Peripheral Neuropathy

Ever have prickling and tingling sensations in your hands or feet?

Peripheral neuropathy may be the culprit and if this condition persists, a health exam could be very beneficial.  “More than 20 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have some form of peripheral neuropathy, but this figure may be significantly higher as not all people with symptoms of neuropathy are tested for the disease and tests currently do not look for all forms of neuropathy.”  Additionally, there are many cannabis enthusiasts who self-medicate for relief from this condition, whether or not they’ve been diagnosed.

Diabetes is the leading cause of this nerve disorder, with approximately 60-70% of U.S. patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes suffer from nerve problems like numbness, tingling/burning feet, pain, “one-sided bands… and weakness on the trunk or pelvis.” “In the UK, diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.”  Diabetic polyneuropathy can be induced by high blood sugar, which, over a long period of time causes nerve damage.

Additionally, the condition is often linked to chemotherapy and various physical injuries, but there are a multitude of possibilities.

• Nerve tissue damage
• Autoimmune disease
• Hormone imbalances
• Liver and kidney disorders (AIDS/HIV, shingles, hepatitis C)
• Cancerous tumors
• Infections
• Metabolic disease
• Hereditary
• Thyroid
• Poor blood circulation

Regardless of the underlying issue, those suffering with peripheral neuropathy may experience muscle weakness, loss of balance and fatigue.  Patients also report increased pain while undergoing specific activities, when there are changes in temperature as well as increased pain during the night. However, the most excruciating feeling reported is that of electric shock (pinprick mechanical hypersensitivity); sometimes reported as, “prickling and tingling sensation(s),” as well as burning, stabbing and/or shooting pain in affected areas.

What is most commonly prescribed for neuropathy?

Because there are so many ailments that could cause this painful condition, there isn’t one specific remedy.  Many patients choose cannabis as a natural aid and there are a variety of cannabis strains that can offer support.  Medical marijuana contains various cannabinoids including CBG, CBD and THCV.  Cannabigerol (CBG) isn’t as well known as CBD, but has shown to provide equally powerful relief from various unwanted health conditions including peripheral neuropathy. “CBG is marketed as an over-the-counter treatment for many forms of pain,” and it, “can work to fight inflammation, pain, nausea and has shown to aid the slowdown of the proliferation of cancer cells. CBG has been shown to reduce the effect of pinprick mechanical hypersensitivity provoked by chemotherapy as well as neuropathy.”  Oreoz is an indica dominant cannabis strain, which contains over 35% total cannabinoids, a whopping 32% THC and over 10 mg of CBG, making it a very powerful medical strain for anyone who wants to try self-medicating with marijuana.

This strain in particular stood out for Jerald as he shared his relief. He explained that the Oreoz medical marijuana strain, “takes away nerve foot pain.”

Can you get a medical marijuana card for neuropathy?

“In summary, medical marijuana is most often allowed to be used in debilitating conditions such as neuropathy, spinal cord injury with spasticity, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, ALS, chronic pain (and) Parkinson’s disease,”  Many patients have found that in addition to offering some relief from the painful symptoms of neuropathy, Oreoz has also been reported to assist medical cannabis patients with other health concerns.

• Movement Disorders
• Psychological Burdens
• Glaucoma
• Insomnia
• Nausea

The Oreoz cultivar is an indica forward hybrid strain bred through the lineage of Cookies & Cream and Secret Weapon.  The Cookies & Cream, indica-dominant strain contains high levels of cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBC and roughly 26% THC, while Secret Weapon is a sativa-forward strain rich in CBD and about 22% THC.  Combined, these strains make Oreoz outstanding for medical marijuana use and may help with many ailments.