Can Cannabis Be Used as a Natural Muscle Relaxer?

Tips on Choosing a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Weed, sometimes referred to as cannabis or marijuana, has several other health advantages in addition to its ability to relax muscles. It can also have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, for instance. Therefore, cannabis might be the best option if you need a treatment that can address multiple symptoms. However, it is always advisable to speak with an MMJ doctor before beginning to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes. 

The key distinctions between marijuana and prescription muscle relaxants are also important to understand. Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, even though they can both help reduce some degree of muscle tension and discomfort.

Using Cannabis as a Muscle Relaxant

Most people agree that muscle relaxants are a class of medications that can ease muscle tension, spasms, cramps, and spasticity. Additionally, some muscle relaxants can reduce stiffness and pain in the muscles.

Prescription muscle relaxants like orphenadrine were commonly used before the idea that cannabis might also be used as a muscle relaxant gained popularity. Since then, though, some research has demonstrated that the two main cannabis cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), also have the ability to relax muscles.

While CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and slows down the chemical signals that cause muscle spasms, THC relieves pain and lessens muscle spasticity. Because of this, users often experiment with different THC to CBD ratios until they discover the one that works best for them.

In terms of muscle relaxation, CBD seems to have more effects than THC; however, because of the entourage effect, it functions best when combined with THC. For the best effects, it might be best to try using THC and CBD in equal amounts or a little bit more CBD than THC.

You could experiment with the following THC to CBD ratios, for instance:

THC:CBD – 1:1

THC:CBD – 1:2

THC:CBD – 1:3

Regardless of how you consume cannabis, it is simple to achieve these muscle relaxant effects. Here are a few instances:

  • Vaporizers
  • Smoking
  • Edibles, such as baked goods, tea, or candy
  • Tinctures
  • Cannabis-containing topical medications or creams that are applied directly to the sore spot

Minor Cannabinoids for Muscle Relaxation

Other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, besides THC and CBD, are also thought to benefit muscles. For example, cannabigerol (CBG) reduces inflammation and muscle pain, and cannabinol (CBN) may help you sleep better when you have muscle pain.

Despite their enormous potential, CBN and CBG are found in nature in far smaller amounts than THC and CBD. If available, strains that have higher than normal levels of CBN and CBG might be an additional choice.

Terpenes and flavonoids, two more chemical components of cannabis, also have some effects. These substances enhance the taste, aroma, and color of cannabis while also having a number of medicinal benefits. For instance, flavonoids have antioxidant qualities, and terpenes can reduce spasticity because of their calming effects. Compounds of both kinds can also combat inflammation in the muscles.

Therefore, even though THC and CBD extracts from cannabis can offer appropriate relief, it might be worthwhile to take into account the full spectrum of effects from the entire plant. A variety of compounds can be found in dried cannabis, but some compounds may be absent from extracts like THC or CBD oils.

Muscle Relaxants vs. Cannabis: Which Is More Effective?

Prescription drugs known as muscle relaxants are used to treat issues with the skeletal muscles, including pain, stiffness, cramping, spasticity, tension, and spasms. They are typically used when pain arises because they are not meant for long-term use.

Orphenadrine, tizanidine, and metaxalone are a few examples of muscle relaxants. These drugs can cause sleepiness, exhaustion, low blood pressure, depression, and other negative side effects.

It is believed that cannabis is a “pharmacy in a plant.” Because of this, it can be categorized in a variety of ways based on its intended use.

THC and CBD, two of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, function by interacting with the body’s own endocannabinoid system. These substances can have a variety of effects on the body, including relaxing muscles, by interacting with this system. Although terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids also contribute to muscle relaxation, THC and CBD are the main ingredients.

Cannabis has certain negative side effects, just like any other drug or therapy. Cannabis may cause headaches, paranoia, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and other adverse effects.

In addition to its natural ability to relax muscles, cannabis may also offer the following advantages:

  • Increased appetite
  • Reduced vomiting and nausea
  • Relief from anxiety
  • Relief from stress
  • Sedative effects (to help with insomnia)

Is It Safe to Mix Muscle Relaxers and Cannabis?

Because the negative effects of cannabis and muscle relaxants are so similar, it is not advised to use either substance in combination.

For instance, they can occasionally lower blood pressure and cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. Consequently, these adverse effects could worsen or become more uncomfortable when cannabis is combined with muscle relaxants.

It would be best to talk to your doctor about any worries you may have about cannabis interacting with muscle relaxants or other medications. They may be able to provide alternatives or a different solution.

It is unlikely that you will need muscle relaxants for extra support if you are using cannabis to relax your muscles. Muscle relaxants or cannabis alone ought to be sufficient to accomplish the task. If not, there may be another underlying issue that requires further discussion with a physician.

Wrapping Up!

A class of medications known as muscle relaxants can ease muscle tension, spasms, cramps, and spasticity. Cannabis can have similar effects to muscle relaxants, even though it is not usually categorized as such. Cannabis also has a number of additional therapeutic effects that might be useful.

Apply for your St. Albans medical marijuana card right now if you want to use it to treat muscle cramps or chronic pain.

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