Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the limbs, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. DPN can reduce the quality of life and increase the risk of infections, ulcers and amputations. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 50% of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, and the prevalence increases with age and duration of diabetes.
Neuropathy is one of the 150+ medical conditions that legally qualifies for treatment with medical cannabis in Texas. The use of cannabis to treat DPN is still being researched, and more work needs to be done to understand the nuances of how cannabis alleviates symptoms of DPN. However, the research that we do have on this topic makes a strong and exciting case for the effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis in treating those with chronic diabetic nerve pain.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
There is no cure for DPN, and the current treatments are mainly aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing further nerve damage. However, some patients may not respond well to conventional medications or may experience adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or addiction. Therefore, there is a need for alternative therapies that can provide effective and safe relief for DPN patients.
One of the potential options is medical marijuana, which is derived from the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana contains various cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, mood, appetite, and immune function.
Among the cannabinoids, the most well-known and studied ones include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Several studies have suggested that medical marijuana may be beneficial for DPN patients by reducing pain intensity, improving sleep quality, enhancing mood, and increasing physical activity. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Pain in 2015 found that consuming cannabis three times a day for five days significantly reduced neuropathic pain compared to placebo in 16 patients with DPN. Another study published in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in 2018 reported that applying topical CBD oil twice a day for four weeks improved pain and sleep quality in 29 patients with peripheral neuropathy.
Can I Get a Prescription for Medical Cannabis in Texas?
Yes. Texas has a Compassionate Use Program that allows patients with over 150 conditions, including neuropathy, to access medical cannabis legally. With a prescription from a doctor, you can buy medical-grade products that have different ratios of THC, CBD and CBN according to your needs. At Texas Original, we are proud to produce only the highest quality cannabis medicine for Texas patients.
Click the button below to get a Texas medical marijuana prescription.
