Over the past two decades, the cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana, has been a subject of interest in the medical community. In some states, medical marijuana is already available for certain conditions. Its efficacy as a pain reliever has been well-established. Although cannabis is most often associated with relieving cancer pain and loss of appetite, its analgesic qualities could prove promising for people with back pain, fibromyalgia, and a number of other chronic pain conditions. How Does Cannabis Relieve Pain? Much like the opioid receptor system in the body that allows endorphins to have their pleasant, pain-relieving effects, the body also has a cannabinoid receptor system. There are three kinds of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (made by the body), phytocannabinoid (made by marijuana plants), and synthetic cannabinoids produced in a laboratory. The cannabis plant contains a number of cannabinoids, each with its own qualities. The three most important components fo...