Pain Levels: Perception vs. Reality

Pain Levels: Perception vs. Reality

Most people throw around the 1–10 pain scale like it’s candy. You know the drill: “Doc, it’s a 10.” But let’s get real for a second—most folks haven’t even brushed up against a true 10.

A real 10 doesn’t come with you cracking jokes in the ER or scrolling on your phone. A real 10 usually knocks you out cold. Your brain simply can’t process that much pain without shutting down.

Here’s how I see it:

1–3: Annoying. Nagging. You can still get up, move around, and carry on with your day.

4–6: Now it’s getting serious. You’re limping, favoring the sore spot, or adjusting how you move. This is where most people say, “It’s a 10!”—but it’s not.

7–8: You’re not faking this one. The pain takes over your body. Focus is hard, movement is harder.

9: The “I’d give anything for it to stop” level. You’re barely hanging on.

10: Lights out. Unconscious. Done.

Now—my hip dislocation? That wasn’t some stubbed toe or a headache. That was a straight-up, knock-you-down, can’t-ignore-it type of pain. But here’s the kicker: I rode through that ordeal with cannabinoids as my main medicine and a few key doses of kratom—not for the pain itself, but for my mood. Kratom gave me just enough balance to keep my mind from spiraling, but the heavy lifting was cannabinoids doing what they do best: calming inflammation, easing nerve signaling, and helping me keep my body from freaking out.

No opioids. No muscle relaxers. Just plants. And let me tell you—when you hit real pain, you don’t care about hype, you care about results.

So the next time someone says, “My pain’s a 10,” maybe remind them what 10 really means.

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🌿 Sidebar: How Cannabinoids Help With Pain

Cannabinoids don’t just “numb” pain like opioids do—they modulate the pain response in your nervous system and reduce inflammation at the source. Here’s how some of the key players work together:

CBD & CBG: Calm inflammation and soothe overactive nerves. CBD is great for anxiety and recovery, while CBG can help with focus and appetite.

CBDA & CBGA: Raw, acidic forms that hit serotonin receptors and can reduce nausea, inflammation, and pain signaling.

CBC: Known as the “quiet helper,” it enhances mood while helping with inflammation and focus.

H4CBD: A hydrogenated form of CBD, giving smoother, longer-lasting relief and less sedation.

Delta-8 & Delta-9 THC: Work directly on CB1 receptors to reduce pain perception and increase euphoria. Delta-8 offers a calmer, less anxious lift, while Delta-9 is the classic heavy hitter.

THCP: Packs way more punch than Delta-9, binding extremely strongly to CB1 receptors. Small amounts go a long way.

HHC & THCO: Semi-synthetics that bring stability and unique effects—HHC gives a long, steady ride, while THCO is often described as deeper, almost psychedelic in feel.

Put together, these cannabinoids don’t just mask pain—they help your body handle it smarter, calmer, and more effectively.

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🧪 Real-World Blends That Work

At Teddy James Hemp, I’ve built blends around these exact principles. They’re not random mixes—they’re purpose-driven formulas designed to meet people where they are:

Balancing Blend (50/50 CBD & CBG) – For people who want non-intoxicating relief that calms the body and clears the mind. Perfect for daily balance without any “high.”

Newcomers Blend – A gentle introduction for those new to hemp, built to ease stress, reduce anxiety, and show how cannabinoids can work without overwhelm.

Old Stoner’s Blend – For the seasoned vets who’ve been smoking for decades but want something smarter: a deeper, layered mix that balances THC with supportive cannabinoids for longevity and clarity.

Monster Drops – The powerhouse. Built for people who need maximum effect, this blend pulls no punches. Strong, heavy, and effective when you need serious relief.

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🚀 Experience the Difference

✨ Want to see how hemp can change the way you handle pain, stress, and balance?

🛒 Shop Online at TeddyJames.store – Explore all my blends, from daily balance to powerhouse relief.

📍 Come See Us at the Raleigh Market – Every weekend at 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC.

📚 Learn More – Follow along with my blog series Cannabis & Health: Smarter Use for education that helps you use hemp smarter, safer, and more effectively.