Neuropathic pain is a peculiar type of pain resulting from nerve damage. It is a common symptom associated with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and a few other conditions. Unfortunately, it’s not very easy to treat. Yet there may be hope in medical cannabis.
Chronic pain is on the qualifying conditions lists of most states with legalized medical cannabis. It is certainly on Utah’s list, a highly conservative state in which Utahmarijuana.org reports more than 83,000 registered medical cannabis card holders. The folks at Utahmarijuana.org say that chronic pain is the most common condition for which state residents apply for their cards.
Studies Are Encouraging
America’s entire medical community is not ready to jump on the medical cannabis bandwagon. However, evidence showing that it does provide relief for neuropathic pain is growing. That is good for patients unable to find relief in any other way.
A 2018 study published by the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine shows that inhaled cannabis can relieve neuropathic pain as effectively as more traditional medications. The study suggested that patients treating with cannabis reported at least a 30% reduction in neuropathic pain.
Additional studies have suggested that medical cannabis is especially helpful for treating central neuropathic pain. This is a kind of pain experienced by multiple sclerosis patients. By comparison, diabetics with neuropathic pain usually only experience the pain in their limbs.
Not a Free-for-All
Despite a growing body of scientific evidence in support of medical cannabis as a neuropathic pain treatment, getting one’s hands on medical cannabis is not as straightforward as it sounds. The medical cannabis landscape across America is far from a free-for-all.
The first thing to note in this regard is that only 39 of the 50 states have given approval to medical cannabis consumption. They have been joined by the District of Columbia, but there are still 11 states in which medical cannabis remains prohibited.
In those states where it is allowed, it is also tightly controlled. Let us go back to Utah. All medical cannabis consumed in the state has to be purchased through one of 15 state-licensed pharmacies. To legally purchase from a pharmacy, a patient must possess a valid medical cannabis card issued by the state. But that’s not all.
An individual cannot get a card without first seeing a medical provider willing to recommend medical cannabis. That provider needs to verify that the patient suffers from one of the state’s qualifying conditions and that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment.
Neuropathic Pain Qualifies
Neuropathic pain qualifies in Utah by the mere fact that it is chronic by nature. The other thing patients have working in their favor is the inability of traditional treatments to provide adequate relief.
In the unlikely event that neuropathic pain is both temporary and anticipated in advance, treating with medical cannabis might still be a possibility. Utah law allows treating acute pain with medical cannabis under circumstances for which a doctor would otherwise prescribe opioid painkillers. Of course, this is just one example from one state. Other states have their own takes on treating neuropathic pain with medical cannabis.
Something to Think About
Do you experience neuropathic pain as a result of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or another condition? If so, it may be treatable with medical cannabis. Speak to your doctor about the possibilities. If you do decide to try cannabis, be sure to educate yourself as much as you can. There is a lot to know. Treating with medical cannabis is not as simple as taking a pill with water every four hours. It really does pay to know the details.
