Does Using CBD Oil for Pain Relief Work?
Cannabis (hemp and marijuana) plants naturally contain a kind of chemical known as a cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD). The “high” sensation often associated with cannabis is not what CBD produces. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a distinct cannabinoid, is responsible for that sensation.
Some persons with chronic pain treat their symptoms with topical CBD products, particularly CBD oil. CBD oil might lessen:
- Inflammation
- pain
- general discomfort linked to several medical disorders
The results of the study on CBD products and pain relief are encouraging.
For those people with chronic pain who rely on opioids, which may be habit-forming and have more severe side effects, CBD may provide an alternative. Additional study is required to confirm the pain-relieving properties of CBD oil and other products.
Only Epidiolex, a drug used to treat epilepsy, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a CBD product.
There are no CBD products that are over-the-counter and FDA-approved. They are not governed by the same standards for dose and quality as other medications.
CBD for treating persistent pain
The endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling mechanism, is present in everyone (ECS).
According to some studies, endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system, a vital part of the ECS, are thought to interact with CBD.
Your cells are covered with small proteins known as receptors. They help your cells react by receiving messages, mostly chemical ones, from various stimuli.
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are produced by this reaction, which aids in pain management. Therefore, CBD oil and other products may be helpful for those who have chronic pain, such as back pain.
A 2018 analysis evaluated CBD’s effectiveness in reducing chronic pain. Studies carried out between 1975, and March 2018 were examined. These studies looked at a range of pain kinds, including: fibromyalgia, neuropathic, and cancer pain.
These trials led researchers to conclude that CBD was safe and effective in treating various forms of pain.
The European Journal of Pain examined if CBD may assist persons with arthritis in controlling their pain using an animal model. For four days, researchers gave arthritic rats a topical CBD gel. Their researchers saw a substantial decrease in inflammation and discomfort symptoms without any extra adverse effects.
People who use CBD oil for arthritis may experience pain alleviation, but further human research must be conducted to verify these results.
2016 research examined the use of CBD in arthritic rats.
For four days straight, researchers gave CBD gel to rats. Either 6.2, 0.6, 3.1, or 62.3 milligrammes (mg) were administered to the rats each day. The damaged joints in the rats’ bodies showed less discomfort and inflammation. No overt adverse effects were seen.
Low dosages like 0.6 or 3.1 mg did not impact the rats’ discomfort levels. The scientists discovered that 6.2 mg/day was sufficient to lessen the rats’ discomfort and edema.
Furthermore, the results of the rats receiving 62.3 mg/day were comparable to those receiving 6.2 mg/day. They didn’t feel any less discomfort after receiving a much higher amount.
People with arthritis may benefit from the CBD gel’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Also read: How CBD Can Help With Allergies in Pets
CBD for the alleviation of cancer therapy
Some cancer patients also take CBD. According to studies conducted on mice, CBD may cause malignant tumors to shrink. The majority of human trials, however, have focused on CBD’s potential for treating and preventing cancer-related pain.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has recommended CBD as a viable treatment for alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite
Oral sprays containing a THC-CBD compound were given to research participants in a 2010 investigation of the pain associated with cancer. The THC-CBD extract was given in conjunction with opioids. According to this research, utilizing the section instead of just the opioids offered more effective pain alleviation.
Similar results were seen in a 2013 trial on THC and THC-CBD oral sprays. In this study as well, several researchers from the 2010 study participated. There is still a need for further proof.
CBD for the treatment of migraines
There aren’t many studies on CBD and headaches. Studies now available examine CBD when combined with THC rather than when it is taken alone.
However, results from 2017 research suggest that CBD and THC may help migraine sufferers experience less acute and less severe pain.
Some participants in this two-phase trial ingested two different substances in combination. One molecule has 9% CBD and almost no THC. The second substance had a THC content of 19%. There were oral dosages.
In phase I, there was no effect on pain when the doses were less than 100 mg. Acute discomfort decreased by 55% when the dosages were raised to 200 mg.
Participants in phase II who received the CBD and THC mixture had a 40.4 percent reduction in migraine episode frequency. The dosage was 200 milligrams per day.
The mixture of chemicals was marginally more efficient than 25 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. In the study’s subjects, amitriptyline decreased migraine episodes by 40.1 percent.
Only participants with a history of childhood migraines had pain alleviation from the combination of CBD and THC chemicals for cluster headaches.
Side Effects of CBD
The majority of topical CBD products do not enter the bloodstream, and CBD does not pose any significant risks to users.
The following adverse effects, however, are possible:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- alterations in appetite
- variations in weight
CBD may affect: a few OTC medicines, prescription meds, and nutritional supplements
If prescription drugs or dietary supplements include a “grapefruit warning,” proceed with care. CBD and grapefruit both disrupt the enzymes necessary for drug metabolism.
Similar to other medications and dietary supplements, CBD may make your liver more toxic.
According to research on mice, liver damage was more likely to occur when exposed to cannabis extract high in CBD. Some of the mice, nevertheless, had been given extremely high doses of the CBD-rich cannabis extract by force.
Also read: Researchers Identify High-Efficiency Strategies Used By Cannabis Cells To Produce Cannabinoids
CBD is it legal?
Federal law makes hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) lawful, but specific state laws still prohibit their use. CBD products made from marijuana are forbidden under federal law. However, they are permitted by particular state regulations. Verify local and national laws everywhere you go. Remember that nonprescription CBD products may not be appropriately labeled and are not FDA-approved.
Some businesses may attempt to get away with using the phrases “hemp” and “CBD” interchangeably since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate cannabidiol (CBD) goods the same way they do pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. However, there are noticeable differences between the two.
CBD vs. Hemp
Hemp oil and CBD oil have significantly distinct chemical compositions. Hemp oil or hempseed oil is produced only from the seeds of the cannabis plant, as opposed to CBD oil, which is made from all plant components. CBD does not exist in hemp seeds. CBD oil, not hempseed oil, is required for CBD gummies to be considered legitimate.
Although it sounds like a simple differentiation, some businesses misrepresent hemp candies as CBD gummies. It might be simple to believe the false claim if you don’t check closely at the components.
Pros
Tasty. Compared to other CBD products, gummies often have a superior flavor.
More durable than topicals. CBD gummies take some time to work since they are consumed and land in the stomach. But such results often persist for hours.
Simple to use chew and pop a gumball. Simple dose and measurement are sufficient.
Cons
Onset takes time. Although the long-lasting advantages of edible CBD products may be a bonus, the fact that they take longer to function might be inconvenient. This is especially true if CBD is new to you and you don’t experience any effects right away. Hours will pass before you can see whether it’s truly functioning.
Doesn’t focus on a particular region. Unlike topicals, which target specific areas of the body, CBD gummies work best for whole body benefits.
Choose High Quality Products
There are several of CBD products available that are of poor quality. To ensure you get high-quality goods, you should research before making a purchase.
Ingredients
Reading the ingredient list before purchasing hempseed oil or CBD candies is crucial. Typically, hempseed oil should only have one component. However, the flavor may sometimes be included.
Some CBD candies include other substances like melatonin or lemon balm to enhance their effects or improve their taste. It’s essential to see a doctor before using a CBD product with one of these extra chemicals since little is known about how CBD interacts with vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Do you get high with CBD?
The effects of CBD, a completely distinct chemical from THC, are pretty complicated. The body is influenced to utilize its endocannabinoids more efficiently, yet it does not cause a “high” or impede functioning.
CBD oil concentrations
There are various concentrations of chemical components in many cannabis plant species, including hemp and marijuana.
The amount of CBD in the plant depends on how it is bred. Industrial hemp, which often has a greater CBD concentration than marijuana, is where the majority of CBD oil originates from.
Different techniques are used by CBD oil producers to extract the substance. The extract is then mixed with CBD oil, a carrier oil.
Takeaway
Although there isn’t enough evidence to say that CBD or CBD oil is the best way to treat pain, experts believe these products have a lot of promise.
Many patients with chronic pain may find relief from CBD products, which don’t lead to drug dependency or intoxication.
People use CBD oil in a variety of ways and it has a wide range of benefits. It is essential to see a doctor before consuming CBD oil. If you wish to try CBD for chronic pain, talk to your doctor first. They may assist you in choosing the appropriate initial dose.
