Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the miraculous effects of cannabis, so its restrictions are being reduced to a great extent now.
There are recognized over 85 cannabinoids, and our nervous and digestive system have their own endocannabinoid receptors, which play an important role in our body, regulating appetite, movements, sleep, and emotions.
Terpenes are other components of cannabis, which offer potent pain-relieving properties. Both terpenes and cannabinoids have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and these phytochemicals are easily metabolized in the human body.
Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis enters the bloodstream, quickly attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the peripheral nerves, and blocks the pain signals before they reach the brain. Cannabinoids also relieve inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Another non-psychoactive cannabinoid, beta-caryophyllene, has a different molecular structure than most other cannabinoids, and it also relieves inflammation and inhibits neural pain reception.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that the use of medical cannabis can manage chronic pain. Patients who have used it reported a 64 percent reduction in their use of the traditional prescription pain medications, which in turn led to fewer side-effects.
The legalization of medical marijuana in the States decreased the number of overdose deaths by 25%, as 30% of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Opioids are highly addictive and pose a risk of overdosing, and this issue has become an epidemic in the United States.
Most experts agree that medical marijuana is much better than ibuprofen, and a study which involved 215 participants conducted at the Université de Montreal, showed that it led to improvements in terms of their pain, function, cognitive function and overall quality of life.
Fibromyalgia as a serious neurological disorder, characterized by intense musculoskeletal pain, mood swings, fatigue, and memory and sleep issues. In most cases, it is treated with antidepressants, prescription pain relievers, acetaminophen, and anti-seizure medication.
The National Pain Foundations conducted a study in 2014 which showed that marijuana helped 62% of fibromyalgia patients treat the pain and other symptoms.
Cannabinoids are usually absorbed by smoking or vaping cannabis, but they can also be injected and applied topically.
In November 2016, a company based in California, Cannabis Science, released their “pain patch” which can be used for transdermal delivery of medical cannabis. It is promoted as a way to soothe neuropathy pain and fibromyalgia, and when applied to the area, the skin quickly absorbs cannabis and enters the bloodstream.
The patch contains a high potency cannabinoid (CBD) extract, which slowly enters the bloodstream and penetrates the central nervous system.
The company says the patches promote healing to the injured area, and it is much more effective than other types of medication delivery like oral, topical, intravenous, and intramuscular.
This is due to the fact that provides a controlled release of the medication into the patient, usually through either a porous membrane covering a reservoir of medication or through body heat melting thin layers of medication embedded in the adhesive with high potency cannabinoid (CBD) extract that slowly enters into the bloodstream and penetrates the central nervous system.
Moreover, the CEO, Mr. Raymond C. Dabney adds that these two new pharmaceutical medicinal applications are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential uses of cannabis.
He claims that they are striving to increase our land capacity for growth and facilities to produce their own product, to supply their scientists with materials to make these formulations, and at the same time, they are researching more potential needs for Cannabis- related medical applications and developing the methods for their delivery. He says that they focus on developing pharmaceutical formulations and applications to supply the huge growing demand expected over the next few years.
The transdermal medical cannabis patches and transdermal pens can be found in Mary’s Medicinal in Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, Michigan, Washington, and Arizona.
