\r\nMy personal story of using cannabis in lieu of opioids, to both manage and prevent my chronic pain, was the birthplace of HelloMD. Since our founding, we’ve treated thousands of patients and have seen first-hand how effective cannabis can be in the treatment of chronic pain. \r\n\r\nCannabis has the potential to improve the overall quality of a chronic pain sufferer’s life. Studies and anecdotal evidence are starting to show that marijuana is more effective than opioids are—and it won’t kill 65,000 people a year. It’s time to take cannabis seriously as a medicine that can help millions of people.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/ee604/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png","srcSet":"/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/69585/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 200w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/497c6/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 400w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/ee604/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 800w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/f3583/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 1200w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/5707d/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 1600w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/df0ef/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.png 1885w","srcWebp":"/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/58556/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/61e93/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 200w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/1f5c5/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 400w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/58556/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 800w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/99238/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 1200w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/7c22d/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 1600w,\n/static/5302426e85b0be3f931c6efeb3b5bd10/b8a28/4edc5ecf392307f9ac2b06c5606ccc0c.webp 1885w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2531-markdown","title":"5 Easy Ways to Treat Your Sports Injury","slug":"5-easy-ways-to-treat-your-sports-injury","content":"Sports injuries are extremely common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, [2011–2014 saw an annual average of 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries in the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr099.pdf).\n\nSome of the most common sports injuries include:\n\n* ankle sprain\n* pulled groin\n* strained hamstring\n* shin splints\n* knee injuries\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAlmost all musculoskeletal injuries have to do with two things: stretching a ligament too far (sprain) or overstretching/overusing muscle fibers (strain). The pain associated with these issues is often caused or exacerbated by inflammation, the body’s natural response to injury that repairs damaged tissue. While inflammation is a good thing for injury in the long run, it often causes a lot of pain in the short term and is associated with swelling, redness, warmth, pain and tightness.  \n\nThe majority of the time, these injuries are painful enough to derail us for a couple of days but aren’t quite serious enough to seek professional medical help. If you’re suffering from joint or muscle pain, you may want to avoid the co-pay and possible prescription, and instead opt for an at-home treatment. We rounded up a few ways you can treat a sports injury to help you recover quickly and effectively.\n\nKeep in mind that serious sports-related injuries deserve proper medical attention; if you aren’t sure whether an injury is serious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and head to your doctor. \n\n### Follow the RICE Method\n\nYou may have learned about the RICE method in a high school PE class or back when you were on the track team. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to recap all of the important steps this acronym stands for. \n\n* **Rest.** Stop whatever it is that caused the injury and rest up for the first 24–48 hours. If you restrict as much activity as possible on the injured area, you reduce the risk of further injury. \n\n* **Ice.** It’s important to ice an injury immediately to curb initial inflammation. It’s recommended that you have a layer between the ice and your skin (like a hand towel), icing for 20 minutes at a time every one to two hours for a day or two. \n\n* **Compression.** By compressing the injured area, you’ll be able to reduce swelling. Use an ace bandage to wrap the area, making sure you leave it just loose enough to allow proper circulation. \n\n* **Elevation.** Elevating the injury is another way to reduce swelling. For best results, keep the area elevated above the heart, if possible. \n\n### Try a Cannabis Topical Cream \n\nTreating sports-related injuries really comes down to reducing inflammation and swelling. There are all sorts of prescription anti-inflammatory topicals, but [cannabis is an excellent, all-natural option that seems to be just as effective](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a3f31338323000062f0000/medical-marijuana-as-an-aid-against-inflammation). Marijuana is full of natural anti-inflammatory properties that help ease pain all throughout the body. \n\nYou can try:\n\n* a cannabis-infused mentholated salve for muscle relief\n* a marijuana-infused cream for all over aches.\n* a targeted cannabis pain patch for localized pain and mess-free application. \n\n### Take a Salt Bath\n\nEpsom salt is a tried and true remedy that people have sworn by for decades. Your great grandmother’s grandmother probably used this treatment, and it’s just as effective now as it was hundreds of years ago. When submerged in water, Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate, two minerals with anti-inflammatory properties.\n\nSoaking in an Epsom salt bath every two days can help ease aching joints and muscles. If you really want to take your treatment to the next level, try making your own [cannabis-infused Epsom salt bath bomb](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59cd5092a6dac230b182c30c/diy-recipe-marijuana-bath-bomb). \n\n### Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet\n\nThere are all sorts of diet tricks you can use to help increase your chance of a speedy recovery. First thing’s first: Keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re dealing with joint pain. The [cartilage between joints, which provides cushioning for the bones, is made up of 65–80% water](https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/87/1/77/338508), and water is essential in delivering all of the nutrients needed to repair cartilage.\n\nAs for the rest of your diet, you’ll want to solve for one (predictable) thing: reducing inflammation that accompanies any injury. Eat foods high in magnesium, like cashews, cacao, molasses, leafy greens, parsnips and whole grains. Lay off acidic items like coffee, alcohol, dairy and wheat. Double down on your protein intake so you get the necessary amount of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs), which restore damaged muscles. \n\n### Commit to Consistent Stretching\n\nYou probably won’t want to stretch immediately following the injury, but after a few days of rest, it’s good to get the injured areas moving to get rid of any stiffness. Take it slow your first few days back to avoid further injury. If you’re feeling up to it, go to an all-levels yoga class and let your instructor know you’re dealing with an injury; they can give you modified poses to help stretch what you need. \n\nAnd while we’re on the subject, here’s an interesting fact: [Many believe proper stretching before a workout can prevent injury, but the CDC hasn’t been able to find any such evidence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15076777).\n\nWhat’s the key to preventing injuries? An active warm-up that increases blood flow throughout the muscles. \n\nNow you know what to do the next time you twist an ankle or strain a muscle, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. \n\nPhoto Credit: [Martin Barak](https://unsplash.com/@fotobarak)\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/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/14b42/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/f836f/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 200w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/2244e/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 400w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/14b42/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 800w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/47498/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/0e329/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/15f9c/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.jpg 3611w","srcWebp":"/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/58556/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/61e93/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 200w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/1f5c5/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 400w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/58556/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 800w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/99238/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 1200w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/7c22d/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 1600w,\n/static/4a81a201b886a3a62d1d6fd2abec6193/328de/2bc9279da8feafa09643a589699a1de4.webp 3611w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2542-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana a Safer Alternative to Opioid Painkillers","slug":"medical-marijuana-a-safer-alternative-to-opioid-painkillers","content":"Opioid addiction and overdose are two of the biggest health crises facing America today. In 2016, there were just [over 64,000 drug overdose deaths and three-quarters of those were attributed to opioids](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioids-drug-overdose-killed-more-americans-last-year-than-the-vietnam-war/). To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, in 2015 nearly 34,500 people died as a result of auto accidents. At the height of the AIDS crisis, just over 50,500 individuals succumbed to the disease.   \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nAccording to the [Centers for Disease Control](https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html), those 2016 stats mean there’s been a quadrupling of opioid-related deaths since 1999. The opioid epidemic doesn’t discriminate either—[every American community is affected](https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/maps/rxrate-maps.html)—poor, rich, urban, rural and all races are represented in the data. \n\nDespite this alarming trend, opioids are still the most widely prescribed pain treatment by American doctors. So, what can be done to curb the increase in opioid drug deaths every year? \n\n### Medical Marijuana Linked With Fewer Opioid Hospitalizations\n\nA study by the University of California San Diego [looked at the relationship between opioid hospitalizations and medical cannabis](http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-87161730076-5/abstract). \n\nThe researchers analyzed hospitalization records from 1997–2014 in 27 states. Nine of those states started medical marijuana programs during these years—and the data showed a 23% decrease in opioid-related abuse and a 13% decrease in opioid overdose.\n\nThe study concluded, “Medical marijuana policies were significantly associated with reduced opioid pain reliever-related hospitalizations but had no associations with marijuana-related hospitalizations.” \n\nWhile this study doesn’t yet prove any causal links between medical cannabis and lower opioid rates, it’s a promising trend for states that pass medical cannabis laws.\n\n### Cannabis as an Alternative to Painkillers\n\nA landmark study conducted by the University of California Berkeley and HelloMD resulted in promising findings for the use of cannabis as a substitute for opioids. \n\nThe study surveyed 3,000 medical cannabis patients from HelloMD’s community. Of this group, 97% of patients said that they “strongly agreed/agreed” that they could reduce their reliance on opioids by treating their pain with medical cannabis instead.\n\nIn addition, 92% of patients said they “strongly agreed/agreed” that they would prefer medical cannabis to treat their medical conditions over opioids. And 81% of respondents said they “strongly agreed/agreed” that cannabis was more effective by itself than when used combined with opioids.\n\n### Using Cannabis as an Exit Drug\n\nUnfortunately, there’s a long history of viewing cannabis as a gateway drug that leads to the use of more dangerous and addictive alternatives. But the limited research out there suggests cannabis could be the exact opposite: an exit drug—an alternative to opioids for people who need pain relief but who don’t want to take opioids, as well as a way for people to decrease their current opioid use. \n\nAnd while some critics may say switching one “drug addiction” for another is not a solution, cannabis is magnitudes safer than alternatives (alcohol and tobacco included). The [United Nations couldn’t find a single instance of death by cannabis overdose anywhere](http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/06/28/united-nations-drug-office-cannabis-consumption/82564/) despite the wide use of the plant worldwide. \n\nDespite the terrifying reality of the opioid crisis, there’s hope. Cannabis shows promise as a safer alternative to the addictive medications so often prescribed and other dramatically more dangerous narcotics. \n\nPhoto credit: [Pina Messina](https://unsplash.com/photos/tOnloTwXXak)\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":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/14b42/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/f836f/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 200w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/2244e/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 400w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/14b42/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 800w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/47498/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/0e329/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/ec8be/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.jpg 3552w","srcWebp":"/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/58556/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/61e93/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 200w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/1f5c5/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 400w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/58556/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 800w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/99238/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 1200w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/7c22d/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 1600w,\n/static/84dfbf9f2a5e74f0f18fdfad77724101/db27e/dd1dfeab6ba879866c88c05e2de1883a.webp 3552w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"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_2534-markdown","title":"Cannabis a Viable Solution to Curbing the Opioid Epidemic","slug":"cannabis-a-viable-solution-to-curbing-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"The opioid epidemic has reached epic proportions—in 2016 it decreased overall life expectancy in the United States for the second year in a row. As doctors and patients seek alternatives to pain management, one plant comes up time and time again: marijuana. \r\n\r\nAccording to various surveys and studies conducted across the country, cannabis may be our best hope for combating the opioid crisis. Marijuana’s pain-fighting properties can help people reduce or even stop their opioid consumption altogether.   \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### Understanding Opioid Tolerance, Dependence & Addiction \r\n\r\nOpioids are a class of compounds that work on the body’s opioid receptors to produce sedative, pain-relieving effects. Our bodies make opioids like endorphins, but they also come in the form of legal prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and fentanyl—and in illegal forms like heroin. \r\n\r\nOpioids relieve pain by attaching to receptors on your brain cells. This initiates a process that rewards you with feelings of pleasure—ones you’d feel when engaging in basic, necessary life functions like eating and having sex. When opioids activate these reward processes—especially when you’re not in pain, they tend to encourage repeated use simply because they make you feel good. \r\n\r\nRepeated exposure to opioids alters your brain chemistry to the point where the brain functions normally when these narcotics are present, and abnormally when they aren’t. Once this happens, tolerance and dependence can occur. Tolerance requires the user to take more and more of a drug to get the desired effect. Dependence occurs when your body needs the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as muscle pains, sweating and tremors. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [THE RISE OF OPIOIDS—AND CANNABIS’S ROLE IN THEIR DOWNFALL](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a3c582c100a820006562f36/the-rise-of-opioids-and-cannabiss-role-in-their-downfall)\r\n\r\nContinued use of opioids due to tolerance or dependence can change brain function to the point where the user becomes addicted to the drug. Addiction is characterized first and foremost by cravings. These cravings lead the user to exhibit symptoms of addiction, which include: inability to control drug use and compulsive drug use—both of which can cause harm to the user and others. It’s important to note that there are many factors, such as environment and genetic makeup, that contribute to addiction.\r\n\r\nOpioid dependency and addiction are considered chronic medical disorders and both long- and short-term treatments are available. Long-term approaches attempt to reverse the abnormal brain functions that drive cravings and compulsions, whereas short-term therapies are aimed at detoxification and relief of withdrawal symptoms.\r\n\r\nBoth long- and short-term treatments can also include other approaches such as behavioral therapy. However, none of these approaches are effective at relieving long-term chronic pain, which is one of the reasons people are initially prescribed these addictive substances. \r\n\r\n### Opioid Abuse: The Numbers \r\n\r\nAccording to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., and opioid addiction is driving this epidemic: Of the 54,404 overdose deaths in 2015, 20,101 of those deaths were related to prescription pain relievers and 12,990 were related to heroin. \r\n\r\nFrom 1999–2008, overdose deaths, sales and enrollment into substance abuse disorder treatment—all related to prescription pain relievers—increased in parallel with each other. The overdose death rate quadrupled from 1999–2008; sales of prescription pain relievers from 1999–2010 also quadrupled; and admission in substance abuse disorder treatment programs increased six-fold from 1999–2009. \r\n\r\nWomen and those with pre-existing mental health problems are more likely to abuse opioids. According to a 2013 CDC report, [women are more likely to have chronic pain and be prescribed prescription painkillers than men are](https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/prescriptionpainkilleroverdoses/index.html). They’re also more likely to be given higher doses and stay on prescription medications for longer.\r\n\r\nDeaths from prescription painkillers have risen more sharply among women than they have in men: Since 1999, women have seen a 400% increase in mortality compared to a 256% increase in men. \r\n\r\nAccording to a 2004 study in _Drug and Alcohol Dependence_, [at least half of people with an opioid addiction already have a pre-existing mental health issue](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15099655). If we look at pre-existing mental conditions among heroin addicts, these numbers are even higher—some studies estimate as high as 93%. Findings such as these highlight the need for multidimensional treatment programs that aim to address the physical aspects of addiction as well as underlying issues in the user. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Can Help Reduce or Stop Opioid Use \r\n\r\nAnecdotal evidence supports marijuana’s ability to help people manage chronic pain. \r\nIn a 2016 study conducted by HelloMD and UC Berkeley, approximately 985 surveyed medical marijuana patients reported using opioid-based medication. Of those 985, [95% of respondents preferred using cannabis over opioids for pain relief](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). Moreover, 97% said they were able to decrease their opiate use when also using cannabis, and 81% believed that cannabis by itself is more effective at treating their condition than a combination of cannabis and opioids. \r\n\r\nThese conclusions on cannabis’s pain-fighting abilities have also been studied and replicated in the lab: A 2003 study in _Neuropharmacology_, found that in mice, [the pain-fighting effects of morphine and codeine were enhanced by oral administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)]( http://www.thblack.com/links/RSD/JPET2003_304_1010_SyngAfterOralAdmin.pdf). The opposite is also true—when opioids are added to a THC trial in mice, researchers saw a magnified pain-relieving effect. \r\n\r\nThese studies suggest that cannabis can be a useful tool in curbing or even halting opioid abuse, although the mechanism behind these findings still needs further study in humans. THC can stimulate the body’s own production of opioids.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, both the endocannabinoid and opioid receptor systems are linked: They share space in the brain and spinal cord, and their close proximity to each other allows for each receptor system to influence the other. \r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system is more widespread, but noticeably absent from the brainstem, where key functions like respiration are regulated. This absence explains why an overdose of opioids can be fatal, but an overdose of cannabis on its own does not lead to death. It also highlights cannabis’s potential as a safer option for pain management. \r\n\r\n### Suggestions for Reducing or Stopping Opioid Use With Cannabis\r\n\r\nAccording to Dr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, there’s no approved protocol for tapering people off of opioids. There are, however, general suggestions you can follow based on what has worked for other people. Dr. Solomon cites the work of [Dustin Sulak](https://www.medicaljane.com/directory/professional/dr-dustin-sulak/), an osteopath who uses cannabis in his practice. \r\n\r\nAccording to Sulak, people can start off with a tincture that has a ratio of one part CBD to one part THC (1:1):\r\n\r\n1.\tStart with a three-day priming period: Take the 1:1 tincture until some kind of effect is felt—it doesn’t have to be powerful. Sulak thinks this small dosage may stimulate the production of both endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors. \r\n2.\tAfter the initial three days, try to slowly increase your cannabis intake, while maintaining your opioid intake, for four to five days.\r\n3.\tNext, continue to slowly increase your cannabis intake, while decreasing your opioid intake. \r\n\r\nDr. Solomon also advises keeping a form of fast-acting, THC-heavy cannabis around—either to smoke or vape in case breakthrough pain occurs. He says that THC can help cut cravings and stop the impulse to take another opioid pill. Effects will be brief, but also immediate, he says.  \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Erich Ferdinand](https://www.flickr.com/photos/erix/) \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.  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