Medical marijuana vs. ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is one of the most popular over-the-counter pain medications for pain relief. Even you might have experienced inflammation-induced pain that was excruciating enough to require a painkiller. But in some health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and MS, the pain is so bad that the patients have to take painkillers daily. The daily use of painkillers comes with its own set of side effects. For example, stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, etc. are reasons why finding a safer alternative is important.
That’s where marijuana comes into play, as it is one of the best candidates as an alternative pain reliever. Marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to deal with the inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases.
How ibuprofen deals with inflammation
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These enzymes release prostaglandins, which cause the area to swell up and cause inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks these COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to help reduce inflammation.
How medical marijuana deals with inflammation
Medical marijuana has CBD and THC in it that interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system. But other than that, this marijuana also inhibits cytokine production. These cytokine molecules are the ones that stimulate our immune system. In simple terms, it orders our immune system to send help to the injured and affected areas. Thus, reducing the production of cytokines also helps to reduce inflammation.
Bottom line
Marijuana has the potential to replace over-the-counter painkillers. They might even inflict fewer side effects, but research in this area is still underway. Hence, having a professional tell you whether you should use it for your condition or not is necessary. You can get help from your Ohio MMJ doctor, or you can first discuss it with your regular doctor.
Based on the diagnosis, if you do need to use marijuana for your condition and your doctor also prescribes it, you can use the medical marijuana card. You can also order your medical cannabis card online.
Read also: Here’s What You Need To Know Before Buying CBD Products