CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive chemical compound in both cannabis and hemp plants. As per the Farm Bill of 2018, only hemp-derived CBD products are legal countrywide. However, to access high-THC products, you require a medical cannabis card Palmdale.
CBD oils are effective in managing pain, inflammation, and discomfort related to various conditions. More chronic pain patients prefer CBD topicals to get localized relief. However, research suggests that cannabidiol can be helpful for athletes participating in intense workouts.
Also Read- Can CBD Increase Your Sports Performance?
How does CBD work in relieving chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia pain, and pain associated with other conditions? Are there any side-effects of CBD use? Let’s discuss this in detail.
CBD For Managing Chronic Pain
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a cell-signaling system, which is responsible for regulating various processes in the body. These include memory, mood, metabolism, immune response, etc.
Cannabidiol attaches to certain cannabinoid receptors to produce various effects. The cannabinoid impacts the receptors indirectly i.e activating TRPV1 receptors, which control various functions such as pain, inflammation, etc.
Moreover, CBD increases the levels of anandamide by inhibiting FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.
So, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Since everyone has a different condition, so choosing the right CBD product and dosage is important.
In 2018, a review was conducted on studies published from 1975 to March 2018. It was focused on checking the effectiveness of CBD in managing chronic pain. Researchers concluded that CBD was effective in managing pain without causing any unpleasant side-effects.
Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Moreover, the participants didn’t build up a tolerance to CBD.
CBD For Managing Fibromyalgia Pain
Fibromyalgia is a condition that leads to pain, sleep problems, cognitive difficulties, etc. CBD’s medicinal properties can help in alleviating these symptoms.
CBD has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing swelling around the injury. This can help in managing pain.
Some fibromyalgia patients may experience neuropathic pain. And, according to a 2018 study, CBD may ease neuropathic pain, which is associated with damaged nerves.
Moreover, there’s a debate on whether patients should use CBD alone or in combination with other cannabinoids. A 2006 study found that CBD provided better results when used with THC.
Also, studies have found that a lack of endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS can lead to fibromyalgia pain and migraine. And, CBD can be effective in correcting the endocannabinoid deficiency, thus promoting wellness.
CBD For Managing Arthritis Pain
In all types of arthritis, pain is a primary symptom. So, arthritis treatment is aimed at managing pain, and other symptoms. CBD can help in reducing arthritis pain.
In a study published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers evaluated the effects of CBD in managing arthritis pain in animal models. They applied CBD gel to rats with arthritis for four days. The participants were reported a significant drop in pain and inflammation. No side-effects were reported.
A 2017 study published in the journal Pain determined whether CBD could help in preventing osteoarthritis pain and joint neuropathy. Researchers confirmed that cannabidiol is beneficial for both these symptoms.
However, more human studies are required to learn how exactly cannabidiol works for arthritis patients.
CBD For Managing Cancer-Related Pain
Many cancer patients use CBD. Animal studies have confirmed that cannabidiol can help shrink cancer-related tumors.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), CBD can be effective in reducing certain side-effects associated with chemotherapy. These include pain, inflammation, and appetite loss.
However, combining CBD with THC can provide better results. A 2010 study analyzed the effects of THC-CBD extract and opioids on patients with cancer-related pain. Researchers found that the THC-CBD extract was more effective in pain management.
CBD For Managing Migraine
Therapeutic properties of CBD can help in reducing headaches including migraines. Research on CBD for migraine relief is limited. However, studies on cannabis are available. According to a 2016 study, cannabis use can help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Since the research wasn’t specific to cannabidiol, more studies are required to evaluate the dosage and formulation.
CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which control immune function. For instance, the cannabinoid may help prevent the metabolization of anandamide, thus reducing the feelings of pain. To receive the full benefits of cannabidiol, make sure you get the right products and dosage.
How to Consume CBD For Pain Management
Inhale
You can inhale CBD using a vape pen. It delivers quick effects. You can find a wide range of CBD oils with different strengths from the CBD Store. However, inhalation of CBD oils may lead to unknown risks, especially for individuals with lung problems.
Apply on Skin
CBD topicals such as lotions and creams can be applied directly on the skin to receive localized relief. Since topical products also contain OTC ingredients such as menthol, capsaicin, etc., it may become difficult to determine the effects of CBD in pain management.
Swallow
When you swallow CBD capsules, gummies, etc. they are absorbed through the digestive tract. It’s important to note that this method delivers quite slow effects. Edibles take longer to kick in than other consumption methods. Many experts don’t recommend edibles because dosing is unreliable plus they don’t come in childproof containers.
Using tinctures, you can deliver CBD into the bloodstream. Just put a few drops of CBD tincture under the tongue and leave it for 1-2 minutes. You can feel the effects in 15-45 minutes.
CBD Side-Effects
CBD has medicinal properties that can help relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. However, it may lead to certain side-effects. Some of the common risks associated with cannabidiol use are—fatigue, diarrhea, appetite loss, and change in weight.
Additionally, CBD may interact with certain over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications to deliver adverse effects. For example, you should avoid taking cannabidiol with medications that have a grapefruit warning.
So, always talk to a licensed doctor before you start using CBD for pain management.
Key Takeaways
CBD is known for its ultimate pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabidiol can be effective in managing chronic pain, relieving anxiety, and promoting relaxation. Research says that CBD can help ease pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and cancer.
When it comes to CBD use for pain management, there are various methods available. You can swallow CBD using tinctures and edibles, inhale using a vape pen, or apply directly on the skin.
In the United States, hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal. Anything greater than that will be counted as marijuana, and you require a medical cannabis card Palmdale to access them. So, make sure you check the local laws before using CBD for managing your symptoms.
