Preparing for surgery—whether it’s orthopedic, joint replacement, plastic surgery, or any surgery procedure—can bring a mix of emotions. For many, the concern isn’t just the procedure itself but also what recovery will look like.
More and more people today are looking for non-narcotic alternative ways from cannabis products, including CBD oil, CBD topicals, and Delta-8 THC, may be used as supportive tools during the healing process.
When paired with doctor-recommended treatments such as walking, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, CBD and THC can provide a non-narcotic option to support your body as it heals.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, many patients feel heightened anxiety. Stress can increase cortisol levels and make it harder to rest, which may hinder the body’s ability to prepare for healing. Some people find that Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, or CBD oil, derived from the hemp plant, helps them relax and sleep more easily.
If you’re considering CBD before surgery, always discuss it with your primary doctor or surgeon. Your care team may recommend pausing CBD or THC in the days before an operation, particularly if you’re taking prescription medications that could interact with anesthesia or blood-thinning drugs.
If in doubt, stop using CBD and THC ingestible products 1-2 weeks before surgery.
Post-surgery, managing discomfort is a significant concern. While narcotics are sometimes necessary, they can cause side effects such as grogginess, constipation, and dependency risks if taken in larger amounts.
Some people want to use CBD as an alternative to narcotic pain medications post-surgery. Narcotic pain medications should only be used short term, if at all, due to several concerns. Addiction is one of the highest concerns, along with undesirable side effects such as nausea, memory issues, constipation, and feeling groggy.
CBD offers a non-addictive alternative that may ease the body and support calmness without those side effects. It can be taken in larger amounts if needed, without the risk of addiction.
For people suffering from addiction, it is important to look for CBD products without THC. These are isolate-based CBD products, such as the CBD oils sold on Nature’s Gem CBD & THC website. We do not recommend any THC products to our customers who suffer from addiction as those may produce a high effect.
It’s equally important to discuss alternative prescription medications and your concerns with your doctor.
CBD isn’t the only option. Some patients turn to hemp-derived THC products for additional relief. Delta-8 THC, for example, is a compound from the hemp plant that many describe as gentler than Delta-9 THC. While experiences vary, some patients find that small doses of Delta-8 support a sense of ease and may stimulate appetite—two important factors during recovery.
It’s critical to talk with your primary doctor before using THC after surgery, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. A collaborative approach helps ensure safety while still exploring alternatives that may make recovery more comfortable.
Surgery procedures may involve cutting through tissue, muscle, and nerves. An unpleasant side effect may result in what I call “zingers” or postoperative neuropathic pain. These are sudden, sharp, stabbing pains that come out of nowhere, and sometimes take your breath away because they feel like being stung with a cattle prod. I personally have never been cattle prodded, but if I were, I’m assuming it would feel like a zinger.
Numerous studies, such as one from the NIH, state nerve damage from surgery can “produce chemical, structural and functional changes in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous (CNS) systems”. Sometimes they go away over time, and other times they do not and are chronic.
According to NIH medical studies, the endocannabinoid system plays a role in nerve signaling, which may explain why some people find CBD oil or topicals helpful for reducing this type of discomfort.
Plastic surgery, such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks, commonly has post-operative nerve pain, and CBD oil or other cannabis products may be considered. Talk with your plastic surgeon about using CBD oil as a potential way to keep zingers from happening so much.
Many people find relief by incorporating CBD oil, topicals, or Delta-8 THC into their recovery plan. All of these options are available through NaturesGemCBD.com.
For those seeking CBD support, the 2500 mg CBD oil is a popular choice. It’s THC-free, provides strong support, and allows you to adjust your dosage up or down as your healing progresses—making it both effective and a great value.
When it comes to THC, starting low is key. If you’re new to THC products, consider beginning with a gentle option like Bliss. For those seeking a more intense experience, Nirvana may be a better fit. Both are indica blends designed to promote deep relaxation, though they do produce a high. Because of this, THC products are not recommended for individuals who may be concerned about dependency.
Topical creams and balms are another supportive tool. These may be applied around, but never directly on healing incisions to calm irritation and soreness. Once the wound has fully healed, CBD topicals can also be applied directly to the scar tissue to support ongoing comfort and healing.
Your doctor will encourage you to move and walk after surgery, if appropriate. This is important to do, as movement helps heal! Even small steps, such as walking for a few minutes every couple of hours, play a significant role in reducing complications and stimulating circulation.
Movement can feel uncomfortable at first, but it will become easier the more you do it. Just don’t overdo it at first. I’m talking to the type A personalities out there. Start slow and build gradually.
Movement will help ease discomfort. The effects of CBD products may make it easier to stick with your recovery plan, particularly when paired with physical therapy exercises.
Physical therapy helps patients regain strength and mobility after surgery. You may feel increased inflammation, pain and fatigue during and after your PT session in the beginning. While progress can sometimes be slow, consistency pays off. Consider incorporating CBD or THC as part of your recovery toolbox—for example, take CBD oil before a therapy session and apply a topical balm after.
CBD products are not a replacement for therapy, but they can complement it by helping the body recover more comfortably.
It’s important to remember – every body is different, which is why you should listen to your body. If you over do it, your body will let you know, sometimes humbly with more pain or worse – reinjury.
Conversely, not moving or doing physical therapy exercises, can lead to chronic pain, excessive scar tissue, and undesirable movement and healing. Our advice – slow and steady wins the recovery race. Movement heals the body, non-movement steals the body.
Even after full healing, many people continue to use CBD as part of their wellness routine. Scar tissue may ache in colder weather, or anxiety may return when resuming normal activities. CBD oil, gummies, or topicals can provide ongoing support. For those open to exploring THC, hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC may also play a role in long-term stress or discomfort management.
We can’t stress this enough, be your own health advocate.
Recovery is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not for another. While medical studies continue to explore the benefits of CBD and THC for pain, inflammation, and anxiety, always partner with your primary doctor and healthcare team before making changes to your plan.
At NaturesGemCBD.com, every product is vetted for safety, compliance, and quality. With a carefully curated selection of CBD and THC options, patients have access to trustworthy tools that may help them feel more supported as they move from surgery to recovery—and beyond
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