According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of June, a total of 29 states (plus DC) have authorized medical marijuana (NCSL). This means there is hope for millions of people who have been living with chronic pain for a long time.
Studies’ Results
Inhaling marijuana has been demonstrated in several studies to alleviate chronic nerve pain. One study found that patients who inhaled marijuana vapor three times daily experienced a small decrease in pain symptoms.
The results of this trial showed that the pain alleviation was only slightly better than the placebo group, and that some people even reported side effects such as dry eyes, numbness, and cough.
Medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms, including pills and oils. Doctors give the medication to people with cancer (to help with nausea), anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, migraines, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other conditions.
How it works?
How Stuff Works states that cannabinoids in marijuana work by binding to endocannabinoids, which are chemicals the body already generates. This triggers physiological responses that inhibit pain receptors (and creates a high feeling).
When patients consume Cannabis in capsule form, the medicine is metabolized by the liver before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Herb suggests that gum could facilitate the dissemination of the pain-relieving benefits without the attendant mind-altering adverse effects.
It’s possible that patients could use cannabis gum to provide smaller dosages of the drug. Herb thinks that this would allow people to experience less discomfort while still benefiting from the pain reduction.
How Effective is This?
Although this method of pharmaceutical administration is still novel, it already has the potential for a number of undesirable side effects.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2008 found a relationship between marijuana users and individuals with gum disease. According to WebMD, habitual marijuana smokers have a 60% increased risk of developing gum disease. It’s unclear how chewing it would affect gums and teeth.
Although the efficacy of cannabis gum for medical purposes is still up in the air, it is already available in some markets.