Perhaps you have noticed a pain or discomfort that you would like to address, but visiting your doctor is not in your plans. In this case, you might find yourself self-medicating, which is the selection and use of medications to treat your self-recognized or self-diagnosed symptoms. Upon its legalization, cannabis has become an increasingly popular treatment option for those trying to self-medicate for various ailments. Before you begin self-medicating with weed, it is important to explore the symptoms it may treat and learn how to use it responsibly.
THC as Pain Medicine? Different Ways to Self-Medicate with Weed
There are two primary active chemicals, known as cannabinoids, found in weed. These cannabinoids work with systems in your body to turn nerve signals on and off. Although some of the cannabinoids, like THC, are psychoactive and can give you the feeling of being high, others can be used to address things like physical pain or discomfort without providing a high.
One of the primary ways to self-medicate with weed is to use it to address physical discomfort or chronic pain. In this case, different cannabinoids activate receptors in the brain to help regulate pain, while others help control inflammation and the immune system’s response to your ailment.
Cannabis has also shown some promise in addressing mental health issues, like anxiety and PTSD, as well as sleep issues. The active cannabinoid THC has been linked with feelings of euphoria and relaxation that may help promote sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress.
How to Responsibly Self-Medicate with Marijuana
As with other means of self-medication, it is important to use cannabis responsibly. First and foremost, you should ensure that marijuana is legal in your state. For some, it might be medically legal, which would require a consultation with a doctor to obtain a card for purchasing and using weed for a medicinal purpose. If it is recreationally legal in your state, you may still consider speaking with a doctor or a professional to ensure that marijuana would be an effective and safe option for your circumstance.
An often overlooked aspect of self-medicating with marijuana is the fact that there are no set dosages. Instead, it is suggested that you start small and increase your dosage as needed, paying close attention to how your body reacts.
Lastly, you should pay close attention to how cannabis is working as a treatment option for your circumstance. If using weed for pain relief seems to worsen the pain or discomfort, or not have a noticeable effect, you should consider consulting with a physician to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and rule out anything serious that may require more intervention.
Explore Your Options
Cannabis, if legalized in your state, is an easily accessible alternative to more concentrated medicines that might come with more adverse side effects. Its properties serve as a potential remedy to both short and long-term ailments. However, it is important to self-medicate responsibly by speaking with your doctor or a professional to ensure that cannabis would be a good fit for you and to learn how to utilize it best.
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