We all experience aches and pain at some point in our lives. This is something that is difficult to avoid as our body is meant to feel when something is not right, and our pain receptors throughout our body are designed to send signals to our brain so we can do something about what’s causing it. It can be a little puncture, a pulled muscle, a cut on the skin, headaches brought about by too much stress, or any physical affliction, all of which can be a source of pain. And when we experience such discomfort, we seek solutions to heal our bodies and eliminate the unpleasant feeling brought by physical irregularity.

Each of us has varying reactions when it comes to dealing with pain. You may wonder why some people hurt easily while some don’t even react much when something is supposed to be painful for another. The reason behind this is that some individuals have high pain tolerance, while some feel worse even at a low pain threshold. It is suggested that pain sensitivity is inherited or has something to do with genetic factors. 

There are two main types of pain – acute and chronic. Acute pain is the most common type we all have experienced at some point. It can be mild, short-lived, or severe, but it does not last for weeks or more than six months. When the source or injury has been treated, the pain also goes away.

While some pains can be easily managed and disappear after a short period, chronic or persistent pain is the opposite. It is a long-standing, complex condition that can last for more than six months or longer even when the underlying cause has been treated. This often relates to chronic health conditions as the pain stays on. It can be on and off or continuous, even when the patient is undergoing treatment or taking medication.

This is when cannabis comes to help. Indica strains have been clinically proven to provide immense relief from chronic pain. Indica is known to relax both body and mind while allowing users to maintain physical activity without difficulty after its effects wear off. Indica is particularly effective for those suffering from conditions such as muscle spasms, insomnia, headaches, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. Indica weed strains in Canada can reduce muscular tension and improve sleep quality, preventing further uncomfortable sensations.

Most Common Health Conditions That Cause Chronic Pain

Multiple sclerosis

This condition is referred to as an autoimmune disease with an unknown cause. It affects the body by impairing the immune system and causing it to attack and damage the myelin sheath made of proteins and fatty substance that protects the nerves surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

The symptoms of MS usually appear between the age of 20 to 40 and can be persistent or may come and go. Some of these include pain, muscle spasms, stiffness and weakness, numbness and tingling, fatigue, vision problems, depression and anxiety, and more.

When it comes to pain, MS patients can experience various kinds of discomfort relating to this condition. Because it damages the nerves, it can cause acute pain in the form of muscle spasms and can also manifest in back pain due to incorrect posture and difficulty in movement. Pain in the hips, legs, and arms can also manifest, especially when the patient is immobile. And patients can also experience chronic painful sensations on the skin.

Cancer

Even with medical advancements, cancer is one of the most complex diseases to treat. Although there are effective therapies, cancer, until today, still has no cure. This disease is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, which can start and spread anywhere in the body.

The symptoms of cancer vary depending on which body part is affected. However, general indications can be determined as early signs of this disease. This includes weight changes, fatigue, lumps under the skin, redness or sores that won’t heal, unexplainable muscle or joint pain, trouble breathing, changes in bowel, and many more.

All types of cancer can be pain-causing, depending on many factors. This includes the type of cancer, bone cancer being the most painful. The cancer stage is another factor, whether it has metastasized to other organs or parts of the body. The treatments the patient is receiving can also cause pain, like in the case of chemotherapy, where one can experience chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

While there are multitudes of other diseases that can cause chronic pain, it is crucial that you do not ignore it when your body is telling you something. Often, medical providers conduct comprehensive and accurate assessments because managing chronic pain can be diverse as this can last for a long time, and identifying its cause can be complicated.

Can Cannabis Help Relieve Pain?

Amidst the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK in 2018, recreational use is still illegal as it is still under the Class B of drug classifications. But with the medical provisions, those who are given prescriptions by specialist doctors are legally allowed to get cannabis-based medicine from dispensaries. With more and more countries legalizing’s cannabis, you may wonder what is with weed that draws many people to it. Can this plant really help with pain and other chronic illnesses?

Cannabis or marijuana is a famous plant worldwide with a long history of use. Initially cultivated for religious ceremonies and medicinal purposes in Asia in the early times, the evolution of cannabis has indeed come a long way. In fact, in today’s world, there are many ways on how patients can use medical cannabis. Besides the classic use of flowers, they are also available in the forms of spray, oils, and topicals. 

Cannabis effects on people are said to be a personalized experience. Depending on the individual’s physical state, the purpose it is used for and how it is used bear a factor on the effects. While some swear by the benefits of using cannabis to relieve their stress and anxiety and regulate sleep, there are those who are confident in its pain-relieving properties.

Aside from increasing anecdotal evidence, the growing scientific studies on how cannabis works in our bodies have been shedding light on its influence on pain relief. In relation to this, scientific research about the impact of medical cannabis on chronic pain suggests that it has the potential to be an alternative or adjunctive treatment for patients with chronic pain. 

The presence of organic compounds in cannabis is responsible for the benefits it gives the body. Cannabinoids are abundant in this plant and are suggested to interact with the endocannabinoid systems (ECS), which are responsible for some of the body’s processes, including pain control. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most abundant compounds aside from over 100 more cannabinoids, which, when present altogether in the body, can provide more beneficial effects.

Take Away

When we feel something is off in our body, especially when pain is present, we should not ignore it as it may result in more extensive health problems. You should also not accept pain as part of your daily life. If you want optimal wellness, it is best to seek help instead of waiting for things to get worse. At our present time, there are tons of solutions available to address pain, including alternative medicine like cannabis.

Clearly, the use of cannabis as a medical alternative to treat pain has a long way to go before it becomes fully available in the market for the general masses. However, with continuing research efforts, more and more evidence and justifications will come to light. For now, make sure that you consult a specialist about using medical cannabis instead of practicing self-treatment.

The majority of us are trying to live the healthiest and most satisfying life we can, and exercise certainly plays a role in achieving this goal. Exercise and sport can vary greatly, with some individuals preferring to lift heavy weights, while others will prefer a walk in the sunshine.

No matter your preference, or your ability, CBD can make a great addition to your routine. In this small guide, we will provide you with some CBD-infused sports food and drink options and outline the various ways that CBD could enhance your fitness goals. 

CBD Sports Food

So, what is CBD sports food? Put simply, here we’ll be discussing CBD-infused food and alternatives that may complement your exercise routine. Here are a few examples of what’s on offer.

CBD Protein

Protein is a vital aspect of most fitness routines. Protein can help to build muscle and aid in recovery. There are many different options out there for CBD protein, including vegan options like pea protein and hemp protein, meaning there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.

You can purchase some CBD protein in a ready-made bar. It will detail all of the exact ingredients and CBD concentration. This is easy and convenient, as you can grab it while you’re busy or on the go. You can also buy protein powder and make it yourself using water or milk. CBD protein is a great way of upping your protein intake. Still, in addition to this, many CBD protein products also include essential nutrients like fibers, minerals, and the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6.

CBD Gummies

While CBD gummies aren’t generally geared towards sports performance, they present a handy way of incorporating CBD into your fitness routine. There are a huge variety of CBD gummies flavors, such as lemon, strawberry, and mixed fruits. You can purchase them in a range of CBD concentrations, and they are extremely easy to consume. This makes them ideal for CBD newbies wanting to supplement the cannabinoid into their fitness routine.

CBD Sports Drink

Below are some options for CBD sports drinks to supplement your healthy lifestyle.

CBD Smoothie

CBD smoothies are a fantastic way to get essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables. They are also filling and can make for a healthy breakfast to start your day. While you can purchase CBD smoothies, you can also opt to make them yourself. This puts you in control of your CBD use. Simply choose the ingredients that you would like and blend them together. One essential component will be your chosen CBD oil – add a couple of drops to the smoothie, blend, and enjoy.

CBD-Infused Water

In case you prefer to keep things super simple, why not try CBD-infused water? You can purchase sparkling or still water for an extremely refreshing option following a sweaty workout session! Water is also vital for your body’s physical and mental well-being. For example, drinking enough water ensures that your cognitive abilities are maintained, it regulates your temperature, helps to flush out waste, aids weight loss, and provides vital energy.

CBD Coffee

Many people like to begin their day with a nice cup of coffee, so why not include CBD for an added boost? For people wanting to level up their fitness routine, consider simple black coffee infused with CBD. You can even add water-soluble CBD oil drops to your favorite coffee beans.

Additionally, black coffee comes with plenty of potential benefits. For example, it is rich in antioxidants and may have a hand in helping to reduce certain diseases. Furthermore, caffeine may enhance your fitness routine by increasing epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the blood, which helps prepare your body for exercise. Caffeine also has the potential to help aid in weight loss if this is one of your goals. This is because caffeine can stimulate the nervous system, allowing signals to go to the fat cells, encouraging them to break down body fat.

CBD Shot

No, we aren’t referring to an alcoholic shot! There is a range of CBD shot drinks on the market with different flavors and CBD strengths. They can be tailored to specific things, such as sleep, and may include other beneficial ingredients, such as ginger, lemon, or caffeine. They are also a quick and simple way of consuming your daily amount of CBD in one quick sitting.

Other Options

CBD Dips

Although not edible, CBD dips are included on the list as they’re one of the most unique and convenient ways to consume CBD orally. Also known as a cannabis chew, CBD dips are pouches containing a filler, CBD and sometimes other ingredients. They’re designed to be held between the inside of the lip and gums, where the ingredients dissolve and absorb into the bloodstream. They’re popular as a discreet, convenient, and satisfying way to get CBD into your system and can even be used on the gym floor.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is extremely versatile, so why not personalize your favorite sports food and drink with CBD oil? Ensure CBD oil is combined with fats for absorption when cooking or baking, and if you’re adding it to drinks, make sure you choose water-soluble CBD. That means it will dissolve into water-based drinks rather than float on top.

CBD Infused Honey

CBD-infused honey is an ideal way to incorporate CBD into your routine. Combine with oatmeal at breakfast to fuel your body, or mix with wholegrain mustard and olive oil to make a dressing for a salad. Alternatively, why not sweeten your tea or coffee with honey? The possibilities are endless!

Alongside CBD’s possible anti-anxiety properties, honey has its own range of benefits. It’s a powerful antioxidant and boasts antifungal and antibacterial properties. It may also help soothe a sore throat. You can consume CBD honey with food and drink, or if you prefer, you can simply have a teaspoonful of honey on its own.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are lots of different choices of oral CBD. They’re a fantastic way of consuming CBD, as it won’t feel like you’re disrupting or changing your regular routine. You can also use these CBD options while you’re on the go, which is perfect for people hitting the gym or going out for a run or hike. You can take your CBD food or drink with you, and it will provide you with a sense of relaxation and balance, so you feel ready to take on the day with a calmer mindset.

Edible CBD needs to move through the digestive system before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. And this might take a bit of time, depending on if you have just eaten, your height, weight, body fat percentage, and metabolism – sometimes up to two hours. If you’re looking for a fast-acting oral CBD solution, a Hemp dip pouch bypasses the digestive system and starts working almost immediately. The duration of CBD in the system can be long-lasting when compared to other methods, making them great for combining with your exercise routine.