How it Works: Chronic Nerve Pain
THC:
5 mechanisms involved with pain reduction with CB1 and CB2 activation by THC
- Retards electrochemical reactions at peripheral pain receptors.
- Interrupts pain signal at dorsal root ganglion.
- Interrupts pain signal at neuron.
- Activation of CB2 at microglial cells provides major anti-inflammatory response.
- Psychoactive euphoric effects and short term memory reduction mitigate stress response to pain.
CBD:
Anti-inflammatory mechanism provides 30-50 times hydrocortisone relief without shutting down adrenal gland.
Courtesy Dr. Cristina Sanchez, Complutense University
EUPHORIA
SHORT TERM MEMORY REDUCTION
Mood control areas
Memory control areas
CB1
CB1
CB2
- REDUCED INFLAMMATION
CB1
Pain perception areas
Epithelial cells
CB1
- REDUCED
(kidneys, skin, lungs, etc.)
CB1
PAIN PERCEPTION
Joints
CB1
GI tract
CB1
CB1
CB2
Dorsal root ganglia
Courtesy Dr. Cristina Sanchez, Complutense University
Reduction in Pain Drugs Prescribed in Legal Cannabis States
Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Prescription Medication Use In Medicare Part D http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/35/7/1230
Which Cannabinoid to Choose?
How Much to Take?
THC ~ 15mg x 2 per day
CBD ~ 20mg x 1 per day
TOPICAL ~ 10mg x 3 per day