When it comes to managing chronic pain, patients are often presented with two main options: opioid medications or medical cannabis. While both have the potential to reduce pain, they differ greatly in terms of safety, risk of dependency, long-term outcomes, and even how they affect the body and mind.
At CannaLeaf Health, we’ve seen firsthand how medical cannabis can offer relief—often with fewer side effects and significantly lower risk—especially for patients who are concerned about opioid dependence. In this blog, we’ll break down the key reasons why medical cannabis may be a safer, more sustainable alternative to opioids for many Maryland patients.
The Risks of Opioid Medications
Opioids are powerful painkillers that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals. They’re typically prescribed for moderate to severe pain, including after surgery, injury, or in cases of chronic pain.
However, the risks of opioids are well-documented:
- High risk of dependency and addiction: Even short-term use can lead to dependency, and long-term use often requires higher doses to maintain the same effect.
- Dangerous side effects: These can include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, confusion, and respiratory depression—which can be fatal in overdose situations.
- Overdose epidemic: According to the CDC, more than 75% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2021 involved an opioid.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Patients who try to stop using opioids can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.
While opioids may offer fast-acting relief, they often come with a cost—especially when used over the long term.
How Medical Cannabis Works Differently
Medical cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate functions like pain, mood, sleep, and immune response. The cannabinoids in cannabis—primarily THC and CBD—bind to receptors in the ECS to reduce inflammation and alter the perception of pain.
Here’s what makes medical cannabis a compelling alternative:
- Lower risk of addiction: Unlike opioids, cannabis is not physically addictive in the same way and has a much lower potential for misuse.
- Fewer side effects: While some patients may experience mild side effects such as dry mouth or dizziness, cannabis typically doesn’t cause the dangerous respiratory issues associated with opioids.
- Supports quality of life: Many patients report better sleep, improved mood, and increased mobility with cannabis use.
- Wide range of strains and delivery methods: From oils and tinctures to edibles and topicals, patients can customize treatment based on their specific symptoms and preferences.
What the Research Says
Recent studies and real-world patient experiences are shedding light on the benefits of medical cannabis as a pain management tool:
- A 2020 study published in Pain Medicine found that patients using medical cannabis for chronic pain reported improved pain levels and reduced opioid use.
- States with medical cannabis programs have seen a reduction in opioid prescriptions and related overdose deaths.
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded in a 2017 report that there is “substantial evidence” that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults.
While more large-scale, long-term studies are still needed, the growing body of evidence supports cannabis as a legitimate option for pain management.
Choosing the Right Treatment Path
At CannaLeaf Health, we believe in empowering patients with safe, personalized care plans. Medical cannabis is not for everyone, but for many, it’s a natural, effective option worth exploring—especially when the alternative is a potentially dangerous opioid regimen.
Our certifying providers work with each patient to understand their health history, pain level, and wellness goals before recommending a cannabis treatment plan. We also guide patients on product types, dosages, and how to track the effects over time for the best possible results.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re struggling with chronic pain and want to explore a safer alternative to opioids, CannaLeaf Health is here to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our certified providers today and find out if medical cannabis is right for you.
