Pain is of course a fact of life, as is the reasonable pursuit to end, or at least mitigate it. But, it's that ending of pain that can prove problematic. Last year Consumer Reports revealed that as many as 4 million plus U.S. citizens bought pharmaceutical interventions of some type in an attempt to deal with a pain. Unfortunately, most pharmaceutical interventions are not without side effects, some of them very serious. Moreover, although these types of interventions can help sufferers cope with symptoms, they can also mask other important symptoms. In general, pharmaceutical pain relievers block receptors that would allow the brain to acknowledge pain. They can also cause a mild euphoria. The most potent type of pharmaceutical pain killers, opioids are also highly addictive. Millions of people abuse prescription drugs and hundreds of thousands die due to overdose every year. There are other options. Alternative forms of holistic treatment have been around for thousands of years, long before many of today's modern interventions. Today, science is discovering that many of them have a right to be considered potent medicine in their own right. Two holistic alternatives to pharmaceutical pain relievers are turmeric and cayenne. Curmerin, the inflammation-fighting component of turmeric, has been proven to fight inflammation-caused pain as well as Ibuprofen. In the same way, the capsaicinoids, which are inherent in cayenne, also work to alleviate inflammation, thereby alleviating pain. Another holistic remedy, Epsom salts, also alleviates pain when users soak in it.

Key Takeaways:

• Although drugs can alleviate symptoms, they also have a tendency to mask other vital symptoms.
• During 2017, it's estimated by Consumer Reports that drug-seeking U.S. citizens filled a whopping 4.5 million prescriptions.
• Curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, inhibits pain due to inflammation in a way that makes it on par with the relief users would normally gain from Ibuprofen.

"Big Pharma seems to be working very hard at creating customers, rather than cures. When you take a drug, it often leads to more problems, and ultimately, more drugs."

Read more: https://www.thealternativedaily.com/powerful-type-salt-ancient-spice-end-chronic-pain/

An article in an online English newspaper argues that cannabis oil should be made readily available for patients. The writer states that cannabis and hemp plants have a substance, Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not get a person high, but can be used to treat pain. He states that CBD is legal and is used by as many as 25,000 people in the UK. The author argues that further development of this product as an alternative to opioids is hindered by the perception of cannabis as dangerous.

Key Takeaways:

• CBD oil is non-addictive and can treat chronic pain as well as insomnia
• More research could create data needed to promote cannabis as an alternative to opioids but the government is reluctant to fund this research
• Cannabis received some bad and false press in the 1930s and people are still affected by the outdated claims made about cannabis causing harm

"Cannabis is a plant that has been used effectively for thousands of years, causes no physical dependency, and has never been shown to cause a single fatality."

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/27/why-cannabis-oil-should-be-available-on-the-nhs-7105262/

CBD is an alternative to the THC seen in marijuana plants, coming with all of the pain relief but with none of the psychoactive properties. It has been shown that this can help with opioid withdrawal. The author is a 70+ woman who used it daily as a tincture in olive oil to combat her dependence on opioids. It allowed her to kick that habit and develop healthier habits through the use of CBD and her pain management techniques.

Key Takeaways:

• CBD is being debated for its medical uses in some settings too. It can be used to aid in the treatment of fibromyalgia over time.
• Even opioid withdrawal could be minimized if the patient opts to use CBD. That is drawing attention towards the utility of CBD for medical reasons.
• Doctors and other personnel are waiting to evaluate the true effects of CBD. Some research is hinting at its uses and may help get it approved.

"I hope the efficacy of CBD in aiding opiate withdrawal becomes more commonly known. It’s truly incredible."

Read more: https://www.projectcbd.org/science/patient-experience-surveys/cbd-fibromyalgia-and-opioid-withdrawal

It's easy for me to believe that the elderly would benefit from cannabis. Considering the plant is useful for pain management and arthritis pain. While i was in favor of the first point, I wasn't sure of what to think of point two. The usual stereotype for a cannabis user is dad bod at best.

I do wish there was more studies done on the benefits of cannabis over prescription pain relief for elderly. With America going through an opioid epidemic, you can see instant and prolonged benefit from this issue. Younger patients could be introduced to cannabis from a medical standpoint immediately, and not need opioids at age 11 for an appendix surgery.

Endocannabinoids are apparently good for bone strength. Which is great for the elderly.

Again, chronic pain is relieved by cannabis. Dementia can also be treated with cannabis. And can be prevented by smoking as an adult.

Enjoying life doesn't mean smoking cannabis, but smoking cannabis makes life enjoyable.

Key Takeaways:

• pot use is gradually on the rise for older adults. It is not just a kdi thing anymore
• there are numerous positive (though unsubstantiated)benefits to using marijuana
• not meant to be a substitute for medical treatment. One should always consult with their physician.

"Every day, Baby Boomers and seniors are discovering the many benefits of the natural herb, and they’re using it to combat the consequences of age"

Read more: http://www.dopemagazine.com/8-reasons-grandparents-use-cannabis/

There is some good evidence showing CBD's potential in addressing opioid abuse. Researchers from the University of Mississippi have found a lot more evidence that cannabidiol can be a very powerful tool in addressing the scourge of opioid medicine abuse as well as addiction. The study involved morphine and CPP testing. Tests were done on mice and results showed that there is a real potential for cannabidiol to be used in fighting the opioid crisis, which has been deadly.

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabidiol can be used in the rehabilitation of people addicted to opioids.
• Researchers aren't sure if combining CBD with these medications would interfere with their pain relieving properties.
• The study was published in the journal Thieme Planta Medica.

"University of Mississippi researchers have found more evidence that cannabidiol could be a powerful tool in addressing the scourge of opioid medicine abuse and addiction."

Read more: https://www.hempgazette.com/news/cannabidiol-solution-opioid-abuse-hg0394/

Instead of chilling you out, this Cannabis Terpene Cocktail is meant to act as a mood lifter. As terpenes are legal in all states (not just the ones that have legalized recreational cannabis use) this cocktail can be served anywhere. The mixologists who make this even claim that imbibing could have potential health benefits. It can help with inflammation and work as a muscle relaxer and sleep aid. The terpene derived from cannabis has many positive uses and the mixologists who use it are looking to incorporate it into society in a positive and intelligent way.

Key Takeaways:

• There are now cannabis flavored cocktails available called Cannabis Terpene cocktails
• They have been shown to have great health benefits although are not recommended for every day consumption
• The key benefit seems to be as an anti-inflammatory, which would cover many complaints, illnesses and diseases.

"Terpenes from cannabis have some of the strongest anti-inflammatory properties of any plant, according to proponents, and a good number of doctors are now studying their effects and benefits in replacing opioids."

Read more: http://www.vogue.com/article/cannabis-terpene-cocktails-health-benefits

Addiction to opioids is a huge problem,. It often starts with pain meds. Doctors prescribe opioids for pain and then the patient becomes addicted and needs more and more. This can ruin families and lives. Some believe marijuana can help because that can be used for pain instead. It does help some with pain already. Medicinal marijuana is already allowed in some places and people are swearing by it for pain and other issues. Others say marijuana can be addictive as well, though, so that would create its own problems.

Key Takeaways:

• Reducing medicinal marijuana programs would lead to increase in opioid issues
• Studies have shown marijuana use isn't a gateway drug like opioids
• Republican administration refuses to accept data that marijuana can lower pain

"The reality is that the literature right now suggests that if anyone is using an opioid — whether it be a prescription painkiller or something like heroin — a prescription painkiller is more likely [than marijuana] to lead to drug abuse, she says, because it’s more addictive and obviously can be more lethal."

Read more: http://wunc.org/post/marijuana-secret-weapon-against-opioid-epidemic

There is a lot of fear and doubt concerning medical marijuana. A lot of people think it is just bad and that is it. Many of them do not stop to consider the myriad of benefits it can provide to people. It is actually a very useful tool that nature has given to us. One of the benefits is that it can prevent you from taking opioids, which are addictive. There are many different useful compounds found in cannabis.

Key Takeaways:

• Medical marijuana may seem like a misnomer to some, but to those with ailments that lend themselves to its uses, it’s perfectly named
• Cannabinoid compounds may be the key that fits the lock in a myriad of diseases, including muscular dystrophy, diabetes, cancer and schizophrenia
• Right now, most of these products are only available to people with an MMJ card but, once the public is allowed to visit dispensaries, more will discover how useful they can be.

"CBD has been found to be helpful in treating autism, anxiety, depression, psychosis, insomnia, inflammation, pain and cancer, just to name a few."

Read more: http://vegasseven.com/2017/06/06/the-abcs-of-cbd/

Bad Rutten, a former MBA fighter opened up about how opiods used for dealing with pain can have adverse reactions and how his personal experience with CBD oil was much better and kept him off of the opiods. In 2006, Rutten admitted that he had a pain killer problem and found that CBD oil treated his pain in a non addictive way. Before trying CBD oil, he used Vicodin and was told that it would be bad for his liver. Next he tried oxycodin and it stopped working. Overall his experience with CBD was a positive one.

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabidiol is noted for having no psychoactive effects and for positively impacting individuals with seizure disorders.
• Bas Rutten is a former world champion, in the arena of mixed martial arts, as well as an advocate of Cannabidiol use.
• Rutten believes Cannabidiol can benefit fighters, who are apt to fall prey to opiate use, due to injuries.

"Rutten also highlighted the fact that in states where medical cannabis and CBD oil is legal and accessible, the rates of opioid abuse have dropped significantly."

Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-06-06-famous-mma-fighter-bas-rutten-reveals-how-cbd-oil-helps-professional-fighters-stay-off-addictive-opioids.html

Research is showing that instead of abstinence for drug users it may be better to instead introduce them to a milder drug to help reduce the impact addiction has in their life. They believe marijuana can help crack, and cocaine users curb their addictions. Although they aren't completely certain about the science behind this development the progress made has been significant. Both crack and cocaine users have had a significantly higher success rate of quitting those drugs with the help of marijuana.

Key Takeaways:

• Defines and explores a modern approach to opioid and crack cocaine/etc. addiction, using a step-down method to less harmful drugs to encourage the reduction of illicit drug use.
• Explanation of how introducing cannabidiol can bind to certain brain receptors affected by illicit drug use and how it may even reverse some of the damage.
• Explains the method as a less dangerous and more effective alternative to the current system of forced withdrawal/abstinence programs and change how we see abstinence as the only "win"

"Crack cocaine is said to be a low-end incarnation of a rich man’s drug."

Read more: http://fox6now.com/2017/05/17/no-known-lethal-dose-new-potential-for-marijuana-is-treating-drug-addiction/

Many kinds of cough medicine contain codeine in different amounts and many feel it's safe. It's in so many different things and doctors prescribe it regularly. This sets people's mind at ease. Apparently it should not, though, because codeine can be dangerous. This provides twenty reasons why it should be avoided. If you ever take this in your cough syrup or other medicines you should see this info. It may make you think twice before doing so again.

Key Takeaways:

• Codeine has multiple negative side effects. ranging from drowsiness to addiction.
• There are plenty of alternative pain relievers instead of codeine. Look for a non habit forming alternative.
• Codeine should never be given to children under 12 according to the FDA.

"As an opioid pain reliever, codeine is considered a narcotic. It’s used to treat mild to moderately severe pain and is used as a cough suppressant."

Read more: https://draxe.com/is-codeine-a-narcotic/

The medical cannabis argument is still raging. People swear by it but others say it doesn't help or that it actually causes addiction. This talks about some positive outcomes of using it. Patients using medical cannabis use fewer opioids which is a huge plus because they are highly addictive. They also use fewer antidepressants and they drink less. These are very good things because most medications and alcohol have a negative affect on our internal organs.

Key Takeaways:

• The current opiod epidemic can be assisted with the assistance of medical cannabis.
• An increasing number of doctors are supporting and approving of the use of medical marijuana.
• Medical marijuana healing properties does not come from THC but from its high cannabidiol content.

"A 2013 survey found a majority of physicians — 76 percent — approve of the use of medical marijuana for their patients."

Read more: http://www.healthnutnews.com/medical-cannabis-patients-use-less-opioids-antidepressants-alcohol-study-finds/

As legalization becomes more widespread in the United States, our understanding of the complexity of the effect of cannabinoid use is improving. A British pharmacology journal published a study in 2010 that examined sex related differences among marijuana users. For example, men tended to use more frequently, more heavily, and experience more often the binge food craving effect of weed. Women it seems may feel many of the physical effects more acutely then men. Genetics and hormones play a role in our health and behavior, and it appears they impact the effects of marijuana as well.

Key Takeaways:

• The recreational use of marijuana is becoming more accepted socially and legally.
• Marijuana may affect people differently depending on what their gender is.
• The medical benefits of marijuana are real and it may someday replace opioids for the treatment of chronic pain.

"Regardless of how you feel about its use as a recreational substance, evidence is strong that marijuana has significant medical benefits for a wide array of conditions."

Read more: http://www.thealternativedaily.com/how-marijuana-impacts-males-and-females/

Medically prescribed cannabis is being proven to be a good substitute for the standard opiods that are often prescribed to people in pain. Opiods are known to cause dependency whereas medical marijuana does not have that effect on it's users. Studies even find that there are a lot of opiod-related deaths, but this wouldn't be an issue if doctors were more likely to prescribe medical marijuana in these instances. The hope of many medical marijuana users is that it will be removed from the list of banned substances, so that the costs of medical marijuana will soon be covered by health insurance providers. With the new presidency, they hope this will soon be the case.

Key Takeaways:

• Acknowledgement of medical marijuana's effectiveness in treating certain ailments has found more and more support, even in courts.
• Medical marijuana is more effective and much safer than prescription opioids.
• As states start to decriminalize the use of medical marijuana the notion that health insurance should pay for medical marijuana has been raised.

"While recreational consumption remains against federal law, some hope the Trump administration will remove marijuana from the Schedule I list of banned substances."

Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-03-17-will-medical-marijuana-be-covered-by-insurance-companies.html

Medical cannabis is becoming more widely accepted across the world as studies continue to show the phenomenal results patients have obtained with its use. There is no question that medical marijuana has an array of positive benefits associated with its use that you should know. But, are there disadvantages of using medical marijuana? Nothing is perfect, so it is only expected that some disadvantages exist. Learn more about both the pros and the cons of medical cannabis without delay.

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabis-derived products have shown to help with pain and emotional distress.
• Medical cannabis is non-toxic and non-addictive. It offers relief without the side effects some prescription opioid drugs have.
• Medical cannabis offers a more targeted therapy option compared to the usual prescription drugs as doctors can choose the applicable combination and dosage.

"The use of medical cannabis is currently legal in 28 states, and proponents say the herb is changing lives by granting relief to people suffering from such problems as chronic cancer pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, anxiety and sleep disorders."

Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-03-15-medical-cannabis-the-healing-pros-and-cons.html

Every day, millions of people rush to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication. Most of us who live with the debilitating effects of chronic pain would do almost anything to find relief. While painkillers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) or the more addictive opioid drugs can help manage your pain, know that they can also cause severe damage to your body.

Key Takeaways:

• Give the body the right nutrients and it will start to heal itself.
• Besides giving your body the nutrients it needs, regular exercise should also be part of your daily routine to manage and eliminate pain.
• Curcumin, turmeric’s main active compound, is one of the best remedies to fight chronic inflammation and pain.

"The good news is, more and more people are seeking natural alternatives to ease their aches and pains. So before you rush off to the pharmacy, check out the natural remedies below to heal your body and fight pain naturally."

Reference:

//www.naturalnews.com/2017-02-13-fight-pain-naturally-with-these-powerful-natural-remedies.html

Marijuana may become legal in Canada as early as next year. With that in mind, researchers are trying to determine if the drug might have more implications than just for recreation. They have been reviewing all studies available on marijuana to see if there is a link between the use of cannabis and health. What they found is that the substance may be helpful in getting addicts off of alcohol and opioids. It may also reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. More research needs to be done, but the possibilities are promising.

Key Takeaways:

• Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a UBC study has found.
• This comprehensive review of research on medical cannabis use and mental health also found some evidence that cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety.
• However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis.

"Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication"

Reference:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161116102847.htm

A marijuana compound has shown some potential for treating opioid addiction. it might help people who suffer from addiction to heroine by getting rid of some of the symptoms that come from withdrawing. More research needs to be done in this area so people can start getting help. It is a very important thing.

Key Takeaways:

• A component of marijuana may help heroin users resist the urge to use the drug and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but more research should be done in this area, according to a new review of previous research.
• So far, research on these marijuana compounds, called cannabinoids, for treating opioid addiction has been scarce because of certain regulations that restrict their testing in humans, according to the review.
• This dearth of research in the field is particularly important considering the ongoing epidemic of opioid abuse in the United States, according to the review author.

"This dearth of research in the field is particularly important considering the ongoing epidemic of opioid abuse in the United States, according to the review author."

Reference:

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=//www.livescience.com/57738-marijuana-compound-may-treat-opioid-addiction.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjViYjkzZDJlODZhNjI0ZWE6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFcO1ZALwbr2omrwXLLL8TDxSNebg

With opioid dependence and overdose deaths reaching epidemic levels, athletes suffering from injuries need alternatives to widely prescribed painkillers. Research suggests that components of the cannabis plant, including THC, CBD, and terpenes can play a role in reducing pain and inflammation. Although it is not as powerful a painkiller as opioids, cannabis could be used to help wean athletes off of opioid medication, as well as manage long-term chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletes today are bigger, stronger, and faster than they were just a decade or so ago.
• Men and women are becoming more competitive thanks in part to technological advancements designed to improve workouts and recovery time.
• With these innovations, however, come drawbacks.

"One possible alternative to prescription painkillers may come from certain components of the cannabis plant. Recent studies have found that cannabis could possibly reduce inflammation, acting almost like Tylenol."

Reference:

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.leafly.com/news/health/can-cannabis-help-athletes-inflammation&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGmZmMDFkMTU2YWMzMmQ5OTU6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHAJ2F2qAtwCOfBQJ3oxDpQe1n_4g

Hear a lot about marijuana in the news? Not sure of its purpose? Well a new study aims to anwser that. A new study is about to begin that would compare weeds affect as a painkiller, in the place of something stronger like opiods. More will be known as study moves ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Physicians have commented for more than a century on the potential for cannabis to substitute for opioid drugs, and several recent studies seem to bolster this hypothesis.
• Researchers examining public-health records have found evidence that painkiller prescriptions, opioid abuse, and overdose deaths has declined in medical marijuana states.
• Because a plant that exists and reproduces in nature can’t be patented, cannabis offers few opportunities for patents (and thus profits), which makes it look like a loser to most companies.

"The current status of medical marijuana research is rife with irony."

Reference:

//www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/11/a-new-test-of-pots-potential-to-replace-painkillers/507200/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AtlanticFood+%28The+Atlantic+-+Health%29