You’ll agree that the cannabis plant is one herb with many sides. It contains over 113 cannabinoids. Of these cannabinoids, two widely used for medicinal purposes are THC and CBD. The THC cannabinoid is psychoactive, while the CBD cannabinoid is non-intoxicating.
Both of these cannabinoids are frequently used for pain management. If you are considering using high THCA flower or CBD to ease your pain, you might have questions: Which is more powerful? Which is a better fit for me?
Most of the time, people are confused about which to use. We understand the confusion and by the end of this article, you will have them cleared. So if you’re looking to try the cannabis plant as a natural relief for pain, keep reading.
THCA Flower For Pain Relief
THCA now? I thought it was THC.
Well, THCA is not THC. While their names and chemical composition are very similar, THCA has distinct properties from THC. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, THCA is not psychoactive. It is a raw and unheated form of THC found naturally in raw cannabis buds (hence the name, THCA flower). It only becomes THC after undergoing a decarboxylation process.
Although extensive research is still ongoing, it has been known for several potential health benefits. Some of those benefits are reduced inflammation. THCA flowers are potentially effective in reducing chronic pain. Long before now, THC-rich flowers had been used for pain relief.
Medical researchers have also recently confirmed the pain-relieving benefits. According to these researches, the cannabinoids in cannabis, including THCA, interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the human body, which are responsible for pain perception.
Studies also show that THCA without the psychoactive effects of THC can pain relief benefits. A 2017 research showed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of THCA in reducing chronic pain in rodent models. THCA flowers also can help relax muscles, reduce muscle tension, and ease pain. Patients with chronic pain need an appetite for food as it helps treatments work better. THCA flower can help stimulate appetite.
CBD For Pain Relief
It’s fair enough to say that CBD is the most popular and widely accepted component of the Cannabis plant mostly because CBD is non-intoxicating. This makes it more appealing to users who don’t want to get high.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and has a good number of health benefits. One of its popular health pain and anxiety relief. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), to regulate pain and inflammation. It’s important to know that there are several CBD products in the market. There’s the full-spectrum CBD and the isolate CBD. The Full-spectrum CBD contains THC and other minor cannabinoids. The isolate CBD contains just CBD.
Research has confirmed the effectiveness of CBD for pain management. A report studied the use of CBD for general chronic pain. The researchers compiled the results of multiple reviews on dozens of trials and studies. The research concluded substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for treating chronic pain in adults. It can also reduce inflammation, muscle pains, joint pain, and others.
Which is Better for Pain Management: THCA Flower or CBD
At this point, a huge similarity has been established between THCA flowers and CBD. This brings us to the million-dollar question: which is better?
Well, it’s not a straight answer. There are many factors to consider. After considering these factors, only you will be the best person to determine the best option for you.
Some factors to consider are availability, legality, efficacy, and effect per individual. For one, THCA flower is mostly available in states where cannabis is legal for regulatory reasons. So, your location and access to it is one factor.
Secondly, individual responses to cannabinoids vary. Some people find CBD a better fit for their pain conditions while some find THCA flowers a better fit. The efficacy of both cannabinoids depends on how they are metabolized by your body. THCA flowers work by binding with CB1 to provide pain relief. In contrast, CBD does not bind directly. Instead, it interacts with other parts of the ECS to provide pain relief.
Both are effective in pain relief. Yet, different factors play a big part in which is best for you. If possible, speak to a medical professional and consider your location while at it.
