The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are well-known by the general public, but there is a popular misconception about it—while it has been shown to improve some medical symptoms, CBD is actually not the most effective cannabinoid for pain relief.
The real culprit might be a surprise. According to researchers at the University of New Mexico, treatment of pain is best done with THC. While many still believe that THC is only useful for its high, that is most certainly not the case. The study found that high doses of THC, not CBD, are best for relieving pain. This means that topical creams, oils, and gels with high concentrations of CBD (like Sweet Releaf) are the most effective solution on the cannabis market.
The Study
According to researchers at the University of New Mexico, treatment of pain is best done with THC. While many still believe that THC is only useful for its high, that is most certainly not the case. The study found that high doses of THC, not CBD, are best for relieving pain. This means that topical creams, oils, and gels with high concentrations of THC are the most effective solution on the cannabis market.
The study was done the learn which components of the cannabis plant had the biggest impact on pain. The researchers’ tests were based on several factors:
- Form of cannabis (e.g. flower or concentrate),
- Consumption method (e.g. smoked or taken sublingually),
- Combustion method
- Cannabis subspecies (whether the strain was an indica, a sativa, or a hybrid), and
- Major cannabinoid content (e.g. THC or CBD).
The study was taken among roughly 20,000 people and measured 27 symptom categories. What it showed is that THC causes the largest improvements in symptom relief, while CBD has less of an effect, though it is also helpful.
Since the majority of cannabis topicals available on the market are hemp-derived and have extremely low THC content, this finding indicates that they would not have as much impact on pain. For pain sufferers, Sweet Releaf’s high-THC creams would be a better solution.
For those who are concerned about whether or not applying topical THC can cause a high, there’s no need to worry. While THC is famous for its intoxicating effects, applying it to the skin is safe. Because it sits on the outer layer of skin, it will not affect the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.
Sweet Releaf
Historically, CBD has always been thought of as the more socially acceptable of the two chemicals for pain relief. It is non-psychoactive when consumed in any form, and is now federally legal. Due to this, most topical cannabis products today contain higher percentages of CBD.
Sweet Releaf is different. Because empirical tests repeatedly indicated that THC may be the most potent cannabinoid for reducing pain and inflammation, they chose from the beginning to use a higher concentration of it in their products.
Their creams also contain THCA (the raw form of THC) to treat inflammation. CBD is also included in the formulation of all their products to enhance the “entourage effect”. With this, the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.
Cannabis is rapidly gaining popularity as an effective substitute for prescription opioids and other risky medications with harmful side effects that can cause death. As this plant grows in
popularity, it is important we learn how best to use the healing qualities of cannabis to everyone’s advantage. The study from UNM is the first major step in learning this, and highlights why products like Sweet Releaf are already doing it the right way.
Products higher in THC (relative to CBD) may prove the best for symptom and pain relief, so make sure to get some Sweet Releaf during your next visit to People’s OC. As the largest independent cannabis store in Southern California, we carry a wide selection of premium cannabis products. Our friendly and knowledgeable product specialists are happy to help you find the best solution for your cannabis needs.
Where can I buy THC-rich cannabis creams?
You can order our products online for pickup or delivery, or stop by our flagship store in Santa Ana. We look forward to helping you find releaf!
