For several years, scientists have explored the interactions between opioids and cannabis at the pharmacological and clinical levels. However, the capability of cannabis to balance the addictive effects of a lot harder opioid-class drugs such as heroin or fentanyl is just beginning to be explored. Read this post to learn how proper use of medical marijuana can diminish your opioid addiction. Also, explore the top 10 best marijuana strains to defeat opioid dependence.
When discussing the best medical cannabis to lessen opioid use disorder, the best strain that can conquer the opioid addiction is the Strawberry Cough cannabis strain; visit the official website to buy pure seeds.
Some neuroscientists have studied the function of the brain’s cannabinoid system to understand different neurophysiological processes. Some conditions they studied are schizophrenia, tension, cognition, and memory, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms responsible for opioid dependence.
The ongoing research finds that specific elements in medical cannabis may have exceptionally profound effects on opioid use disorder. They reduce the addictive effects of opioid use and be beneficial for the treatment of chronic pain due to opioid use disorder.
What are Opioids?
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Opioids are a class of drugs that influence the brain and nervous system to alleviate pain and give a feeling of happiness. Opioids incorporate legally prescribed painkillers such as oxycodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and illegal drugs like heroin and opium. Opioid dependence, also known as opioid use disorder, is a constant, long-term disorder because of the heavy use of opioids.
Opioid use disorder has gotten a pestilence in the United States in recent decades and numerous other countries. As per one cross-sectional survey, opioid overdose deaths are among the leading public health concerns due to opioid use disorder.
Opioid use disorder has surfaced for the last few years, and sometimes we call it narcotics. There are a variety of drugs out there that hold powerful prescription pain relievers. Below are some of the opioids:
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Oxycodone
- Methadone
- Heroin (prohibited drug)
When doctors began prescribing opioid-related drugs to patients for chronic pain, individuals began to rely on opioid use that creates an opioid overdose crisis instead of medication use. Using opioids turned out to be a new normal as individuals couldn’t get fair treatment for opiate dependence.
Instead of using prescription opioids for pain management, they started using heroin and more vigorous substance use such as fentanyl as replacements, which became an opioid epidemic! Today, thousands of deaths in the United States are happening due to opioid overdose. Opioid addiction is certainly biasing public mental health in many ways that can be controlled via proper access to cannabis.
About 8-12% of people using prescription opioid drugs amplify opiate dependence. One research unveiled that more than 2 million Americans and 15 million people are afflicted globally by opioid use. People at risk of opiate dependence in Europe are nearly 1.3 million.
What is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid pills are both psychologically and physically addictive. Below is a list that falls within the classification of opiate drugs:
- Methadose
- Naloxone
- Codeine
- Onsolis
- Demerol
- Dolophine
- Norco
- Lortab
- Exalgo
- Vicodin
- Duragesic
- Fentora
- Kadian
- Lorcet
- Oxaydo
- Actiq
- Roxicet
A considerable lot of the medications usually prescribed to treat pain are opioid medications. While they’re highly effective at neutralizing pain sensations, they’re also highly addictive — and developing a reliance on these medications is very easy. Opioid use comes in numerous forms. Some individuals find themselves subordinate to prescription opioids in the aftermath of a mishap.
Others create it through illicit drug use and abuse. Regardless of the way, opiate dependence may feel like it’s taking over your life. Either the pain or nervousness you experience is terrible without the prescription, or you experience physical reactions if you go excessively long without taking more. In either situation, treatments and therapies offer assistance for opiate dependence.
Cannabis Use Eases Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Cannabis use for opiate withdrawal fits in many conditions for cannabis users. It can assist with practically all withdrawal signs of opiates. Furthermore, we take a gander at how cannabis uses treats opiate withdrawal. Please consult with your doctor if you need assistance stopping opioid usage before trying cannabis for self-medication.
Furthermore, patients should always follow medical marijuana laws before starting cannabis use treatment for opioid addiction. Moreover, cannabis users should understand that cannabis use is associated with harm reduction treatment to improve their quality of life without side effects. Thus, it’s essential to keep your marijuana use for opioid medications by keeping the right dosage.
Withdrawal from Opiates
While there is no handy solution for opiate withdrawal cure, medical cannabis is perhaps the safest alternative to ease chronic pain.
- Mental fogginess
- Muscle Aches
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Racing Heart and Hypertension
- Drowsiness
- Stomach Cramps
- Loose bowels
- Constipation
How Does Medical Cannabis Work for Opioid Use Disorder?
Since the mid-1960s, the complexity and effects of medical cannabis use have been gradually uncovered. Cannabis contains more than 100 distinct compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Besides, many other forms of cannabinoids and an assortment of unpredictable “terpene” compounds are available, which give different medical cannabis strains their distinct fragrance and flavors.
Furthermore, in terms of their practical effects on the brain, we have shown in research with rats that adolescent exposure to THC can prompt a long-term hyperactive state of the brain’s dopamine pathways. This result can be used to control opioid use disorder and prevent opioid overdose among patients.
Today, the pharmacology and psychotropic profiles of both THC and CBD are well-known to distinguish the effects of cannabis use. The systematic review suggests that cannabis can be useful to patients with chronic pain, neuropathic pain, make a reduction in opioid addiction, or other pain management treatment. Using cannabis as a prescription drug for opiate dependence, pain, or other medical conditions has become more common among patients in today’s health care.
If patients want to use marijuana for their opioid use treatment as prescription medications, the US health care system also provides MMC (Medical marijuana Card) to get access to using cannabis. The important thing for cannabis use is to follow the cannabis laws in your country.
Use Cannabis to Reduce Opioid Addiction
Whether there’s a specific strain or cannabinoid-terpenoid profile that is especially useful for opioid dependence, it isn’t easy to say. High amounts of THC may help in the initial stages of opioid withdrawal, slowly lowering THC’s measure as cravings subside. Beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and humulene may also help. Edibles, tinctures, and concentrates might be perfect for opioid withdrawal. These are critical to numerous psychiatric ailments like schizophrenia and are also somewhat accountable for the addictive use of opioids.
Apart from that, some pre-clinical research has revealed that exposure to THC at a young age might increase the inclination towards heroin’s addictive attributes in later life. Amazingly, CBD has the exact opposite effect on dopamine. For instance, we have shown that CBD can obstruct the brain’s dopamine system’s sensitization in response to drugs like amphetamine.
Top 10 Effective Weed Strains to Help You Quit Opioids
1 – Strawberry Cough from ILGM
Strawberry Cough is a unique Sativa strain that we love for its strawberry taste. It delivers clear thoughts, rendering positive state of mind. Its immediate effect will explode you into a cough as your throat might get dry after one or two puffs. Nevertheless, when that powerful effect fades, Strawberry Cough becomes refreshing.
It’s not a fast-acting medical cannabis strain, as it will smoothly fall on you without side effects. Strawberry Cough’s stimulating effect might make you do some work get things done. It’s a pretty ideal strain when you are depressed and need a little boost.
2 – Northern Lights from ILGM
Being one of the purest Indica strains, Northern Lights is very popular among recreational users. It’s highly suggested for nighttime use because of its sedative effects, helping you mend from a profound sleep while treating muscle spasms.
Because it’s so relaxing, Northern Lights is one of the most widely recognized strains for insomnia relief. Be aware that the high dosage might get you undesired headaches.
3 – Girl Scout Cookies from ILGM
Girl Scout Cookies is effective in relieving many disorder symptoms. It’s suitable marijuana for those looking for a predominant high. After a puff or two, you’ll feel good vibes all around, and your whole body will be stimulated after a while.
The ‘high’ that starts in your mind is best enjoyed at night time as you will fall into full relaxation after smoking a joint. Moreover, it can manage your opioid abuse, pain, stress, and depression.
4 – PURPLE KUSH from ILGM
Purple Kush cannabis is popular among users for many good reasons. The beautiful, white trichomes and sweet, sticky resin creates stunning smoke that can settle down your thirst to use opioid. It is also beneficial in reducing chronic pain, tension, nausea, and weak appetite.
Purple Kush Cannabis is an Indica hybrid. Moreover, you can find it in many seed banks. It is well-known for its purple leaves and dense flowers. Furthermore, the nugs have orange and white hair. Besides, it is potent, holding a high THC of around 17 percent.
5 – Maui Wowie from ILGM
It is a mainstream Sativa strain, adored by patients for its tropical flavors. The traits of this marijuana can help you with pain and stress management. Maui Wowie is outstanding among other Sativa for treating muscle spasms, especially if you have to manage it during the day and stay productive.
Medicating with Maui Wowie will render uplifting feelings of happiness and positive energy, making this strain highly suitable for depression. Maui Wowie is also effective at knocking stress and fatigue, making it useful for managing muscle spasms.
6 – Gorilla Glue from ILGM
Gorilla Glue marijuana is an excellent hybrid that provides users outstanding euphoria and total pain relief. The buds of Gorilla Glue are covered with thick and sticky resin, which resembles its name. The parents of Gorilla Glue are Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel.
These penetrating genes can effectively manage your addiction to opioids and help manage stress, migraines, nausea, and appetite loss. It has won several High Times Marijuana Cup awards. The marijuana has a 27 to 30 percent THC, making it reliable for chronic pain relief, persistent discomfort, and muscle cramps.
7 – Cherry Pie from ILGM
Cherry Pie seeds produce a sweet-smelling Indica-dominant plant that pleases your senses while easing the mind. With just one puff, your mouth will get watery from the fragrance of freshly baked cherry pie. Many pot lovers prefer Cherry Pie marijuana for its uplifting high. The euphoria can improve your mood and turn negativity into positivity. You can use it to reduce your addiction to opioids, stress, or pain.
The substantial body high relieves any anxiety you might have, as this pie could provide the classic rush. Whether you have a problem with a loss of appetite or nausea, this marijuana will help you create the desire to eat. With this cross hybrid strain, you can relax, have healthy snacks, and drift off into a beneficial nap.
8 – White Rhino from ILGM
White Rhino cannabis is similar to the popular marijuana strain, the White Widow. The origins of this strain are not fully known, but many people believe that a White Widow was hybridized with an unknown cannabis strain from the USA to develop this variety. White Rhino can be beneficial to treat your narcotic drug abuse and depression due to its powerful mind-lifting attributes. It supports adjusting mood strikes by inducing cheer and positive thoughts.
Patients can also get help from the sedating influence of the White Rhino, which will help them get healthy rest. This cannabis is also an appetite-inducer, beneficial for people with cancer whose cravings have been altered by methods like radiology and chemotherapy.
9 – Chemdawg from ILGM
If you have problems with opioid withdrawal symptoms or stress, this cannabis strain will help you overlook your worries. The medical advantages of this hybrid are innumerable with noticeable effects. Perhaps that is one purpose Chemdawg is popular in the medical marijuana community. It can provide a compelling body high with only a few adverse effects. As an Indica-dominant cannabis strain, Chemdawg does an outstanding job of soothing the body, making it perfect for overall stress and tension.
Moreover, it can also induce sleepiness and is usually used to make the mind for rest. Hunger is a side effect of this cannabis and a perfect one for anyone needing assistance with their appetite. Chemdawg marijuana also has lots of Sativa characteristics that provide a powerful euphoric head high. Moreover, it also helps in forgetting your pain quite naturally. Thus, it is one of the many reasons Chemdawg marijuana is a popular medical strain globally.
10 – Blue Dream from ILGM
The famous Blue Dream marijuana is well known for full-body relaxation. It induces positive vibes and happiness, making it comfortable for most occasions. Also, a gentle cerebral rush makes it perfect for an excellent Wake and Bake strain.
Besides, it’s a perfect strain to smoke when you need to do your work without interruptions of your thoughts as it can help spark wild ideas and imaginations. The strain will not make you lazy and still relaxes your body so that you can do your stuff with a gentle rush of energy.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the two significant elements in cannabis are THC and CBD, which can dramatically compose different effects within the brain, especially in brain circuits associated with pain and opioid addiction.
Prescription opioid use is limited, and narcotic drug use has constantly increased and created an overdose crisis. But, many people use marijuana to reduce pain due to those drugs. We need to enhance our understanding of exactly how THC and CBD can be useful for the treatment of opioids abuse. Patients might feel withdrawal symptoms after quitting opioids, but proper use of cannabis can manage that pain.
Suffice to state that there is a demand for advanced-phase clinical trials to examine if and how THCV, THC, CBD, or combinations of all might decrease symptoms and opioid addiction. Moreover, medical marijuana could nullify addiction-related complications in the brain throughout the vicious period of opioid use obsession, and withdrawal.
