Some people have long lists of resolutions that they want to accomplish in the new year. For patients living with chronic pain and other healthcare conditions, that list may be short and simple: find new and effective ways to cope with symptoms.
Chronic health problems are a burden. Imagine the difficulty that some people experience when they wake up every morning knowing they are going to have to go through all the activities of daily life with unpredictable symptoms. Some days, it may be manageable, and other days, those symptoms may be difficult and debilitating.
Suppose you have chronic symptoms and you have considered using medical cannabis. In that case, you may be wondering how it can help, particularly if you do not know someone who has successfully used cannabis to moderate their symptoms.
After helping so many patients apply for their Massachusetts medical card, we know how doctor-supervised cannabis can help improve their quality of life. It can also be a safer alternative with fewer side effects compared to long-term use of prescription medications for pain.
How Can Medical Cannabis Help You Manage Symptoms?
You may have heard about people with chronic pain getting symptom relief using medical cannabis. Chronic pain is the most common of the qualifying conditions that make a patient eligible to get a medical card.
However, severe pain is not the only symptom that cannabis can help moderate. Many patients are achieving temporary relief from nerve pain, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, muscle spasms, cancer pain, and other adverse effects using doctor-supervised medical cannabis.
Here are some of the most common medical reasons patients choose medical cannabis.
Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Recent estimates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that over 20% of U.S. adults (over 50 million people) are living with moderate to severe chronic pain.
Chronic pain occurs when the nervous system is persistently activated and can be caused by many different factors, such as injury, neurological problems, chronically high levels of inflammation, and more.
Conditions like fibromyalgia, nerve damage, arthritis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, and others can cause lifelong chronic pain. Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and conditions like insomnia can also exacerbate pain perception or the severity to which you feel pain symptoms.
Major cannabinoids THC and CBD (cannabidiol) engage the human endocannabinoid system, which can also influence pain perception or modulate pain symptoms. Cannabis does not cure pain permanently, but what it can do is help moderate pain levels so that they are more tolerable and manageable for patients.
What Type of Medical Cannabis Should You Look For?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation. Many sources of chronic pain are caused or made worse by high levels of inflammation in the body. Cannabidiol engages the CB2 cannabinoid receptors and can dampen neuron activities and inflammation response, which may help relieve pain.
Medical cannabis strains that have high CBD ratios are the best choice for patients living with chronic pain. Cannabis healthcare providers also suggest looking at both daytime-use and nighttime-use strains. Sativa hybrid strains with high CBD levels are a good choice to use during the day, while sedative Indica dominant strains can have an analgesic or pain-relieving effect and help prevent pain-related insomnia.
Some strains of cannabis that are commonly used to help moderate pain symptoms are:
- THC Bomb.
- CBD Ox.
- Ambulance.
- Black Cheese.
- Astronaut Ice Cream.
- Wolfberry.
- Blue Dream.
Budtenders at licensed medical dispensaries can suggest alternative strains that are used by patients to treat pain. However, medical marijuana use combined with pain medications can be dangerous. Talk to your provider to discuss drug conflicts before you begin taking cannabis.
Using Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
People who are living with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) may use medical cannabis to help with symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of M.S. include muscle spasms, chronic pain, and inflammation. Similarly, people diagnosed with epilepsy also experience the same symptoms.
Because cannabinoids in medical marijuana interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, the pain level can be moderated, according to patient reports. Cannabis does not cure the cause of pain, but it can provide some temporary relief by lowering pain sensitivity.
Strains of Cannabis That Help With Muscle Spasms
Minimizing the frequency and severity of muscle spasms can help reduce chronic pain associated with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. There are expansive clinical studies regarding cannabis as an effective aid for involuntary and persistent muscle spasms.
Some strains that may help with symptoms of M.S. and epilepsy include:
- OG Kush.
- Citrus Kush.
- SR-71.
- Strawberry Sorbet.
- Kosher Cream.
- Wish Mountain.
- Shiraz.
Epilepsy was one of the first unilaterally accepted qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. On June 25, 2018, the first FDA-approved cannabis prescription drug (Epidiolex) was prescribed for treating Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy.
Reducing Nausea and Vomiting With Medical Cannabis
Persistent nausea and vomiting can be caused by a vast number of health conditions. In some clinical trials, cannabis was found to reduce nausea. This can help restore appetite for people suffering from eating disorders, cachexia, or other conditions.
There are adverse effects caused by persistent nausea and vomiting. First, when the gastrointestinal tract is highly inflamed, it reduces the amount of nutrients that are absorbed through digestion. That means less nutrition your body needs for energy and wellness.
Chronic vomiting can cause damage to the digestive tract from acid exposure. This can also cause damage to the esophagus, increase the risk of developing ulcers, and more. It is important to seek medical help if you have chronic nausea.
What Intake Methods Work Best for Nausea and Vomiting?
Cannabis edibles, capsules, and tablets may not be a good choice for patients with persistent vomiting. However, if well tolerated, cannabis edibles can provide anti-nausea effects for up to seven hours. The best intake method may be through sublingual uptake of a cannabis tincture.
When pooled under the tongue, cannabis tinctures enter directly into the bloodstream, with first effects felt within 15-30 minutes after the dose is administered. Smokable cannabis (or vape) can also provide quick relief from symptoms of nausea 3-5 minutes after it is inhaled.
Some strains that are popular for patients managing chronic nausea and gastrointestinal upset include:
- Berry Chill.
- Bubble Runtz.
- Gelatti Cookies.
- Cosmic Kush.
- Love Boat.
- Testarossa.
- Jilly OG.
Patients can discuss appropriate cannabis potencies and strains with a MedWell Health and Wellness Centers provider. Some patients have successfully managed nausea and vomiting by taking a daily capsule or tablet with a low THC potency first thing in the morning.
Cannabis for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
In the United States, almost 30 million people were living with diabetes in 2022. This includes patients with a Type 1 or Type 2 diagnosis. Characterized as a struggle to maintain healthy blood glucose levels, people with diabetes can develop a painful condition called peripheral neuropathy.
Excessive levels of sugar (glucose) in the body do cumulative damage to the health of patients with diabetes. One of the most painful conditions is peripheral neuropathy. Nerve pain caused by diabetic nerve damage radiates in the feet, toes, hands, and fingers. Neuropathy can also impact the function of major organs, digestion, the immune system, and more.
The hand and foot pain can vary from numbness to sensations of ‘pins and needles’ to more severe symptoms of stabbing pain. Sometimes, neuropathy can also change the temperature of the area impacted, making skin hot or cold to the touch.
Prescription medications like NSAIDs have a higher risk of causing dangerous side effects for people diagnosed with diabetes, including kidney damage. Many patients reported that some strains of cannabis provided effective temporary relief for peripheral neuropathy.
Strains for Neuropathic Pain Relief
The majority of patients who have diabetic neuropathy indicate that the symptoms of pain and discomfort are more severe at night. If you are thinking of trying medical cannabis to see if it helps, consider an Indica dominant strain that may suppress pain sensitivity and provide sedation to help you sleep through the night.
Some patients choose the following strains for help with neuropathic pain:
- Acapulco Gold.
- Cannatonic.
- Charlotte’s Web.
- Purple Kush.
- White Widow.
- Headband.
- Sour Diesel.
Remember to talk to your cannabis healthcare provider at MedWell Health and Wellness Centers and share any pain medications you may currently be taking. Cannabis can be a sedative, and when combined with certain medications, it can lead to adverse effects.
Using Cannabis for Glaucoma
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have estimated that up to three million Americans are living with glaucoma. Worldwide, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness (caused by damaging elevated eye pressure) after cataracts.
Symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on age, the severity of the disorder, and the length of time the patient has been coping with the eye condition. Some patients experience nausea, moderate to severe eye pain, blurred vision, and frequent headaches.
Some clinical trials suggest that cannabinoids may help relieve intraocular pressure (IOP). Studies reported the same potential benefit regardless of intake method (inhalable or edible). Scientific evidence estimates that the benefits of reduced eye pressure may last as long as four hours after consumption.
Types of Medical Cannabis to Try
Many patients are trying medical cannabis to help reduce symptoms associated with glaucoma. Most medical dispensaries will carry at least two strains that are ideal for the condition.
The following strains are used by patients diagnosed with glaucoma:
- Chemical Sunset.
- Jamba Juice.
- Double Stuffed Sorbet.
- Cherry Cake.
- LAPD.
- Cookie Crunch.
- Island Chill.
Make sure to have an eye examination once per year. Early detection of glaucoma helps because there are effective treatments that can slow the progression and reduce vision damage. Glaucoma has a higher incidence rate among people aged forty years (40) or older.
Cannabis Can Help With Chronic Inflammation
There are some cannabinoids found in medical marijuana products that can naturally help you manage inflammation. Your body’s defense and response to injury or infection is to deploy an army of immune cells to repair the damage.
The problem is that it is only meant to be a short-term thing. Chronic inflammation is maintaining that defensive stance every hour of the day, but instead of helping, it can cause tissue damage. Signs of inflammation include impaired functioning of the area, swelling, hot skin temperature, swelling (edema), and pain.
Choose Strains With High Cannabidiol (CBD) Content
The two major cannabinoids provided by the cannabis plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But when it comes to helping with inflammation, cannabidiol is the top contender. There is ample research and scientific evidence that CBD can provide many health benefits.
If you are heading to the dispensary and looking for a strain that can help with inflammation, look for:
- Honey Rock.
- Super Chronic.
- Cornerstone.
- Lemon Poppers.
- Pan Jam.
- Space Race.
- Sweet Pebbles.
Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find strains that have high CBD content. However, if you visit a local medical cannabis dispensary, that is usually where you will find them. Because CBD has so many potential wellness benefits, strains with higher CBD ratios (and minor cannabinoids like CBG or CBN) are often available in medical dispensaries.
If you are struggling to find strains with good CBD ratios, remember that taking a high-quality CBD supplement daily can also help address inflammation. Do a review of your current prescription medications to ensure no potential conflict with cannabidiol.
How Cannabis Can Help With Insomnia
Sleep is integral for good health. However, when you suffer from chronic pain or moderate to severe anxiety, getting to sleep can be very hard. Sometimes, those symptoms can also wake you up throughout the night, disrupting healthy sleep patterns.
Your body and brain move through several stages of sleep throughout the evening; most people average 4-6 sleep cycles per night. Three are non-rapid eye movement stages, and one (REM sleep) involves rapid eye movement (because you are dreaming).
Everything from your emotional well-being to immune system functioning can be impacted by sleep deprivation. If you are not regularly getting at least seven (7) hours of rest per night, cannabis may help reduce sleep disruptions. Potentially without the drowsiness the morning after, unlike over-the-counter or prescription sleep medications.
Popular Cannabis Strains Used for Insomnia Relief
Some cannabis strains can give you a boost of energy, motivation, and creative thought, which is the last thing you want when you are trying to get to sleep. Thankfully, you may not have that problem if you stick to Indica dominant strains for nighttime use.
If you are looking for a strain that can help dull pain symptoms, anxiety, or other issues that disrupt your sleep, ask your local dispensary about the following cannabis strains:
- Jellie Cake.
- Wonka Mints.
- Hammerhead.
- Money Cake.
- Sitting Bull.
- Dubble Tropicana.
- Purple Lights.
Remember to prioritize your sleep. It is not a luxury but essential to your health. Find safe ways to improve your sleep quality so that you get the rest your body needs to stay healthy and happy.
Addressing Symptoms of Cancer Treatment
There are an average of five thousand (5,000) new cases of cancer diagnosed every day in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Right now, approximately 5.5% of the American population is living with a form of cancer.
The most common symptoms associated with cancer treatment are chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, anxiety, appetite loss, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and mild cognitive impairment. While the National Institute or the ACS does not recommend medical marijuana, some patients who have cancer are finding relief by using it during cancer treatment and recovery.
Recommended Strains for Patients With Cancer
When choosing medical cannabis strains for temporary relief of cancer symptoms, it is important to look at the top three symptoms you wish to address. For example, one patient may have chronic pain exclusively, while another patient may have no pain symptoms but severe nausea instead.
When you visit a medical cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts, ask about strains that can potentially help with a variety of symptoms. However, because insomnia is a common side-effect of cancer treatment, consider buying products for daytime use (Sativa) and nighttime relief (Indica).
Some strains that are often recommended for patients living with cancer include:
- American Beauty.
- Chef Kush.
- Easy Rider.
- Blue Zombie.
- Black Orchid.
- Sherbet Cookies.
- Forbidden Mintz.
Some clinical trials have suggested that cannabis may also help reduce cancer tumor growth. Other studies suggest that cannabis, used to treat stress and anxiety, may help reduce cortisol levels and further reduce some cancer risks.
Medical Cannabis for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system regularly attacks the joint in the body, leading to pain, joint damage, and inflammation. Cannabis contains THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids that can help reduce inflammation and moderate pain perception, temporarily lowering the severity of pain.
Some clinical trials suggest that cannabinoids may provide immunomodulatory effects. That means medical marijuana may help regulate the overactive immune response that causes R.A.
Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis may experience a variety of different symptoms, including:
- Joint pain.
- Swelling.
- Stiffness in the morning.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Joint deformities.
- Fever.
- Loss of range of motion for affected joints.
Some medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) can cause stomach upset and nausea. This includes prescription NSAIDs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Some strains of cannabis may help reduce nausea and stomach upset.
Strains That Can Help With Arthritic Pain Relief
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, finding ways to moderate inflammation, swelling, and pain is a high priority. Based on patient online reviews, the following strains may help with symptoms of R.A.
Ask your budtender about the following:
- Melonatta.
- Exotic Kush.
- Caramel Cough.
- Serendipity.
- Swiss Indica.
- Gorilla Goo.
- Superman O.G.
Remember, if you cannot find a specific strain local to you, talk to your medical cannabis dispensary. Sometimes, if demand is great enough, dispensaries will add a new strain to their products. Budtenders can also recommend available strains that closely match the cannabinoid and terpene profile you are looking for.
Using Cannabis for Eating Disorders and Wasting Syndrome
Eating problems are strongly linked with psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. Attitudes about food, body image, and weight can become life-threatening if not addressed with medical intervention and social support.
There are four different types of eating disorders:
1. Anorexia Nervosa
People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight and a psychologically distorted body image that causes them to severely restrict the food and beverages they consume. Patients with this eating disorder may also engage in excessive exercise to maintain thinness.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
Patients who have Bulimia Nervosa engage in a harmful cycle of binge eating and then purging the food they have eaten before it is digested. Individuals with bulimia do not appear as thin as patients with anorexia, but the repetitive vomiting can cause digestive and esophageal damage.
3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
People diagnosed with BED feel that they have no control over the urge to eat large quantities of food. We all are guilty of the occasional “eating to excess,” but binge eating disorder is a frequent behavior that is driven by stress and anxiety.
4. Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Strictly limited food preferences or avoiding specific foods because of texture, smell, or taste. This psychological disorder causes nutrient deficiency and weight loss. However, unlike anorexia nervosa, the motivation is not aesthetics or body image but rather a fear response to eating certain things and hypersensitivity to specific sensory signals.
5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
This is the diagnosis used for all other eating disorders that do not fall into the previous four categories. An OSFED is diagnosed for eating behaviors that may cause distress or bodily harm.
One of the tragic things about eating disorders is that patients may respond favorably to cognitive behavioral therapy and want to get well and gain weight. However, after suffering the effects of anorexia for years, cardiovascular and organ damage may occur, which makes it difficult for recovering patients to consume and digest food.
Types of Strains That Can Stimulate Appetite
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that over 10,000 people die every year from an eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with retraining healthy eating habits can help patients with eating disorders. Some people explore strains of cannabis that can help stimulate appetite.
The following cannabis strains can help suppress nausea and vomiting and stimulate appetite:
- Snowman.
- Blueberry Ghost O.G.
- White Super Skunk.
- Berner’s Cookies.
- Solar Flare.
- Pop Tarts.
- Chocolate Marshmallow.
The psychoactive effects of experiencing “the munchies” after consuming cannabis are well-known. However, not all strains have this effect. Talk to your local medical cannabis dispensary about appetite-stimulating strains.
Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety With Medical Marijuana
The ability of cannabis to create feelings of relaxation and euphoria is due to the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Depending on the strain you choose, you can experience a positive mood shift, reduce stress, and feel happy and comfortable in a short period after you consume medical marijuana.
Cannabidiol (CBD) can also provide anxiolytic effects. Like cannabis, CBD also engages with receptors in the brain that help regulate mood. Cannabidiol can be an effective daytime aid for stress and anxiety, as it does not cause impairment.
Common Strains Used to Help With Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety relief is one of the most common uses of medical cannabis. Medical marijuana dispensaries typically carry a large variety of strains that may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Some popular strains for anxiety relief include:
- Azul.
- Domino.
- Skywalker O.G.
- Sourdough Kush.
- Purple God.
- The Cure.
- Sweet Relief
When choosing a strain to help with symptoms of anxiety, try to avoid pure Sativa strains. While the mood lift of a 100% Sativa product may be appealing, some strains can actually induce feelings of heightened anxiety and paranoia. A Sativa-dominant strain with a 60:40 ratio of Indica can provide anxiety relief without the jitters.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Medical Cannabis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that has been studied as a lingering condition experienced by military veterans following active service. Today, we know that PTSD is more than “shell shock,” as it was referred to in the First World War. It is a deep psychological and emotional state that can impact anyone who has been through significant trauma.
People who have PTSD can experience severe anxiety, depression, and feelings of agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house). They can also distance themselves socially because of “flashbacks,” which are traumatic memories that can reemerge without warning and cause emotional upset that may be difficult to hide from others.
Recommended Strains for Treating Symptoms of Trauma
Patients diagnosed with PTSD can qualify for a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts. In fact, PTSD is a widely accepted qualifying health condition in all states that have a medical cannabis program.
Some of the strains recommended for patients with PTSD include:
- Bermuda Sour.
- Legendary Lemon.
- Pineapple Hash Plant.
- Patti Cake.
- Lemon Puff.
- Silver Cindy.
- Vanilla Runtz.
Patients with PTSD may prefer to try different strains to address symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and depression. As symptoms can vary, ask your local dispensary for suggestions on strains to help provide relief.
Cannabis for Symptoms of Depression
A clinical mental health condition, depression is characterized by low mood, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities normally enjoyed. People who have depression may withdraw from social interactions and struggle with normal activities of daily living, such as self-care, work, and relationships.
Some of the common symptoms of depression include:
- Insomnia (changes in sleep patterns).
- Changes in appetite (loss of appetite or increased hunger and binge eating).
- Chronic fatigue.
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
- Headaches.
- Gastrointestinal upset.
- Problems with focus and concentration.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Some strains of cannabis may provide mood-altering effects and can help stimulate energy. Sativa dominant strains can promote a feeling of relaxation and sociability. Both THC and CBD can have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
Clinical studies suggest that CBD may support neurogenesis or the formation of new neurons in specific brain regions (hippocampus), which may have a transformative impact on mood for people who have depression.
Strains of Medical Cannabis Recommended for Depression Symptoms
Many patients who have treatment-resistant depression try doctor-supervised cannabis to help moderate symptoms of fatigue, antisocial behaviors, and feelings of social withdrawal. Some people living with depression may also experience insomnia, loss of appetite, and other symptoms that may be helped by microdosing medical cannabis.
Some of the most popular strains used by patients diagnosed with depression include:
- Purple Pound Cake.
- Pineapple Express.
- Friyay.
- Super Sweet.
- Tangie Burn O.G.
- Strawberry Sorbet.
- Black Triangle.
Certain strains of cannabis can act as depressants, so it is important to research the medical cannabis products you intend to use for symptoms of depression. There is also a risk of contraindication (conflict) between cannabis and many types of depression medications. Consult with your cannabis healthcare provider if you are currently taking prescription medications for depression.
Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?
If you have tried other treatments and not found the relief you need from debilitating symptoms, medical cannabis may help. The first step is to ensure that you have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying health conditions in Massachusetts.
Once you have your formal or updated diagnosis, schedule an appointment with one of our caring cannabis healthcare providers at MedWell Health and Wellness Centers. Get expert advice on integrating medical cannabis into your current treatment plan and suggestions for strains that might suit your wellness needs.
Make this the year that you prioritize symptom management and relief. Explore whether medical cannabis can help.
Dr. Jack Rothman has been practicing medicine for 40+ years. He has been involved with an endless list of Boards, Executive Committees, and Task Forces, serving as Director, Society Member, President, Vice President, and Chairman. All to better the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Gynecological surgery, volunteering with free clinics and the Red Cross, he has seen the need for different patient options to help with symptom relief of multiple conditions. His interest in medical cannabis started decades ago with the historical study of ancient medicine.
Getting involved with the medical cannabis industry was the perfect opportunity for him to transition from traditional medicine into the ever-expanding industry of medical cannabis.
