Medical Cannabis Treatment for Neuropathy
Neuropathy — damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves — causes symptoms including numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain. Peripheral neuropathy is particularly common in people with diabetes, and can also result from chemotherapy, infections, and other causes.
Medical cannabis has demonstrated effectiveness for neuropathic pain in multiple clinical trials, and may be considered for patients with neuropathy who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.
Indica vs Sativa for Neuropathy
Research has shown that the preference for specific cannabis strains varies based on individual health needs. For neuropathic pain, indica-dominant strains are often preferred for their sedating and pain-relieving properties, particularly for nighttime use. Sativa-dominant strains may be more appropriate for daytime use when alertness is required.
- Indica strains — Often preferred for pain relief, sedation, and sleep
- Sativa strains — Often chosen for energy and mood elevation
- CBD-dominant preparations — May provide pain relief without psychoactive effects
Getting a Prescription
A specialist doctor will assess your neuropathy, its cause, and your previous treatment history before determining whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you.