In the absence of the intoxicating effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD is a viable compound for reducing pain in the body. CBD interacts with pain receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is the signal house of the body. The system has control over the emotions of the body and also has an effect on systems like a response to motor control and energy balance.
Is CBD Useful in Relieving Pain?
Scientists have been researching how safe CBD is and its connection with pain relief. Currently, no CBD-based medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a painkiller. However, the one drug approved that is CBD based in the U.S. is Epidiolex, a drug that is used for rare cases of epilepsy.
Going to the borders of the U.K, CBD-based drugs are approved for various forms of sclerosis. Moreover, CBD-based drugs are approved on Canadian soil for cancer pain. The results from research so far point out that CBD oil engineered to reduce pain can aid in certain medical conditions. Some of these conditions include arthritis and fibromyalgia, which are treated with CBD oil in varying doses. However, CBD oils are too weak for some forms of pain, but when combined with its counterpart THC or western medication, the effects are remarkable.
It may interest you that over 60% of U.S. adults that consume CBD products do so for its ability to reduce pain and stress. According to a recent Forbes health survey, more than half of the population runs to CBD for pain reduction. Based on these figures, CBD oil has some effect in reducing pain. You can easily find the best CBD oils for pain relief.
How Useful Is CBD in Curing Chronic Pain
CBD oil has been associated with relieving chronic pain in patients suffering from it. Studies show that CBD mixed with THC can work wonders for various levels of chronic conditions. Products from CBD like Sativex have shown satisfactory results and proven clinically successful as a pain reducer for cancer-related pain and are currently in use in Canada. The spray is awaiting approval for use in the U.S.
The Sativex spray was effective in a 2019 study for patients suffering from severe chronic pain. The causes of chronic pain in patients were different, but the spray was seemingly effective nonetheless.
The study centered on three types of chronic pain: nociceptive pain, which affects the body tissue; neuropathic pain, which affects the nerves; and mixed pain. Although Sativex was effective in treating all three kinds of pain, it was instrumental in treating neuropathic pain.
The Usefulness of CBD in Curing Arthritis and Joint Pain
An earlier study found that CBD relieves chronic pain related to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. However, this test used a relatively small sample size.
CBD is increasingly becoming a trusted anti-inflammatory agent for both animals and preclinical trials. Since arthritis encompasses joint-related pains and conditions, CBD is believed to affect swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints caused by arthritis. However, there is no solid evidence to support this claim as research into CBD administration for arthritis is little and still ongoing.
The first controlled trial was conducted in 2006 and focused on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. This version of arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and areas affected by the disease. Sativex helped reduce pain felt by participants of this trial, and the product reduced the pain felt when users moved their joints. The research also found that the quality of sleep and rest improved exponentially. Any side effects that were noticed as a result of the treatment were mild and negligible. There was no documentation of complications with withdrawal.
Another study was conducted in 2018 that focused on the efficacy of topical CBD gel on people with osteoarthritis-related knee pain. This trial lasted twelve weeks. Participants were given either 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams in dosage daily. The overall weekly pain felt by participants didn’t improve over 12 weeks. But those who used the 250-milligram doses found better pain relief than those who opted for a placebo.
CBD and Neuropathic Pain
A small-scale trial conducted in 2019 suggests that a mixture of both CBD and THC may be of significant use to people with fibromyalgia, a type of arthritis. Fibromyalgia causes pains all over the body and fatigue. The study found that a single inhalation of a mix of CBD and THC performed far better than a placebo, and the compound also performed better than either substance standing alone.
Neuropathic pain can be caused by several conditions and injuries that damage the nerves, causing abnormalities in the nervous system and bringing forth the pain. The pain could come from a tingling, numbness, shooting, burning, sharp or stabbing pain with muscle weakness.
Multiple sclerosis has been found among the common causes of neuropathic pain. The condition reduces the effectiveness of the myelin, a mix of proteins and phospholipids that protect the nerve cells. Sativex spray is already approved across the globe as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis due to its success in clinical trials. Since it is a spray, the medication is absorbed into the body through the mouth.
Studies support eight sprays a day for patients with this condition. Eight sprays provide the body with 20 milligrams of CBD and 21.6 mills of THC. However, this dosage varies between patients and the level of their condition.
A most recent study, which was conducted in 2020, tested the efficacy of topically administered CBD oil. The study centered around treating patients with peripheral neuropathy using CBD oil. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the central nervous system throughout the body. Comparing the results with placebo, the topical CBD reduced patients’ intense and sharp pain much more than its counterpart. The cold and itch sensations felt by patients were also significantly decreased.
Other Benefits of CBD Oil
Although scientific data is yet to prove the vast benefits of using CBD oil, user testimonials serve as reference points. Testimonials reveal that you can use CBD oil to quit smoking. Additionally, CBD oil helps manage drug withdrawal and treat seizures and epilepsy. The compound may also help reduce some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and treat anxiety disorders.
Unlike other medications, CBD oil can help people with schizophrenia to reduce antipsychotic effects without adverse effects. Some researchers believe that transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and can potentially combat type-1 diabetes and cancer-related pain.
While it is true that we still need more research to confirm the benefits of CBD oil, the compound’s potential remains promising. The compounds promising benefits have led the FDA to approve a form of CBD known as Epidiolex, which treats seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis, and Epidiolex also treats epilepsy. While marijuana-derived products remain illegal at the federal level, some states have made the use of marijuana-derived cbd products legal in their states.
You may have to check the state medical marijuana laws before using hemp-derived CBD products to relieve chronic pain. Also, remember that the FDA does not approve nonprescription CBD products for treating pain. You must also remember that the FDA does not approve CBD oil for several conditions. Hence, you can interpret the dosage based on your understanding.
Effects of CBD Oil
CBD is among the over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, and these compounds are collectively called cannabinoids. Although many plants have cannabinoids in their composition, most people usually link the compound to cannabis.
Unlike their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) counterpart, CBD has no euphoric high. The compound does not have a euphoric high because it affects different receptors than THC. The human body houses an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and interprets signals from cannabinoids. In addition, the ECS produces some other cannabinoids known as endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids and the ECS help bodily control functions like sleep, pain, and immune system response.
Consuming THC produces a “high” feeling after interacting with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. Consequently, the THC prompts the brain to activate its reward system that makes chemicals like dopamine. CBD, on the other hand, acts in an entirely different way. The compound does not produce a “high” effect nor impairs your body’s functionality. Instead, the compound influences your body to utilize its endocannabinoids effectively.
According to research, CBD’s influence on the ECS and other cannabinoids help to increase the body’s anandamide levels. Anandamide is a compound that regulates pain. Thus, when you consume CBD oil, the compound influences the levels of anandamide to bring about pain relief. In addition, cannabidiol also limits inflammatory and neuropathic pain while helping people with insomnia and certain immune system issues to obtain relief.
Are There Side Effects to Using CBD Oil to Relieve Pain?
Although you will certainly enjoy many benefits while using CBD oils, you could also experience some side effects. However, these side effects do not occur in every person. Most people do not experience side effects while using CBD.
According to a study, some common adverse effects of using CBD oil include diarrhea, fatigue, weight gain or loss, and changes in appetite. Furthermore, using CBD oil with other medications may cause certain complications. Alternatively, CBD oil could render those medications ineffective. Since scientists are yet to study the side effects due to the long-term use of CBD oil for pain relief, it is pretty challenging to point out their role on hormones. Always ensure to consult a doctor before using CBD for pain management.
Also, CBD products may interact poorly with over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. CBD products may also hurt an enzyme known as cytochrome P450 complex, and the disruption of this enzyme could increase the risk of liver toxicity.
Another study suggested that the way cannabinoids suppress inflammatory responses may be over the top. A significant inflammation reduction could cause the lung’s defensive system to crumble, thus increasing the risk of infection.
How to Take CBD Oil for Pain
We have considered the various benefits and possible side effects of CBD products for effective pain relief. We have also established that while clinical data does not sufficiently support taking CBD oil for its pain-relieving effects, user testimonials show that these CBD products work better than other pain medications.
Since most people take CBD for health benefits, it is essential to consider the proper way to use these products to relieve or treat pain caused by various factors. You need to understand a few things before using any CBD product.
Different CBD Oil Types
There are several kinds of CBD oil you will encounter on the market. You could come in contact with THC CBD oral sprays, topical CBD products, CBD balms, and CBD edibles. You have to understand that effective CBD use depends on the kind of product you obtain.
Only a few drops of the product under your tongue will do the magic for CBD oils. Note that you cannot use CBD oils on your body. You must squeeze these oils under your tongue to obtain the full benefits. For CBD topicals, you will have to apply them to your body to enjoy the benefits. You will mostly use CBD topicals when you want to treat and manage arthritis pain. Additionally, you can use approved CBD topicals to help with muscle spasms.
Another thing you should take note of is the type of CBD product you obtain. You will likely see full spectrum CBD oils while looking for a good CBD oil to treat your pain. Alternatively, you could find broad spectrum CBD products which are also effective. The difference between the two types of CBD oils comes from the spectrum of hemp extract. Full spectrum hemp extract contains CBD and THC in it.
Hence, using such a product may experience a “high” effect. On the other hand, the broad spectrum CBD oil does not have THC in its composition. As such, it does not give the “high” effect. Both full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD oil work to alleviate pain. However, you should go for the broad spectrum product if you do not want to get high.
Buy From Approved Vendors
One good way to ensure you get the best out of your CBD product is to buy from reputable brands. Such brands sell products that can help you manage pain-related behaviors without side effects. Although you may see several CBD oil brands on the market, not all offer genuine products.
It will help if you compare your desired product with others on the market before purchasing it. Additionally, you can read the customer review section on the product’s official website to determine its safety and side effects. Also, ensure that your desired product for treating chronic pain has the backing of third-party laboratories. Desist from buying any product that is not lab tested to avoid issues with your health.
Follow the Recommended Dosage
For your health and safety, always follow the product’s dosage instructions to know how much CBD you need to consume. Never use another product’s dosage instruction on another product because doing so could cause more harm than good. CBD gummies have different dosage instructions from CBD oils and balms. Hence, you must pay attention to the dosage instructions for the different kinds of CBD you obtain.
Another thing you need to consider is the ingredients used in making your CBD oil. The best CBD brands use natural extracts to create their oils. Hence, you will not find Generically Modified Organisms, artificial flavors, or sweeteners in these products. Also, ensure that you do not buy a product with proprietary blends. Such products may contain fillers that may be harmful to your health. If you have any allergies, ensure that your desired product does not contain allergens. Additionally, vegans should also check the ingredients section to ensure they do not buy products with animal-derived ingredients.
Such brands also subject their products to third-party laboratory tests to ensure product safety before releasing them on the market. Additionally, ensure that your product does not contain THC if you do not want to experience the entourage effect.
Is CBD Legal?
The legality of CBD depends on your location. The United States permits the sale of CBD for recreational and health purposes only. However, marijuana remains banned at the federal level. While some states may allow the use of CBD, others do not. Always consult your state’s medical licensing guidelines to determine if you can use CBD oils for pain relief.
Is It Safe to Use CBD Oils?
The safety of CBD oils depends on the product you buy. It would help if you obtained your CBD oils from reputable companies which provide high-quality CBD oils with no side effects. Additionally, you can enjoy premium health benefits when you patronize such brands.
It would help if you leveraged the official brand websites when placing your orders for those CBD oils. You need to use the brand’s official website to avoid scams, and most reputable brands have secure payment platforms to help you securely pay for their products. Furthermore, you can enjoy certain benefits such as discounts and free shipping when you use the official brand website.
Will CBD Oils Cure My Arthritis?
CBD oils do not cure arthritis. However, these oils help to manage the pain you feel while experiencing arthritis. It would help if you shunned brands that painted CBD oils as potent cures for arthritis. Such brands may only be after your money. Also, you need to understand that CBD oils are not miracle cures; thus, it may take a while before you experience complete pain relief after using the product.
Which CBD Product Offers the Best Benefits?
Many genuine products on the market offer the best benefits. These products can help you manage pain while also obtaining calming feelings. You may use these products for some time before experiencing the full benefits. If you notice that a product is not helping you manage your pain after continuous usage, you can try another product to see the outcomes. You can find the best CBD oil on the web.
The mistake most people make is combining these oils with other medications. You may not feel these oils’ effects if combined with other medicines. Thus, using these oils as standalone products is advisable instead of combining them with other treatments. There are strong CBD oils, You can find the strongest CBD oils in the market. Additionally, combining these oils with modern drugs may pose severe health risks.
Is It Mandatory to Experience Side Effects While Using CBD Products?
It is not mandatory to experience adverse effects while using CBD oils. Several factors could contribute to observable side effects of CBD oils. Firstly, you may experience effects if you do not follow the usage instructions. You must follow the dosage instructions if you don’t want to experience any harm while using these oils. Additionally, you could experience harmful effects if you use counterfeits. Not all CBD oils on the market come from genuine sources.
You can avoid such dangerous products by buying only from reputable brands. You should also not consume CBD oils if you have any underlying health issues. Thus, you may need to consult your health practitioner for professional medical advice if you use these products. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also abstain from using these products.
Key Takeaways
You can obtain relief by using CBD oils for pain management. These CBD oils offer several other benefits, including boosting your immune system and offering a relaxed feeling. While you can use CBD products to manage pain, it would seem inflationary to claim that these products help to cure pain.
In this article, we have highlighted the importance of these CBD oils on our overall health. Also, we have shown you how to use these oils to cure pain. For a better user experience, we suggest you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using these products. While you may not experience harm after using these oils, certain things may lead to side effects. If you have allergies, ensure to check these products before using them. In addition, always ask questions where you seem unclear before using any CBD oil product.
