The Green Table Talk Podcast: Book Review Series
A Book Review of Caroline MacCallum's Cannabinoids and Pain
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Cannabis and Pain: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Hustle
Pain management is having a moment. Chronic pain, acute pain, the pain of reading the news—pick your poison, and chances are someone’s trying to sell you a solution. Enter cannabis, the plant that’s gone from ancient remedy to modern-day disruptor faster than you can say “endocannabinoid system.” Whether you’re a skeptic or a superfan, it’s worth asking: is cannabis the hero we’ve been waiting for, or just another passing trend in a wellness world obsessed with “natural” everything? Join me in rolling up our sleeves (pun intended) and explore.
Key Takeaways from Dr MacCallum’s book (With a Side of Wit)
A Little Ancient History Lesson
Cannabis for pain isn’t new. It’s old. Like, 2800 BCE old. Ancient Chinese texts tell us it was the go-to for ailments like arthritis and gout—long before the invention of kale smoothies or Instagram wellness influencers. There’s something humbling about knowing our ancestors figured out this plant’s potential long before modern science caught up. Makes you wonder: did they know something we don’t? (Hint: Yes.)
Your Body’s Secret Superpower: The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Here’s the plot twist: your body has a built-in system that seems tailor-made for cannabis. The ECS regulates pain, mood, sleep, and more. It’s like finding out you’ve had a VIP lounge in your body this whole time, just waiting for the right guest list of cannabinoids to show up. THC and CBD may be the headliners, but lesser-known compounds like CBN and CBC bring their own flair to the party. The result? A fascinating (and still evolving) interplay of chemistry and biology.
How You Take It Matters
Vaping, smoking, edibles, tinctures, topicals—cannabis isn’t just a plant; it’s a buffet. The method of consumption affects how quickly you feel relief and how long it lasts. Think of it like choosing between a rollercoaster ride (smoking) or a slow, scenic train journey (edibles). This week’s book, Cannabinoids and Pain, does an excellent job of breaking this all down.
Dosing: A Lesson in Restraint
“Start low, go slow” might sound like the mantra of a cautious driver, but for the cannabis industry, it’s actually something of a golden rule for cannabis dosing. Too much too fast? You’re not managing pain; you’re managing regret. Finding that sweet spot is part science, part art, and absolutely worth the patience.
Legal Loops and Quality Quirks
The Legal Tango
In the U.S., cannabis law is the kind of confusing that makes you wonder if lawmakers ever talk to each other. Federal restrictions clash with state freedoms, leaving patients, providers, and researchers stuck in limbo. If you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone.
Quality Control: The Wild West
When it comes to cannabis products, not all are created equal. Contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals are real concerns, especially for people relying on cannabis for medical reasons. The solution? Stricter regulations, better testing, and labels that actually mean something. Because “guess what’s in this brownie” is not a fun game for patients.
Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk
It’s Not for Everyone
Cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain heart conditions, mental health disorders, and pregnancies warrant extra caution. Also, drug interactions? They’re a thing. Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Respect the plant, people.
Driving While Dosed
The book doesn’t mince words: THC can impair you, and impairment plus driving equals bad news. Sure, tolerance, dosage, and method of consumption all play a role, but when in doubt? Park it.
Adolescents and Cannabis
Teen brains are still under construction, and THC is no friendly foreman. Studies link early cannabis use to cognitive issues and mental health challenges. The takeaway? For teens, the risks may outweigh the reward, and the medical experts who know the teen well (and/or who know cannabis well) should be conducting that train.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis in Medicine
This is where things get exciting. Scientists are uncovering new applications for cannabis every. single. day. From targeted treatments to understanding how the ECS really works, the possibilities feel endless. Think about it like antibiotics - there was once a day when only penicillin existed. Fast-forward to today, and we now have identified thousands (only about 100 are clinically used). We are only scarcely at the beginning of this amazing industry. But progress requires policy changes—rescheduling cannabis, easing research and consumption restrictions, and ensuring equitable access. In short, we need to do the work to fully realize the plant’s potential.
Why This Matters
At its core, cannabis isn’t about hype or trendiness. It’s about finding new ways to help people manage pain, anxiety, and the myriad stresses of modern life. It’s not a miracle cure or a snake oil scam. It’s one tool among many—a fascinating, complex tool—that deserves thoughtful consideration. So, the next time someone asks if cannabis is just another fad, you’ll know the answer: no. It’s history, science, and humanity rolled into one green, leafy package.
Link to purchase Dr MacCallum’s book on Amazon
Great Nerdy Website Dr MacCallum hosts on Cannabis & Safety (cannabis literature)
This podcast, with visuals:
Last week’s book review :
(link to the Substack with book + podcast)
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