***Kiva Confections content related to both the effects of cannabis and the results of cannabis use is based upon general user experiences and testimony. This content should be considered anecdotal, and should not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional before adding or altering consumption of medication or medical-related activities. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ***

Cannabis has been legalized in most US states and many countries worldwide. This has opened up some exciting new avenues to use CBD and other derivatives to help enhance the quality of life for millions of people globally.

Studies are underway to explore how cannabis can alleviate pain, ease epilepsy and seizures, treat Alzheimer's disease and even help slow down glaucoma. Another promising application is the use of cannabis for chronic inflammation.

Even though the research is still in its infancy, scientists have seen promising results. However, it is important to remember that there are many types of cannabis, and not all are effective against pain and inflammation. Let's explore this in further detail.

What Is Cannabis & Should I Try It?

Cannabis refers to a group of three plants which includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, all which exhibit well-known psychoactive properties. These plants have been used for millennia for their effects, which range from relaxing to stimulating. Its use as a medical treatment is well documented in cultures around the world. Cannabis was a mainstay in Greek, Roman, Chinese and Egyptian healthcare and was often prescribed for pain, poor appetite, and other ailments.

Modern science now reveals the legitimacy behind our ancestor’s wisdom. We now have a significant and growing body of research from the scientific community that can help us understand the myriad impacts of using cannabis. Recent studies have shown that cannabis favorably affects HIV/AIDS, anorexia and cachexia, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

If you or a loved one suffers from any of these issues, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare practitioner about adding cannabis to your treatment regimen.

CBD vs. THC: Figure Out What You Need To Live Your Best Life

Over 400 distinct chemical components can be found in Cannabis Sativa. Two of the most well-known compounds are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

THC and CBD have been the primary focus of the vast majority of studies that have been conducted so far on the medicinal effects of cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid that gets the most attention. It is responsible for the analgesic and mind-altering properties of the plant- commonly referred to as its 'high.'

CBD, on the other hand, is not intoxicating in the same way THC is, though it exhibits its own beneficial, therapeutic properties. CBD is commonly used to help reduce inflammation and pain- and it may also ease nausea, migraine, seizures, and anxiety.

Cannabis As A Prescription Drug

One of the primary reasons medical professionals recommend cannabis is to reduce pain. Cannabis has been proven to be an effective and safe pain reliever for people suffering from a wide variety of chronic pain. Research includes randomized controlled trials, which experts consider the "gold standard" in medical research. People often use cannabis as an alternative to other drugs. Benzodiazepines and Opioids are two types of medications that doctors frequently prescribe to patients who suffer from chronic pain.

However, these prescription drugs can have many unintended and potentially harmful adverse effects. Fortunately, many people who begin using cannabis find they no longer need their prescription medications, or are able to take significantly lower dosages. However, it is vital to discuss your intention to try cannabis with your doctor so they can factor this into your treatment and make sure there will be no adverse effects with any medications you may already be taking.

What Causes Inflammation?

The immune system causes inflammation to protect the body from infection, sickness, or injury. However, other factors may be the cause of inflammation. These may include:

  • Chronic and acute conditions
  • Alcoholic beverages and foods high in sugar and refined carbs
  • Certain pharmaceutical drugs
  • Substances that the body has a hard time releasing

Does Cannabis Work For Inflammation?

Many people equate cannabis with the psychoactive "high" associated with THC but research shows that CBD can help alleviate inflammation and other symptoms.

One review from 2017 shows that CBD's anti-inflammatory characteristics may aid the following conditions:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • General pain
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Cardiovascular diseases

Although most CBD research has been conducted on animals, scientists feel the findings reveal that there is a therapeutic impact on human beings as well. CBD, similarly to NSAID drugs, has anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular level. In a 2016 study, researchers examined the effects of CBD on rats with inflammatory joint disease. Topical CBD gel was found by researchers to lessen swelling and pain in the joints of rats without any significant adverse effects. According to patient surveys, CBD appears to be useful for many persons with chronic pain. Other studies suggest that the placebo effect may be at play regarding CBD's ability to alleviate pain simply because individuals expect it to work. More human studies on the ability of CBD to address inflammation will continue.

Regardless of cannabis’ therapeutic impact on pain, numerous studies suggest that cannabis can improve a person's overall life quality and ability to carry out everyday tasks. This shows that, rather than simply eradicating pain, cannabis may be an effective way to cope with it, avoiding the interference in daily life caused by chronic pain. People who use cannabis also report feeling more in control and more in touch with their inner selves, a phenomenon called the "Restored Self" by some studies.

What Kinds Of Cannabis Are Best For Pain?

Varieties of cannabis plants with the same strain name can have wildly divergent genetic makeup and chemical compositions. Sativa, Indica, or a mix of the two (Hybrid) have traditionally been the three main types of Cannabis offered commercially. Relying on these descriptors and the proclaimed variety (aka strain name) is unreliable in predicting a plant's chemical makeup unfortunately, so it’s important to consider these factors while looking for a cannabis product to treat pain:

  • Most patients with chronic pain prefer THC: CBD ratios of less than 1:1 (with less THC to each part of THC)
  • Even though THC is cannabis' primary pain-relieving ingredient, too much THC might have undesirable side effects.
  • It is preferable to use low-THC products if you are inexperienced with cannabis consumption or have a low tolerance.
  • Using CBD has been demonstrated to lessen some of THC's psychoactive effects.


The important thing to keep in mind is that one person's endocannabinoid system differs from another's. When it comes to cannabis, the ideal product and format is the one that best suits your specific needs.

Buying tiny quantities of several different types of cannabis products and keeping a health notebook to track how each one made you feel is considered incredibly beneficial.

Amount of Cannabis To Relieve Inflammation

There are many types and levels of pain, and each person processes their experience differently. Equally, not everyone responds the same way to the same format and doses of cannabis. Because it is a very personalized experience, one individual’s optimal dose of cannabis will vary from another’s. You may require more or less cannabis to alleviate your pain depending on a variety of conditions, such as:

  • The chemistry of your body
  • Your genes
  • Lifestyle
  • Timing of meals
  • Frequency of your cannabis consumption and method of use

As a general rule of thumb, most cannabis experts say to "start low and go slow" when dosing. To do this, start with a modest quantity of THC and gradually increase (“titrate”) your dosage over time. Many practitioners suggest increasing your dose slightly after 5 days and tracking your experience to see if the effects are better- or have gotten worse. This is how you can find your optimal dose.

Types Of Cannabis Edibles

There are many forms of cannabis available today- and one of the most popular is cannabis-infused edibles. One of the benefits of edibles is that the effects last markedly longer than other forms of inhalation. They are also a familiar and accessible option for those new to cannabis. Here are a few edibles categories you can expect to find in dispensaries and via delivery services:

Gummies

Various flavors, potencies, and are available in cannabis-infused gummies.

Hard Candies

Cannabis hard candies, lollipops and lozenges are dual-absorption products because of their low- to medium-level potency.

Chocolates

Infused chocolate is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the various therapeutic components of cannabis.

Beverages

Drinks such as soda, tea, coffee, and cocoa can be made with cannabis as well. Tinctures, or liquid extracts, can be added to drinks or taken directly beneath the tongue for fast absorption.

Baked Products

When people think of edible cannabis, cannabis brownies are frequently the first thing that comes to mind because of their popularity in the 1960’s. However, cannabis may also be found in cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and other baked foods.

Summing Up

THC and CBD, two cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, may offer a variety of health advantages, including reducing inflammation.

Cannabis is effective and safe for pain management, but there are specific adverse effects and hazards. It is important to start with moderate doses of THC, and take regular breaks to limit the risks.

The products and dosage regimen that work best for you may require some practice. So make sure to try different options to figure out what suits you best. You may find that you enjoy different products for different occasions.

Try Kiva's Cannabis Edibles To Reduce Inflammation

If you are new to cannabis, you can experiment with various options of our cannabis-infused edibles. Kiva's cannabis gummies, mints, chews, and chocolates are all precisely-dosed, trustworthy, and delicious . We offer a wide range of THC: CBD ratios, flavors, formats, and effects- and we feel confident you will find a product that works for you.