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Does Weed Help With Inflammation? Relief & Benefits

This post is part of our Best Dispensaries Around the Bay Area series, sponsored by Project Cannabis.

The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health professional before making any changes to your treatment or if you have any concerns about your mental health. Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here.

If you’re among the 40% of Americans vexed by inflammation, you know it can be incredibly uncomfortable and put a real kibosh on your quality of life. The pain, aches, or even limited mobility can sometimes be overwhelmingly frustrating. What if there were a natural solution to help alleviate some of that discomfort? This brings us to the next question, does weed help with inflammation?  We’re here to help you determine answers to those inquiries by uncovering whether or not this natural remedy lives up to the hype.

Weed and Inflammation

So, does weed help with inflammation?  It’s still a debate in the medical world, but what researchers do know for sure is that cannabis is known to be an anti-inflammatory.  Further to this – many people claim that weed can provide relief from various types of inflammation, such as arthritis, chronic pain, and inflammatory bowel disease. But is there any truth to these claims?

Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in weed, specifically THC and CBD, can interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating inflammation. Then again, it’s not one or the other (THC or CBD) that hits the mark – it’s a combination of both and other elements of cannabis that all work together to deliver relief.

Ultimately, weed has shown promise as a potential aid in managing inflammation-related conditions. That said, still more research is needed before concrete conclusions can be determined about its overall effectiveness. Plus, more information is needed to assess the safety of long-term use. 

Is Smoking Weed The Only Way To Consume THC for Inflammation Treatment?

Can smoking weed help with inflammation? Smoking cannabis may be the most popular method of consumption, but there are various other ways to reap the benefits of marijuana for reducing inflammation – each with its own twist:

• Edibles: From cookies to candies THC and CBD-infused edibles might be a great alternative to smoking.
• Drinkables: Shots, sodas, water, coffee – these and other drinks that are weed-infused are now on the market as good alternatives.
• Creams and Oils:  Cannabis oils and creams can be rubbed on affected areas and might calm inflammation.
• Tinctures: These are liquid drops you can pop under your tongue for potential relief.
• Vaping: This method involves inhaling marijuana vapor, which can be far more gentle on the respiratory system than smoking a joint.

Is Sativa or Indica Better For Inflammation?

In our ongoing quest to figure out the connection between weed and inflammation, you should know that there are two different popular strains to consider: Sativa and indica. Both strains have their own unique properties that may affect individuals differently.

Sativa is regarded for its energizing effects, often providing a boost of creativity and focus.  Many people find sativas helpful for daytime use, as they can enhance productivity without causing drowsiness. In terms of inflammation, some users report that sativas help reduce pain and swelling by promoting relaxation in the muscles.

Then we have indica. These strains are typically associated with more sedative effects. They are often used by those seeking relief from chronic pain or insomnia. Indicas may be beneficial for inflammation due to their potential ability to relax the body and promote restful sleep, allowing for better recovery.

Best Strains For Inflammation

When asking if weed helps with inflammation in the body, most of your solutions boil down to finding the best strains for inflammation. This entails determining various levels of THC and CBD present in each strain. Here are a few ideas:

ACDC:  One popular strain that many individuals turn to for relief from inflammation is ACDC. It is a high-CBD strain with minimal psychoactive effects. This could make it ideal if you want therapeutic benefits without feeling intoxicated. 

Cannatonic:  For those who prefer a more balanced THC-to-CBD ratio, Cannatonic may be worth exploring. This strain offers both pain-relieving properties and relaxation without overwhelming sedation. 

Charlotte’s Web: This strain has gained popularity due to its high CBD content and low THC levels. It’s a mellow experience, and users proclaim Charlotte’s Web works well in helping manage inflammation.

How To Purchase Marijuana

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a weed-accepting culture such as California, you can go to a San Francisco cannabis dispensary or a reputable and licensed dispensary near you.  Other states (there are 24 in total) that have legalized marijuana will have dispensaries you can go to, or some even deliver.  You might also be able to make purchases online, depending on where you live.  If you reside in a state that has not yet decriminalized weed, you might qualify for a medical marijuana card.  

Key Takeaways On Weed And Inflammation

Does weed help with inflammation, for real?  Let’s take a look at these takeaway points so you can more clearly decide for yourself.

• It is a good potential anti-inflammatory: Research suggests that cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in alleviating symptoms associated with various inflammatory conditions.
• You don’t have to smoke it (if you don’t want to): There are other options available such as edibles, tinctures, and topicals. These alternative methods allow individuals to enjoy the benefits of THC and CBD without exposing their lungs to potential harm from smoke.
• Explore different strains for best outcomes: When using weed for inflammation, weigh your options between sativa or indica strains. Sativa tends to be more of a cerebral high with euphoric properties, which might make it ideal for daytime use when you want relief without feeling overly sedated. Alternatively, indica strains have a more relaxing effect on the body, which can be helpful for nighttime use or managing chronic pain.
• Purchase with confidence:  Make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Look for licensed dispensaries or online stores that prioritize quality control measures and provide detailed information about their products’ cannabinoid profile.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve put the question, does weed help with inflammation, to rest, and we’ve addressed your most pressing concerns. While further research is needed on the specific mechanisms behind how weed helps with inflammation in the body, it’s clear that many individuals find relief from using marijuana as part of their treatment plan.

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