The best cannabis consumption methods for pain relief

Updated on August 21, 2023

Cannabis is a very versatile and very popular plant. People from all around the world consume cannabis for medical as well as recreational purposes and one of the most popular uses for cannabis is to relieve pain.

Thanks to innovation, there are now many ways that cannabis can be consumed and each method has its own set of pros and cons. Even traditional methods have been made more convenient, such as being able to buy pre-rolled joints, which can even be done online at stores like Canna Cabana.

Everyone has their own unique set of needs and demands which generally dictates how they will consume. Things like tolerance levels and the specific type of pain that an individual is struggling with are all contributing factors.

With such a variety of consumption methods available, it can be a challenge to decide which methods work best so this article will help answer common questions about which consumption method is most ideal for pain relief. 

Eating edibles

Edibles are one of the most popular marijuana consumption methods available and involve food, baked goods, and beverages that contain cannabis. If you plan to consume edibles during the day, you will need to clear your schedule for the day because these products are very potent and the effects are more intense than other consumption methods.

The high also lasts upward of 12 hours so you should dedicate that time solely to your experience with edibles. The reason why edibles are so popular and have such a glorious reputation is that they are easy to make at home and they are delicious. People also love the intensity and potency of edibles as well as the affordability. Medical cannabis can be consumed in edible form and when consumed, any pain in your body gets numbed. 

Vaporizing cannabis

Vaping is another very popular consumption method and involves the use of a handheld device called a vaporizer. Vaporizers produce vapor instead of smoke because there is no combustion involved and this makes it a much healthier consumption method that is more ideal for medical marijuana patients because there aren’t any side effects. A vaporizer has many components including a mouthpiece, a chamber, and a battery.

To consume with this device, fill the chamber with a small amount of finely crushed dry marijuana, turn the device on, select your desired temperature, inhale, exhale and repeat. You can decide which temperature you prefer and each temperature has different effects. Lower temperatures release more flavor while higher temperatures produce effects felt in your body including relief of pain. 

Taking a tincture or capsule form of marijuana 

Marijuana tinctures and capsules are widely used in the medical marijuana space. Tinctures are concentrates made from dissolving dry marijuana flowers in alcohol while capsules are dry marijuana in capsule cases. Tinctures are consumed sublingually by placing 3-4 drops underneath your tongue, letting it sit for 2 minutes, and then swallowing it.

Capsules, such as Super Speciosa Kratom Capsules, are consumed orally the same way you would consume any other capsule or pill. Both of these consumption methods are very potent and you will feel the effects within minutes. Marijuana affects the area of the brain where the pain is regulated. 

Topicals for localized pain relief

Topicals are lotions, oils, creams, balms, and sprays that contain cannabis and you apply it directly onto the problem area for relief. Topicals are popular among athletes who apply them to sore muscles and stiff joints for relief. If you suffer from inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, you can apply a marijuana topical product directly onto the target area to relieve inflammation and any pain you might be experiencing. 

Cannabis-infused bath salts 

Many people love to treat themselves to a nice hot bath as a way to destress and calm their mind and body. Hot baths are also a great way to relax sore muscles and tension that is built up in the body. Cannabis-infused bath salts are a great addition to this self-care practice. When you lay in that water, the cannabis-infused bathwater is absorbed through your pores and enters your bloodstream which instantly relaxes the body and alleviates pain. 

Suppositories

Suppositories are tablets that you insert into your body via your anus. There are now marijuana suppositories that you can use and when inserted, they provide more intense effects which include pain relief. 

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.