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Introduction:
Pain is a common experience for many individuals, and there are various treatment options available to manage it. Two primary categories of pain relievers are mainstream painkillers and natural painkillers. Mainstream painkillers are typically prescribed or purchased over-the-counter and are designed to provide quick relief from pain symptoms. Natural painkillers, on the other hand, are derived from plant sources and are increasingly popular due to their perceived safety and effectiveness. This paper will examine the differences between mainstream painkillers and natural painkillers like CBD and cannabis, and explore their effectiveness and safety as pain management options.

Mainstream Painkillers:
Mainstream painkillers are often referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are widely available over-the-counter. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These drugs work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. They are often effective in treating a range of pain symptoms, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis pain.

However, mainstream painkillers can have serious side effects, particularly if taken in high doses or over long periods of time. These side effects can include gastrointestinal problems like stomach ulcers and bleeding, as well as kidney and liver damage. Additionally, NSAIDs can interact with other medications, leading to potentially dangerous drug interactions. These side effects and risks have led many individuals to seek out natural pain relief options like CBD and cannabis.

Natural Painkillers:
CBD and cannabis are among the stronger natural painkillers that have gained significant attention in recent years due to their perceived safety and effectiveness. CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Cannabis, on the other hand, is derived from the marijuana plant and contains THC, a psychoactive compound that is also believed to have pain-relieving properties.

Studies have shown that CBD and cannabis may be effective in managing chronic pain symptoms, including those associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and arthritis. Additionally, these natural painkillers may have fewer side effects than mainstream painkillers, making them an attractive option for individuals who experience negative side effects from NSAIDs.

However, natural painkillers are not without their risks. Cannabis, in particular, can have psychoactive effects that may impair cognitive function and reaction time. Additionally, while CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with other medications, leading to potentially dangerous drug interactions. As such, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using natural painkillers.

How and why addictive opiods are offered to patients instead of CBD cannabis?

The opioid epidemic in the United States has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, with millions of individuals addicted to prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. One contributing factor to this crisis is the over-reliance on opioids as a pain management option, even in cases where alternative options like CBD cannabis may be more appropriate. There are several reasons why addictive opioids are offered to patients instead of CBD cannabis, including the influence of big pharma on doctors and the medical industry as a whole.

One significant factor is the power of big pharma and their financial interests in promoting opioids. Pharmaceutical companies have significant influence over doctors and medical institutions, often sponsoring research studies and providing financial incentives for the use of their products. As a result, doctors may be more likely to prescribe opioids instead of alternative options like CBD cannabis, even if they are aware of the potential risks and side effects of these medications. This is because the financial incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies can be difficult to resist, leading to a culture of over-reliance on opioids as a pain management option.

Another reason why addictive opioids are offered to patients instead of CBD cannabis is due to the lack of education and awareness about alternative pain management options. Many medical professionals are not trained in alternative pain management techniques like acupuncture, massage, and CBD cannabis. This lack of education and awareness can lead to a default to opioid prescriptions as a quick and easy solution to pain management.

Furthermore, there may be systemic biases in the medical industry that make it more difficult for certain populations to access alternative pain management options like CBD cannabis. For example, individuals who are low-income, uninsured, or from marginalized communities may not have access to the same resources and information about alternative pain management options as individuals who are more privileged. As a result, they may be more likely to be prescribed addictive opioids instead of alternative options like CBD cannabis.

The over-reliance on addictive opioids as a pain management option is a complex issue that is influenced by several factors, including the financial interests of big pharma, a lack of education and awareness about alternative options, and systemic biases in the medical industry. It is important for medical professionals to receive education and training in alternative pain management techniques and to prioritize the health and well-being of their patients over financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, there needs to be greater access to alternative pain management options like CBD cannabis for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

Conclusion:
Pain management is an important aspect of healthcare, and individuals have many options available to them, including mainstream painkillers and natural painkillers like CBD and cannabis. While mainstream painkillers are effective in managing pain symptoms, they can have serious side effects and risks. Natural painkillers like CBD and cannabis may be effective in managing pain symptoms with fewer side effects, but they are not without their risks. It is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider before using any pain management options to determine which option is best for their individual needs.

Related research: https://researchforum.online/research-papers/exploring-natural-pain-relief-solutions-a-comprehensive-study-with-formula/
By Shaf Brady, Nottingham UK