How Does Medical Marijuana Compare to Traditional Pain Medications?

how does medical marijuana compare to traditional pain medications

Many patients ask us, “How does medical marijuana compare to traditional pain medications?” As a natural alternative to treat a variety of medical problems, including pain, medical marijuana has been getting a lot of press here in Mississippi. Medical marijuana takes a different approach to pain management than conventional painkillers, and if you’re interested in exploring this option, it’s important to understand your options and their differences.

How Medical Marijuana Works In The Body

Cannabinoids and their derivatives, such as plant-based substances, are present in medical marijuana. They interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility. The endocannabinoid system exists in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.  Cannabinoids have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of pain and inflammatory illnesses. Traditional pain medications, on the other hand, are typically synthetic pharmaceuticals designed to essentially interrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Medical marijuana, on the other hand, has the potential to alleviate a wide range of illnesses beyond just pain. The endocannabinoid system exists in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.  Cannabinoids have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of pain and inflammatory illnesses.  Positive effects on sleep quality, emotional well-being, and stress levels have also been documented. The extra benefits mentioned above are not provided by conventional pain medicines. When combined with other drugs, medical marijuana can lessen the patient’s reliance on conventional painkillers and the associated risks.

The Benefits and Legalities of Medical Marijuana for Pain Management

One important aspect to consider when using medical marijuana as a pain medication is the dosage. This is why it is important to dose under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider and/or dispensary attendant.  Medical marijuana can now be purchased here in our state in various forms, including oils, tinctures, topical creams, vapors, suppositories, beverages, and edibles. The correct dosage for each is dependent on the patient’s medical condition and tolerance.

A major benefit of cannabis is that, although you may not feel great if you take too much, it will not cause your breathing to stop like opioids pain medication can. Cannabis also has a lower incidence of dependence and addiction than opioids.

Another difference between medical marijuana and traditional pain medications is the legality of the two options. Medical marijuana is legal in some states, like here in Mississippi, but illegal in others, whereas traditional pain medications are legal throughout the United States. This means that patients who live in states where medical marijuana is illegal may not have access to this natural alternative.  Traveling with your medical marijuana to a state where it is not yet legal is a crime, and may result in legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, medical marijuana and traditional pain medications each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Medical marijuana is a natural alternative that has been shown to be effective in treating pain and other symptoms, with fewer dangerous side effects. It is important to discuss the best option for your specific medical condition with a healthcare provider before using medical marijuana or traditional pain medications.