Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s response to injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation may occur when the immune system gets out of control, causing chronic pain and severe illnesses that affect everyday life. If you suffer from this condition, you might wonder, “Can I use medical marijuana for inflammation?”
The short answer is yes—doctors in Mississippi have recommended medical cannabis to help with inflammation. This article will discuss the various root causes of this health problem and the anti-inflammatory effects of using marijuana for medical purposes.
Medical Marijuana for Inflammation
Reviewing medications and finding the one that works best for you can be overwhelming. Medical marijuana is typically not the go-to option, but recent studies confirm its efficacy in helping with inflammation. Cannabis plant products can help you live a happier, healthier life in many ways.
What Factors Contribute to Chronic Inflammation?
First of all, what are the root causes of chronic inflammation? Most people understand that an affected area will inflame after a bug bite or injury to prevent further damage. However, many factors can contribute to this natural process becoming a prolonged medical concern.
Inflammation is a good thing in itself. It’s the body’s way of combating sickness, healing major and minor injuries, and staving off infections that could make the situation worse. When inflammation occurs repeatedly and lasts a long time, it becomes a serious problem.
Chronic inflammation may result from any of the following:
- Lingering bacteria, fungi, or protozoa that your body’s immune system cannot eliminate
- Autoimmune diseases that cause your body to send false alarms and attack non-threatening cells
- Inhaling or exposing your skin to toxic chemicals and particulates
The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) allows certain patients to obtain medical marijuana for inflammation. Once you know how to get a medical marijuana card in Mississippi, you’ll be one step closer to receiving the help you need.
What Are THC and CBD?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It’s a cannabinoid that binds to certain receptors in the brain known as CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for regulating various physiological functions.
If you are even remotely familiar with medical cannabis, you’ve probably heard of CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, another prevalent ingredient in marijuana. Unlike THC, this cannabinoid is non-psychoactive—in other words, it cannot make you high.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have essential properties that assist in reducing inflammation in the body and helping with neuropathic pain. Some products contain THC and CBD, while others isolate only one of these natural substances.
How Does THC Help With Inflammation?
To understand how to use medical marijuana for inflammation, you must know a little about the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system consists of specific neurotransmitters produced in our bodies that impact the central nervous system, immune system, and other critical systems. It regulates daily functions like mood, pain sensitivity, appetite, and metabolism.
THC stimulates the endocannabinoid system by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout your brain and body. This, in turn, enables your body to feel pain accurately and regulates immune system responses. Marijuana products with THC keep your body from overreacting or misinterpreting information and causing excessive inflammation.
How Does CBD Help With Inflammation?
You can use medical marijuana for inflammation to find relief from chronic health conditions. Many patients choose THC products to reduce swelling, redness, heat, and other symptoms related to inflammatory responses. However, THC may come with undesirable side effects.
If you don’t want to risk impairment due to THC products, CBD-only products might be your best option. CBD works similarly to THC but doesn’t come with the potential of intoxication.
Trust LeafMed To Provide Your Medical Cannabis
LeafMed has approved dispensaries throughout Mississippi, giving eligible patients access to medical marijuana for inflammation. Our experienced staff can help you learn the health conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. Visit a LeafMed dispensary in Vicksburg, Gulfport, or Bay St. Louis today.