Should you use cannabis instead of ice for injuries?

The best choice for a strain or injury is ice or a cold compress. Grabbing a bag of frozen peas from the fridge is one option and will provide some relief. The effects are usually most effective shortly after the injury. This involves placing an ice pack or ice compress on the affected area to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce swelling at the same time. Cold is known to affect blood circulation and constrict blood vessels.

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But maybe you should open your mind. Should you use cannabis instead of ice for injuries? Or maybe additionally? Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of marijuana, may be more effective (and practical) in treating sprains and injuries. CBD can be convenient because you can carry both topicals for spot treatment and oral CBD products in case of an accident. Plus, it has the added benefit of being THC-free, which is beneficial for athletes.

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Sports injuries can also occur from running or jumping on hard surfaces, wearing incorrect shoes, using incorrect exercise techniques, lack of flexibility, old injuries, or playing the same sport year-round. Add in activities like running, skiing, snowboarding, and more, and you have a recipe for at least one muscle problem.

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A sprain or injury is always a huge inconvenience. Whether you are an athlete or not, recovering and healing as quickly as possible is crucial, not to mention the pain. Applying CBD topically to relieve pain and combat inflammation is a better option as it activates the endocannabinoid receptors in the affected area, helping to control stiffness and pain. Additionally, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can reduce inflammation and pain caused by irritation and sports injuries.

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“Sports injuries are usually accompanied by either a significant inflammatory reaction or mild microtrauma,” shared Dr. Andrew Kerklaan from Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics with. “Due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential, it can be useful for a variety of symptoms – from minor everyday aches to minor injuries.” He also explains that CBD can help people recover from common injuries caused by exercise . “All of this triggers inflammatory responses and therefore CBD may have the potential to aid the recovery process,” he says.

There are also dozens of studies touting the pain-relieving effects of cannabis and CBD. One study found that CBD is beneficial for chronic pain while improving inflammation and sleep. In another article published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, researchers discovered that CBD is effective in treating inflammation, relieving pain and improving mobility in people with multiple sclerosis. “It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiemetic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective,” the study authors wrote.

Topical products work faster than foods. However, for severe pain, tinctures and sublingual drops are recommended as these are the fastest of all ingestion methods.