Does CBD oil work for pain? CBD, i.e., cannabidiol is one of the prevalent compounds in cannabis plants. It’s normally sourced from industrial hemp for wellness purposes. Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been an increase in the use of CBD for wellness. CBD has many uses, especially in the wellness sector, due to its many health properties. This article offers an overview of CBD Oil for Pain, its effectiveness, how it works, and the safety profile of this organic plant extract.
Using CBD Oil for Pain: Is It Effective?
CBD is a cannabinoid extract and one of the over 100 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. It normally contains many health properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. These features have made it one of the most sought-after sources of alternative therapy. User reviews and preliminary research reports indicate that CBD can potentially manage pain and inflammation in the human body.
What Does the Research Say?
Before considering how to use CBD oil for pain, it’s important to know what the research says. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t create the “high” euphoric feeling. Research studies indicate that CBD normally works in conjunction with other cannabinoids in the body. It works by enhancing the influence of receptor systems found in the endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating homeostasis. Preliminary research results indicate that the compound works to improve mood and reduce pain perception.
How CBD Works To Alleviate Pain
Pre-clinical studies that involve rat subjects indicate that CBD can inhibit the release of glutamate and other types of inflammatory agents. Besides that, it has also been established that it can also reduce dulling sensations such as burning, prickling, and tingling, which are usually associated with neuropathic pain.
The effectiveness of CBD in alleviating pain has also been attributed to the compound’s antioxidant properties. It should be noted that the antioxidants are highly effective in neutralizing the tissue-damaging chemicals that normally cause inflammation.
It’s worth noting that some researchers have found that CBD can interact with certain brain receptors that are found in the immune system. These receptors are also responsible for the body’s natural response to pain and inflammation. By interacting and enhancing their effectiveness in managing pain, CBD can effectively provide the body with lasting pain relief.
How To Use CBD Oil for Pain Relief
How you use CBD oil for pain depends on the source of pain and the effects you want to experience. Generally, if you are dealing with joint or muscle pain, the best way to use CBD is through topical application. This method usually provides a faster and more potent way of experiencing the benefits of the cannabinoid compound. Note that topical application usually produces localized effects, making it effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with stiff and achy joints or muscles. Other methods include:
- Orally: You can ingest CBD in the form of edible gummies. Besides that, you can mix CBD oil with your favorite food or beverage. Oral ingestion has proved to be highly effective in dealing with chronic pain since it usually provides the body with lasting effects. Some people may also opt to use capsules or soft gels with water.
- Sublingually: It’s a suitable technique for those seeking almost instant effects. Unlike oral consumption, which involves CBD undergoing the process of digestion, sublingual intake allows CBD to find its way into the bloodstream easily. It involves the application of the CBD oil drops under the tongue, and the effects normally kickstart after 5-15 minutes.
Finding the Effective Dose
“How much CBD oil should I take for pain?” Well, this is a question that many people usually deal with. After picking the best CBD oil for pain, it’s important to find the effective dose. But when it comes to CBD oil for pain dosage, it’s usually trial and error. This is because many factors usually determine the right dosage. They include weight, metabolism, age, the severity of pain, and others. For instance, individuals weighing 60 kg and 75 kg will take different CBD doses to attain almost similar effects.
The general recommendation is to start low and gradually work your way up until you find what works for you. If you start with 20 mg, you can gradually increase the amount after every 2-3 days by 5 mg until you find the appropriate dosage and produces the desired effects. Understand that one CBD serving for a person will produce different effects for the next person. Your goal should be to experiment and find a customized dose that will work for you.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Pain Relief?
CBD has a generally safe profile, which is why it’s quite popular. However, the medical cannabis market is widely unregulated, which means you can purchase potentially harmful products. If you want a higher level of safety guarantee, then it’s important to choose the best rated CBD oil for pain. But this doesn’t completely negate the fact that different people can react differently to similar CBD products. So, it’s still possible to experience unwanted side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Increased skin sensitivity
In case of potential side effects, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts
CBD and related products are certainly among the most sought-after alternative sources of medicine. CBD normally works with the endocannabinoid system to promote a sense of wellness. It eliminates the free damaging radicals from the body and inhibits pain perception. Even though research is still in the preliminary stages, evidence suggests that CBD can be used as an effective alternative source of medicine. You simply have to experiment with the product to find the right dose that suits your needs. You can use CBD in multiple ways since it has a versatile profile. This includes oral intake that normally produces lasting effects and is ideal for chronic pain. Besides that, you can apply CBD topically or sublingually.
