Anyone who has ever had back pain or knows someone who has chronic back problems understands how debilitating it can be. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons for missing work or visiting the doctor. For many, traditional painkillers, physical therapy, or surgery don’t bring adequate relief. With the emergence of medical marijuana as a potential pain relief option for many medical conditions, one might wonder if it will work for back pain, too.
If you are suffering from back pain and want to know if you can use Marijuana, this article will give you all the details. From eligibility, to medicinal benefits of Marijuana for pain and to completing your Marijuana certification.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
What are the symptoms and causes of Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of many health conditions. It can range from being a dull ache to a sharp, piercing pain. It can also be acute or chronic. Acute back pain is sudden in onset and typically lasts no more than 6 weeks. On the other hand, chronic back pain is the one that lasts for more than 3 months.
Back pain can range in intensity and nature. It can be dull, sharp, or burning pain with muscle spasms and stiffness. The pain can also radiate to the legs and other areas, making it more severe and debilitating. Additionally, some people also feel weakness, numbness, or tingling in their legs with back pain. It is important to understand the cause of the pain before you can treat it.
The causes of back pain are many and may include, but are not limited to, muscle or ligament strain, spine and skeletal abnormalities, bulging or herniated discs, and degenerative conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.
There are many medications that are used to manage back pain. Treating the main cause of the pain is the best option. Research has shown that Marijuana has been beneficial in managing back pain and also improving the symptoms associated with it. However, you must see a certified Marijuana doctor before you can add Cannabis to your back pain treatment.
How effective is Medical Marijuana for back pain?
Traditional pain-relief strategies such as NSAIDs, opioids, and physical therapy are frequently limited by side effects, including the risk of dependency (in the case of opioids) or insufficient pain relief.
Because of these gaps, many patients and doctors are increasingly considering medical marijuana or cannabinoid-based therapy as a potentially safer or adjunct treatment option.
Good news? Chronic back pain is recognized as a medical marijuana qualifying condition in Florida.
So, if you are residing in Naples and suffering from back pain, get yourself evaluated by a certified medical marijuana doctor and obtain your medical marijuana card in Naples. This MMJ card allows you to buy cannabis from any of the state-licensed dispensaries lawfully.
Does Medical Marijuana relieve Back Pain?
Yes, research and patient testimonials have shown that Medical marijuana is beneficial for patients in managing pain, improving sleep and reducing stress and inflammation. However, more research is still required for concrete scientific evidence. Due to its healing abilities, it has emerged as a viable option for pain management, allowing patients to relieve their symptoms while moving away from addictive opiates.
Medical marijuana can both relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which are the key components of chronic back pain. Patients who use medical marijuana have reported reduced pain, a decreased need for addictive painkillers, and an improvement in mood. They have also reported a reduction in depression, as well as improvements in anxiety and insomnia caused by chronic pain. However, you must complete your Marijuana certification before taking any form of Cannabis products for back pain.
How Medical Marijuana Might Help?
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC present in marijuana interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body, especially the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors help regulate pain perception, inflammation, and nervous system activity.
CB1 receptors are spread throughout the brainstem and gut and are involved in functions like pain perception, memory, mood, and motor control, so their activation by THC influences these areas.
On the other hand, the CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of marijuana. These 2 main effects make Marijuana a good natural choice for managing pain.
Best Marijuana Medicinal Strains for Back Pain
Medical marijuana strains with a balanced THC-CBD ratio or high levels of the anti-inflammatory terpene beta-caryophyllene are particularly recommended for back pain.
THC alters pain perception and produces a euphoric effect, whereas CBD is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent. A balance between the two can be effective for the majority of people.
Want daytime relief for your back pain? Go for the Sativa-dominant options like ACDC and Harlequin. On the other hand, if you want a night of peaceful sleep, Indica-dominant strains can work wonders.
Remember that medical marijuana isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What worked for someone else might not work for you. It is recommended to always consult a certified medical marijuana doctor before beginning a treatment, especially if you are already taking other pain-relieving medications.
Take Marijuana legally and complete your certification
All patients suffering from back pain must see a certified doctor to take Marijuana for back pain. Back pain is included in the list of qualifying conditions, and patients can get a recommendation for it from experts.
If you are suffering from back pain, but don’t know what to do? Reach out to My Florida Green today. They can help you connect to a qualified state-certified medical marijuana doctor and get your medical marijuana card without any hassle.
The process starts by checking whether or not you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. The criterion is rather simple:
- You must be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Must be 18 years or older (exceptions are there for minors).
- Must have a qualifying medical condition.
If you fulfill the requirements, it’s time to set up an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. If you qualify, the doctor will provide you with a state-required recommendation.
Your medical marijuana doctor will then enter your information and all necessary documents into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR), along with his recommendation confirming your qualifying condition.
When you submit your application, you must pay the state a $75 application fee. Following payment, your application will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health. If approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card via mail.
Still confused? Read our step-by-step guide on how to get a medical marijuana card in 2025. It will surely be helpful.
Is Marijuana beneficial in managing back pain?
So, while medical marijuana can potentially help with pain relief, improved sleep, reduced opioid dependency, and better overall function. Still, it is not a panacea. There is a need for more concrete evidence to support Marijuana’s healing benefits. You must consult with your health care provider before starting medical marijuana for chronic back pain.
The success of Marijuana in improving back pain depends on using the right strain and dose. Patients must take the right Cannabis product, which is recommended by a qualified Marijuana doctor. You can reach out to experts at My Florida Green to start your certification process and take the first step in improving your back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Marijuana help with Back Pain?
Research and patient testimonials have shown that Medical marijuana can potentially help with back pain. THC alters pain perception and produces a euphoric effect, whereas CBD is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent. However, you must see a state licensed doctor to choose the right Marijuana product that suits your symptoms.
2. Is Marijuana good for Back Pain?
Yes, marijuana can help with back pain. Multiple studies suggest that it can reduce chronic pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. However, it is not a guaranteed cure for everyone, and you should first consult with your healthcare provider before using it.
3. Will Marijuana Help Control Low Back Pain?
Multiple studies have found that marijuana can help control chronic low back pain, with some evidence indicating that it improves sleep and physical function while being safer than opioids. However, the studies are still limited, and additional research is required on the subject.
