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Edible Cannabis for Chronic Low Back Pain

Topic: Patient Information

Chronic low back pain is a widespread issue that often leads to individuals exploring alternative treatments for relief. According to a recent study, cannabis edibles infused with THC and CBD, like soft chews, are emerging as potential pain relief tools with positive short-term and longer–term benefits.

Study Overview

In a study performed at the University of Colorado, 249 participants suffering from chronic low back pain consumed cannabis edibles that contained varying levels of THC and CBD. These edibles were classified into three categories: CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, and balanced (THC + CBD). Researchers tracked these participants over two weeks, monitoring their pain, mood, and subjective experiences during a self-administered cannabis session.

View the study here: Edible cannabis for chronic low back pain: associations with pain, mood, and intoxication

Key Findings

• Short-Term Pain Relief: A significant correlation was found between THC dosage and short-term pain relief.

• Tension Relief with CBD: While THC seemed to dominate in terms of pain relief, CBD primarily helped reduce tension.

• Longer-Term Effects: Over a two-week period of regular cannabis consumption, participants across all edible categories reported reductions in pain. However, those who used CBD-dominant edibles more frequently exhibited a trend toward greater pain reduction over the longer term.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential of cannabis edibles, particularly those with higher THC content, for short-term pain relief in people with chronic low back pain. While THC seems to be more effective in providing immediate pain relief, CBD may offer a more sustained benefit, especially when used consistently. These findings underscore the need for further research into the therapeutic potential of orally-administered THC and CBD, particularly their combined effects, for both short-term and extended relief from chronic pain.

For individuals considering cannabis edibles for back pain, it may be worth exploring products that balance both THC and CBD for a mix of immediate and longer-lasting relief. As with any treatment, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.

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Top Cannabis Products for Discretion
As a medical cannabis patient, one of your primary concerns might be finding ways to medicate discreetly. Whether you're managing pain, anxiety, or other conditions, it's important to have access to products and formats that are both effective and inconspicuous. At Starseed, we offer a variety of cannabis products designed for those who value privacy and convenience. Below, we highlight some of the best options for patients who want to medicate discreetly, without sacrificing quality. Softgels Why They're Discreet: Softgels are among the most discreet cannabis products on the market. They look like traditional supplements, making them perfect for taking in public settings without drawing attention. You can take them with water, and there's no odor or visible cannabis-related accessories involved. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Pre-dosed, ensuring consistent effects ·         Long-lasting relief ·         Easy to incorporate into daily routines, just like other medications View Softgels Cannabis Oil Why They're Discreet: Cannabis Oils are another excellent option for patients seeking discretion. Packaged in small dropper or spray bottles, they can be easily added to food or beverages or sprayed directly into the mouth. There’s no need for inhalation, and don’t produce any odor. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Long-lasting effects ·         Can be added to food or drinks for a virtually undetectable experience ·         Easy to control dosage by adjusting the number of drops/sprays View Cannabis Oil Soft Chews Why They're Discreet: Soft Chews provide a flavourful and discreet way to consume cannabis. These products resemble regular snacks and are odorless when packaged, making them ideal for carrying with you throughout the day. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Great for patients who prefer not to smoke or vape ·         Long-lasting effects ·         Easy to carry and consume without anyone noticing View Soft Chews Vapes Why They're Discreet: Vape carts and pens are portable and designed to be discreet. They produce little to no smoke, and the vapor dissipates quickly, leaving behind minimal odor. Many vape pens are slim and resemble regular e-cigarettes, so they don’t draw much attention in public. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Quick onset of effects, ideal for breakthrough symptoms like acute pain or anxiety ·         Portable and easy to carry in a pocket or bag ·         Controlled dosing with pre-filled cartridges or pods View Vapes Transdermal Patches Why They're Discreet: Transdermal patches provide a discreet, long-lasting method of delivery. Once applied to your skin, they release a consistent dose of cannabinoids over time, similar to nicotine or pain relief patches. No one will know you're using a cannabis product, as there’s no odor or visible consumption. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Steady, slow-release effects, ideal for systemic symptoms ·         Easy to use and apply without any special equipment ·         Can be worn under clothing without detection View Patches Topical Balms Why They're Discreet: Cannabis-infused topicals are applied directly to the skin and can be used to target localized pain, inflammation, or skin conditions. Since these products do not produce psychoactive effects and have no odor once applied, they are an excellent option for patients who need discretion. Benefits for Medical Patients: ·         Non-psychoactive, so you can apply throughout the day ·         Targeted relief for specific areas of pain or discomfort ·         Convenient for use at home, at work, or on the go View Topicals At Starseed, we understand that discretion is important for many of our medical cannabis patients. Whether you're in social settings or simply prefer to keep your medication routine private, these products provide effective relief without drawing attention. From capsules to tinctures, we offer a range of formats to suit your lifestyle and medical needs. If you're unsure about which product is best for you, our Client Care Team is here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right cannabis products for discreet and effective treatment.
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Navigating Minor Cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, THCv, and CBC
When most people think about cannabis, they often know about the two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD. But cannabis is a complex plant with many other cannabinoids, each with its own unique effects. THCv, CBC, CBG, and CBN are lesser known “minor cannabinoids” that are becoming more present in the medical and recreational markets. Navigating between them all might seem tricky at first, but we have a few tips for making it easy. What Are Cannabinoids? Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in cannabis plants. These compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which may impact things like mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many others that may offer different benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of these minor cannabinoids. CBN (Cannabinol) What is CBN? CBN is what THC turns into when it ages. 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Tips to Remember the Differences Here are some easy tips to keep these cannabinoids straight: • CBN: Think “N” for night—it’s known for improving sleep. • CBG: Think “G” for gut—it may help with digestion and overall wellness. • THCv: Think “V” for variant with a vitality boost—it may trim hunger and calm inflammation. • CBC: Think “C” for comfort—it may help with mood and inflammation. Understanding the potential benefits of these minor cannabinoids can help you make informed choices about which products might be right for you. We believe in giving you the tools to better understand your health and wellness options. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our team members for more information. This blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your Health Care Practitioner or contact us for more information. Sources: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833 McPartland, J. M., Duncan, M., Di Marzo, V., & Pertwee, R. G. (2015). Are cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin negative modulators of the endocannabinoid system? A systematic review. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(3), 737–753. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.12944 Morales, P., Hurst, D. P., & Reggio, P. H. (2017). Molecular targets of the phytocannabinoids: A complex picture. Schrot, R. J., & Hubbard, J. R. (2016). Cannabinoids: Medical implications. 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