Education

DOES CANNABIS WORK FOR PAIN?

There are multiple randomized, controlled clinical trials that show cannabis as an effective treatment for pain, though the federal government has historically obstructed research into the effects of cannabis. Recent cannabis studies have shown promising results for patients suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and sleeping disorders, along with a host of other benefits.

Cannabis has more than 100 phytocannabinoids that work together, which contribute to a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” The complex relationship between phytocannabinoids that interact with the human body and affects homeostasis. The phenomenon known as homeostasis is the ongoing maintenance of the human body’s internal, physical, and chemical conditions, which contribute to the body’s biological balance and optimal functioning. Emerging science regarding the endocannabinoid system has resulted in groundbreaking insights into the science of cannabis, as well as human biology.

Cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system bind with the cannabinoids from your smoke, tincture, or edible. These cannabinoids can act as a pain inhibitor, blocking peripheral receptors from adding to the strength of the pain signal and decreasing the stress response from within our bodies. In other words, cannabis can help our bodies regulate their homeostasis, pain and stress responses.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR PAIN RELIEF JOURNEY

It is important to note that cannabis is an intoxicant and should be taken responsibly. Before you start using cannabis for pain, look into the possible effects and experiences regarding cannabis. Be sure to consume cannabis in a comfortable setting and with people you trust, especially if it is your first time.

Read as much as you can about the cultivars (often referred to as “strains”), and determine which type of cultivar would best deliver your intended effect. Different cultivars have different effects on the body and mind, and not everyone experiences them in the same way. The process of finding the right cultivar and delivery method for you can be a process of trial and error. You should always start with a low dose, and consider tracking how you feel after consuming. Also, ask a physician or an informed cannabis expert before mixing cannabis with any medication.

WAYS TO USE CANNABIS FOR PAIN RELIEF

There are several ways to take cannabis for pain. You will likely need to experiment to find the method of consumption that works the best for you.

Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, dabbed, consumed through edibles, tinctures, pills, or concentrates. Additionally, cannabis applied topically (on your skin) as a salve. Differing cannabis genetics make it possible for varied effects, such as a stimulant, depressant, or a myriad of experiences in-between. To help track which method of delivery, dosage, and cultivar works best for your symptoms, it can be helpful to record your experiences in a journal.

A personal journal of experiences lets you record the product type, consumption method, how long it lasted, your dosage, what activity you performed while feeling the effects, notable experiences, and other qualities that contribute to your cannabis experience. The journal is a great tool for honing in on the perfect strain and consumption method for you, through a process of trial and error.

WHAT ARE CBD AND THC DRINKS?

CBD and THC drinks are beverages infused with cannabis and are also known as “liquid edibles” or “drinkables.” Beverages infused with THC are psychoactive, which means they will make you feel high, while drinks infused with CBD are intended to help you relax without feeling intoxicated.

Unlike smoking or vaping, which both deliver cannabis effects almost immediately, edibles have to go through your digestive system to take effect. Unfortunately, there’s no way to pinpoint exactly how long it will take for that to occur. According to a study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2016 on the subject of cannabis edibles, “Weight, metabolism, gender, and eating habits also contribute to how soon and for how long someone will feel intoxicated following oral ingestion.” The study goes on to say that the effects could take between 30 and 90 minutes to occur, but last much longer than the effects of smoking or vaping, with a peak occurring two to four hours after ingestion.

Because edibles affect everyone differently, it’s best to approach with the rule of “start low, go slow.” This is especially important for THC-infused drinks, as drinking too much at once could make you feel sick. There’s a little more flexibility with CBD since feeling high is not a risk, but it’s still important to practice moderation.

TYPES OF CBD-INFUSED DRINKS

Unlike the THC-infused drinks, CBD-infused drinks have room to be more creative and use more ingredients. This is because CBD is sourced from hemp, which is a cannabis plant, but is very low in THC. So low that even if consumed in large quantities, it will not make you feel high. The very low-THC profile of the hemp plant is what has made it the perfect herbal infusion for waters, sodas, juices, tea, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages such as beer and spirits. In fact, hemp and beer go very well together because cannabis and hops are in the same plant family.

Although CBD will not get you high, it may make you feel tired or lethargic. As with any cannabis product, it’s recommended that you practice moderation, especially if you’re in the company of others or if you’re planning to drive.

TYPES OF THC-INFUSED DRINKS

From flavored waters, seltzers, coffee, tea, and soda, THC-infused drinks have something for every taste. THC beverages can be mood-specific (sativa, hybrid, or indica) or even taste and smell like your favorite cultivar.

The bottle or can should clearly show the amount of THC milligrams inside the full container. There may also be a label stating how many doses are in the container, which is important to know if you’re a beginner. The industry-recommended single dose of THC is technically 10mg. However, if you’re new to cannabis, 10mg of THC is a lot to consume at once. We recommend a first dose much lower than that — no more than 5mg to start, or even lower if you want to play it very safe (and we recommend always playing it safe).

THC content per dose What to expect Who it’s for
1–2.5mg Unlikely to have a psychoactive effect
Relief of mild pain, stress, or anxiety
Beginners /
Microdosers
2.5-10mg Moderate psychoactive effect between 5mg and 10mg Euphoria
Relief of moderate chronic pain  
Those with persistent moderate chronic pain
Restless sleepers
Social users
10mg–30mg Strong psychoactive effect, euphoria or overconsumption for inexperienced users

Relief of intense chronic pain
Could cause impairment or altered perception for inexperienced users
Experienced users
Medical users with intense to severe chronic pain
Users who have insomnia or trouble sustaining sleep
30mg+ Extreme psychoactive effect or overconsumption for inexperienced users
Impairment or altered perception
Very experienced users who may have developed a high tolerance to THC
Medical users with cancer or severe chronic pain
Users who have severe sleep disorders

You may have noticed that we did not mention THC-infused alcohol. Currently, there are laws restricting the development of alcoholic beverages that contain the psychoactive THC. This is because the mixture of alcohol and cannabis increases the intensity of both. Most, if not all, cannabis professionals will advise you not to combine the two, especially in high doses, as mixing them will often cause you to become anxious or vomit as a result of “spinning.”

THC + CBD: THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

The Entourage Effect is a theory that cannabinoids work best when working together, rather than in isolation. Studies have shown that, when used together, CBD mitigates the adverse effects of THC such as increased pulse rate, strong psychological reactions like anxiety, as well as helping to mitigate intoxication and sedation.

“30 mg Δ9-THC alone increased pulse rate, disturbed time tasks and induced strong psychological reactions in the subjects. 15–60 mg of CBD alone provoked no effects. On the other hand, CBD was efficient in blocking most of the effects of Δ9-THC when both drugs were given together. CBD also decreased the anxiety component of Δ9-THC effects, in such a way that the subjects reported more pleasurable effects.”

CBD has been found to increase the clinical efficacy of THC while reducing negative side effects, suggesting that products with blended ratios of both cannabinoids would likely prove more effective than either cannabinoid independent of the other. This mitigation also allows individuals to consume higher levels of cannabinoids that has provided evidence of the efficacy of other treatments involving cannabis.

The best way to find out which cannabinoid combinations work for your needs with the least side effects is to familiarize yourself with the effects and appropriate dosages. Titration, or the gradual adjustment of how much is being used, can be an excellent tool, especially as you experiment with different cannabinoid ratios such as 100% THC, 100% CBD, 20:1 CBD:THC and 1:1 CBD:THC.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis. It does not appear to alter consciousness or trigger a “high.” A recent surge in scientific publications has found preclinical and clinical evidence documenting value for CBD in some neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety, Sleep disorder and schizophrenia. Evidence points toward a calming effect for CBD in the central nervous system.

Perm J. 2019; 23: 18-041.
Published online 2019 Jan 7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041
PMCID: PMC6326553

Good Nutrition and Immune Support

Logo for healthy energy by Cura USAThere are several lifestyle practices which help support a healthy immune system including: getting adequate sleep, practicing good hygiene, managing stress, getting regular exercise and following a healthy diet for Healthy Energy.

Eating a well-balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods provides essential vitamins and minerals you need to support immune health.

Cura balanced nutritional drinks provide supplemental nutrition and contain key nutrients for immune support, including:

Vitamin C: an antioxidant that supports the function of immune cells and tissues like the skin, which provides protection by acting as a physical barrier.

Vitamin D: a common shortfall nutrient that helps regulate the function and activity of immune cells.

Zinc: an important mineral required for the creation, development and function of individual immune cells.

Iron: a key mineral important for growth and development of immune cells, including white blood cells, which act as the frontline defense of the immune system.

Selenium: a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in activating immune cells and protecting the body’s immune cells from damage.

Cura Great Taste Guarantee

Cura drinks have the nutrition your body needs, and a taste you’ll enjoy. In fact, we’re so sure you’ll love the flavor of Cura, we’re backing it up with the Cura Taste Guarantee. If for any reason you don’t love the taste, we’ll refund your purchase. So what are you waiting for? Taste a Cura drink today.

*FDA & LEGAL DISCLOSURE

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Most work-place drug screens and tests target delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and do not detect the presence of Cannabidiol* (CBD) or other legal natural hemp based constituents. Even though our products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight (Federal Legal Limit), studies have shown that ingesting Full Spectrum CBD can cause confirmed positive results when screening urine and blood specimens. Accordingly, if you are subject to any form of employment drug testing or screening, we recommend (as does the United States Armed Services) that you DO NOT take our products. Before taking our products, consult with your healthcare practitioner, drug screening testing company or employer. This website requires you to also be at least 21 years or older to purchase our products.

*Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring constituent of the industrial hemp plant. Enviro BioMedical Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). The company does sell and distribute hemp based products.

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