Cannabis (hemp and marijuana) plants naturally contain a cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD). The "high" feeling frequently associated with cannabis is not what CBD produces. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a different kind of cannabinoid, is responsible for that sensation.
CBD oil may lessen the symptoms of several medical conditions: pain, inflammation, and general discomfort.
The results of the research on CBD products and pain relief are promising!
For those who suffer from chronic pain and depend on drugs like opioids, which can be habit-forming and have more significant adverse effects, CBD may provide an option. More research is required to confirm the pain-relieving properties of CBD oil and other products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only authorized Epidiolex, a medication used to treat epilepsy, as a CBD product.
There are no CBD products that are over-the-counter and FDA-approved. They are not subject to the same purity and dosage regulations as other medicines.
Keep reading to find out more about how using CBD for pain management might be beneficial. If there's a possibility for your situation, you can also discuss it with your doctor.
CBD for Treating Chronic Pain
The endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling mechanism, is present in everyone (ECS).
According to some researchers, endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system, which are a vital part of the ECS, are thought to interact with CBD.
Your cells are covered in small proteins known as receptors. They help your cells react by receiving signals, primarily 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 experience chronic pain, such as back pain.
A 2018 review evaluated CBD's effectiveness in reducing chronic pain. Studies carried out between 1975 and March 2018 were examined. These studies looked at a variety of pain kinds, including:
Neuralgic discomfort
Fibromyalgia
These trials led researchers to conclude that CBD was safe and effective at treating various forms of pain.
CBD for Arthritis
A 2016 study examined the usage of CBD in arthritis-prone rats.
Researchers gave rats CBD gel for four days in a row. The rats were given either 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, or 62.3 milligrams (mg) daily. The damaged joints in the rats' bodies showed less discomfort and inflammation. No overt adverse effects were present.
Low doses of 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 outcomes of the rats receiving 62.3 mg/day were comparable to those of the rats receiving 6.2 mg/day. They didn't feel any less pain after receiving a significantly higher amount.
People with arthritis may benefit from the CBD gel's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. More human investigations are yet required.
CBD for the Alleviation of Cancer Therapy
Some cancer patients also take CBD. According to studies conducted on mice, CBD can cause malignant tumors to shrink. The majority of human trials, however, have focused on CBD's potential for treating and preventing cancer-related pain.
CBD has been suggested by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a potential treatment for easing the side effects of chemotherapy, including discomfort, nausea, and lack of appetite.
Oral sprays containing a THC-CBD compound were given to research participants in a 2010 investigation of the pain associated with cancer. Opioids were administered in conjunction with the THC-CBD extract. According to this study, using the extract instead of just the opioids alone 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, many researchers from the 2010 study participated. There is still a need for more 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 used alone.
Results from a 2017 study, however, suggest that CBD and THC may help migraine sufferers experience less acute and less intense pain.
Some participants in this two-phase trial ingested two different substances in combination. One molecule has 9% CBD and essentially no THC. The other substance had a THC content of 19%.
Oral Administration of the Doses
When the doses were less than 100 mg in phase I, there was no effect on pain. Acute discomfort decreased by 55% when the doses were raised to 200 mg.
Participants in phase II who received the CBD and THC mixture experienced a 40.4 percent reduction in migraine attack frequency. 200 mg was the daily dose.
The mixture of chemicals was marginally more efficient than 25 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. In the study's subjects, amitriptyline reduced migraine attacks by 40.1 percent.
Only participants with a history of childhood migraines experienced pain alleviation from the combination of CBD and THC chemicals for cluster headaches.
Side effects of CBD
Most topical CBD products do not enter the bloodstream, and CBD does not present consumers with any substantial hazards.
However, some adverse effects, like weariness, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight changes, are possible.
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals, prescription drugs, and nutritional supplements may interact with CBD.
If prescription drugs or dietary supplements have a "grapefruit warning," proceed cautiously. 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 a study on mice, liver damage was more likely to occur when exposed to cannabis extract high in CBD. Some of the mice, nevertheless, had been fed substantial doses of the CBD-rich cannabis extract by force.
The Takeaway
Although there isn't enough evidence to say that CBD or CBD oil is the best way to treat pain, researchers believe these products have a lot of potential.
Many people with chronic pain may find relief from CBD products, which don't lead to drug dependence or intoxication.
Consult your doctor if you want to try CBD for chronic pain. They can assist you in choosing the appropriate initial dosage.
