If you’ve come to our Raleigh storefront or shopped online with us, then you know we’ve been longtime cheerleaders for delta-8 THC (or Delta 8 for short). As the one of the first stores to carry delta-8 in Raleigh, we’ve noticed many reasons why our customers come back again and again: Delta 8 for Pain Management.
What is Pain Management?
It’s estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can be caused by a wide variety of issues. From autoimmune disorders, inflammation, injuries and pre-existing conditions, chronic pain can be debilitating and difficult to treat in many cases. But, as we’ve seen with the opioid epidemic in the past couple of decades, the answer to chronic pain is often doing more harm than good.
The most common way chronic pain is treated is through the use of harmful pharmaceuticals. Opioid painkillers such as Oxycontin or Hydrocodone are prescribed to hundreds of thousands of Americans every day, are are now considered the basis for effective pain management. Even under controlled settings and limited pill quantities, dependency and addiction to these painkillers is all too common. In 2019, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid-related overdoses. That’s more than 100 people per day.
How did These Harmful Medications Become the Norm?
In the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies, trying to push more products, reassured the medical community that opioid painkillers weren’t addictive and were the best available tools for successful pain management. What followed was a massive marketing effort to get more and more citizens to ask their doctors to prescribe them these painkillers. Because doctors believed their patients wouldn’t become addicted, prescription rates skyrocketed in the 2000s and 2010s.
But, as prescription rates increased, so did overdoses and substance use disorders. In 2017, almost 2 million people in the U.S. suffered from substance use disorders related to opioid painkillers. It’s also estimated that over 20 percent of patients prescribed an opioid painkiller for chronic pain misuse them.
Delta 8 THC: A Better Path For Pain Management?
In most cases, the answer is yes! And, as you may have guessed, delta-8 THC could be the answer you’re looking for pain management. Like all other cannabis compounds, delta-8 binds to receptors found in the body as part of your endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is composed of CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are present in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found on immune cells. Delta-8 primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the nervous system, making it potentially effective for treating pain. The nervous system consists of pain receptors that are attached to nerve endings throughout the body, signaling the brain when we’re hurting.
Experts say that cannabinoids, delta-8 in particular, help regulate the sensitivity of these pain receptors, ultimately reducing acute pain. While delta-8 is still being studied by scientists, initial research into its role in pain management looks promising.
How Can I Use Delta 8 for Pain Management?
Like CBD and other cannabis products, delta-8 can be taken in a variety of ways. So far, our customers have reported that daily use of delta 8 is very effective as a pain management tool. It all depends on the cause, frequency and severity of your pain. Luckily, if you’re looking for delta-8 in Raleigh, we’ve got all the products you need.
Smoking and Vaping
Inhalation is the quickest way to ingest delta-8, as the onset of its effects happens almost instantly. For those suffering with periodic acute pain, having your delta-8 vape pen available can be a lifesaver if your pain worsens throughout the day. Take a hit or 2 and feel more relaxed instantly.
Edibles and Tinctures
For those suffering with constant, chronic pain, delta-8 tinctures and edibles tend to be more effective. Starting a daily regimen of taking delta-8 allows the cannabinoids to build up in your body, allowing for even better pain relief. And the best part is, there’s no risk of addiction or overdose.
Ready to Give Delta-8 a Try For Pain Management?
Are you ready to live a pain-free life? Now may be the time for you to try delta-8 THC. We’re Raleigh’s favorite source of all things delta-8 and hemp. If you live in Raleigh, stop by our storefront to learn more about delta-8 for pain management. Or, shop online with us today to see our wide variety of delta-8 products.