Well, it's 4/20, so those of you in the know will appreciate the timeliness of this posting...and those who aren't can still get some great info!
As more and more states legalize some form of marijuana use, its applications in mainstream medicine are becoming more accepted. Spurring on the trend? A study from University of California at San Diego has revealed that inhaling the drug can provide relief from the pain of diabetic neuropathy.
The study, published in the Journal of Pain, followed 16 diabetic patients who were experiencing foot pain. Each person was randomly assigned a different amount of marijuana to inhale using a method called vaporization, which heats the leaf just enough so that it releases its active ingredients without being turned into smoke (this method is used to get the drug’s effect at a faster rate and to avoid taking in carbon monoxide that occurs when smoke is produced.)
All the participants experienced pain relief (usually lasting about four hours;) the higher the dose they took, the more relief they felt. They also, of course, got high, reporting both euphoria and sedation.
Although cannabis use is not yet allowed in Texas, House Bill 2165 would fully legalize the adult use of marijuana in the state, for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
But if you’re experiencing diabetic foot pain right now, don’t despair—there are plenty of other ways I can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew Schneider to help take control of your diabetic nerve pain.