Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people turn to cannabis for help. We know from ancient Chinese writings that cannabis was being used medicinally over 5,000 years ago to treat pain and other medical conditions.

Current medical studies confirm what our ancestors knew – that components of the cannabis plant show considerable promise in relieving various types of pain.

At Verdes Cannabis, we’re dedicated to helping you find the most suitable solution for your pain management needs. Our cannabis dispensary combines personalized service with a wide variety of high-quality, lab-tested cannabis products, ensuring your wellness journey is both safe and effective.

Let’s review the compounds in cannabis plants and what their benefits are for pain relief.

How Cannabis Works to Relieve Pain

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant contains active compounds called cannabinoids. While there are over 150 different cannabinoids in the plant, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most prevalent and most researched for pain relief.

THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid and can produce a euphoric ‘head high’ feeling depending on how much is taken. CBD, on the other hand, is not intoxicating.

THC and CBD can interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is one of our body’s most important receptor systems and helps regulate many critical functions, including pain control and inflammatory response.

THC interacts with receptors in the brain and the central nervous system, helping to reduce pain signaling and pain perception.

While both THC and CBD can have anti-inflammatory benefits, CBD has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory and is helpful in reducing pain due to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. CBD has also been shown to help reduce anxiety, which can be an added benefit when dealing with pain.

Combining THC and CBD together provides added benefits for pain relief, as the two cannabinoids enhance each other’s effectiveness.

Terpenes

Cannabis flower contains terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic oils found in the cannabis plant. They not only contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis strains but also provide their own set of health benefits and can enhance the pain relief that THC and CBD offer.

When looking for cannabis strains that help with pain relief, look for strains with the following terpenes:

Myrcene
B-Caryophyllene
Ocimene
Terpinolene
Farnesene
Bisabolol
Linalool
Pinene
Humulene

Types of Pain Cannabis May Help Alleviate

Cannabis can be an effective treatment for most types of pain:

Inflammatory pain conditions (e.g., arthritic pain, inflammatory bowel disorders)
Chronic non-cancer pain
Cancer pain
Spasms and spasticity
Neuropathy or nerve pain
Menstrual pain and endometriosis
Post-surgical pain
Headache

How to Use Cannabis for Pain Relief

It’s important to note that, unlike pharmaceuticals, the compounds present within cannabis interact with each other and our bodies to create a highly individualized and unique experience. As a result, there is no set standardized dosing for cannabis.

To optimize your experience with cannabis products and find the most effective dosage for your individual needs, there are some things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, go low and go slow. We suggest starting with a low amount and increasing it by small amounts at 3–5-day intervals. This will give your body time to adjust to the amount taken.

You can then increase your serving size and frequency of use to determine what amount gives you the best benefit. You can also keep a journal to help you narrow down the products and frequencies that work best for your needs.

Exploring Different Cannabis Products for Pain Relief

When it comes to pain relief, there are several cannabis products and consumption methods you can choose from. Inhalants, edibles, tinctures, and topicals can all work well to reduce and relieve pain. Each product will vary in onset times and how long their effects last. Understanding how individual products work can help you start to build a cannabis program that fits your lifestyle and brings you the most relief.

Let’s take a look at the onsets and durations of different cannabis products, as well as the recommended frequency to take them.

Inhalants

Inhalants encompass cannabis flower, vape cartridges, and concentrates. These can be helpful for immediate relief and breakthrough pain.

Below are the onset and duration times for inhalants:

Onset time – 0-15 minutes
Effects can last 1-4 hours
May be taken as needed every 1-2 hours

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid extracts made from the cannabis plant. They come in small bottles with droppers for accurate dosing. Tinctures are best used sublingually (under the tongue) but can also be added to food or drinks.

Keep in mind the onset and duration times for tinctures:

Onset time when used sublingually – 15-45 minutes
Effects can last 2-6 hours
May be taken as needed every 2-4 hours

Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drinks. They can be sweet or savory and come in many different options. Try edibles for longer-sustained pain relief. When ingested, the liver converts it to a longer-lasting and more psychoactive form of THC.

Consider the following onset and duration times for edibles:

Onset time – 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Effects can last 4-10 hours
May be taken as needed every 4-6 hours

Always wait at least 2-4 hours before consuming additional THC edibles.

Topicals

Topicals are infused lotions, salves, and other products that are used on the skin. They are non-psychoactive and offer localized pain relief to help with muscle aches and joint pain. For tension headaches, try rubbing on the temples and the back of the neck.

The onset and duration times for cannabis topicals are detailed below:

Onset time – 10-15 minutes
Effects can last 1-3 hours
May be massaged onto sore areas every 2-3 hours

Combining or ‘layering’ different products can help with immediate and extended pain relief. For example, you can use a tincture or an edible for extended pain relief and use an inhalant for more immediate relief for breakthrough pain.

If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep because of pain, you can use a THC-rich inhalant and edible. The inhalant will provide almost immediate relief to get you to sleep, and the edible will provide longer-lasting sleep.

Find Your Path to Pain Relief With Verdes’ Expert Guidance in New Mexico

At Verdes Cannabis, we have been helping people find relief from pain through our high-quality cannabis products for over 13 years. We take great care when it comes to the products we produce and carry, using only premium, all-natural ingredients and lab-tested cannabis oil.

Our highly-trained and knowledgeable staff can educate you on the many different cannabis products we offer and assist you in finding the products that work best for you. As a family-owned wellness company rooted in New Mexico, we pride ourselves on being a trusted source of information and provider of quality cannabis products crafted to enhance and enrich your life.

Shop our selection today to experience the difference our dedicated service and exceptional-quality products can make in your journey toward better health and wellness.

Kelly Butterman

As the Head of Education & Culture for Verdes Cannabis, a legacy cannabis company in New Mexico, Kelly is responsible for researching, creating, and delivering cannabis education to not only staff but also to clients and the community. She has extensively studied cannabis for the last 5 years, receiving several certificates from the Medical Cannabis Institute and Medical Marijuana 411. She continues her studies by attending medical cannabis conferences and monthly webinars with the top researchers and doctors in the field of medical cannabis. She enjoys being able to use her extensive knowledge and training in cannabis to educate and help others learn about this amazing plant.