CBD Oil’s popularity is through the roof. The industry is experiencing rapid growth as more and more people try the product and experience some of its potential benefits. Numerous studies have been performed that demonstrate CBD’s apparent ability to help people address a variety of physical and emotional ills, Further examination is unquestionably needed, many have found relief as a result of CBD use, and more studies are likely on the horizon.
One of CBD’s most promising potential uses is its ability to relieve pain, something that has been found in multiple scientific examinations and by many of its users.
How CBD Works At Pain Removal
CBD works by impacting the function of your body’s Endocannabinoid System. Everyone has an Endocannabinoid System, which consists of cannabinoid receptors (found throughout your body, including in all of your organs, muscles, and skin), naturally produced cannabinoids and the enzymes that break down the cannabinoids once a reaction is complete. Your Endocannabinoid System impacts a variety of physical and emotional sensations, including pain, stress, anxiety, appetite and more.
Normally, your body produces cannabinoids that bond with the cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout your body. Enzymes will break down the cannabinoids, ending the reaction and related physical or emotional sensations. CBD does not bind directly with cannabinoid receptors but appears to impact the bond between cannabinoids and their receptors, making the bond last longer. This, in turn, impacts the functioning of your Endocannabinoid System and may be associated with pain removal.
Scientific Research On CBD and Pain Relief
Again, more study is needed. At the moment, no CBD-related drugs have been approved by the FDA that are associated with pain removal. Indeed, the FDA has come down hard on companies that advertise that CBD can help reduce pain, noting that those claims are not accepted by current medical science, and ordering any company marketing as such to stop doing so immediately.
However, there is some scientific evidence that shows that CBD can help to reduce or eliminate pain under certain circumstances. For example:
- One study found that CBD is specifically associated with a self-reported reduction in nerve pain.
- A study in rats with arthritis found that CBD is associated with a reduction in apparent pain symptoms, decreased swelling and enhanced mobility.
- A review found that individuals with Multiple Sclerosis found a reduction of spasticity pain and symptoms after using CBD.
- Another review examined the available evidence and theory behind how CBD may help to reduce chronic pain, finding that evidence supported its use and potential to limit pain.
What To Do If You Want To Try CBD for Pain Relief
First and foremost, check with your doctor or medical professional. CBD is generally regarded as well-tolerated for people to use and is completely non-addictive. However, that doesn’t mean that it is ideal for everyone. For example, there are concerns over CBD and certain drug interactions, as CBD appears to suppress the production of a critical liver enzyme involved with medication absorption, potentially resulting in users absorbing dangerously high amounts of medication. Furthermore, there are concerns with CBD and its impact on liver function, which means that people who have certain liver problems may endanger their health by using CBD. As such, it is always safest to check with your doctor before trying CBD.
If you do purchase CBD, make sure to check its Certificate of Analysis first. A Certificate of Analysis is a test performed by a third-party vendor that can confirm the ingredients which are in the CBD batch you are looking to consume. Unfortunately, these tests are necessary. There are not currently any FDA regulations that require the labeling of CBD products, nor are there any governmental testing requirements that confirm the accuracy of CBD ingredients. As a result, dishonest vendors have ample opportunity to lie to consumers. A 2017 study by the University of Pennsylvania examined 81 CBD products and found that nearly 70% were mislabeled. Because of this, more reputable CBD companies have turned to use of Certificates of Analysis as a method of building trust with consumers are demonstrating their own transparency.
You should also consider what type of CBD you want to use. There are at least two types of CBD that have been reported as being useful for pain relief: Full Spectrum (which contains small amounts of THC, the cannabinoid in marijuana associated with intoxication) and Broad Spectrum (which contains no THC).
There is considerable debate within the CBD community about if THC is necessary to get the full impacts of CBD, an effect known as the Entourage Effect. While evidence over the Entourage Effect is mixed, it is apparent that consumption Full Spectrum CBD can result in a positive drug test. As such, people who are not allowed to have any THC in their system, or individuals who are drug tested, should use extreme caution when using CBD and should likely stick to Broad Spectrum.
Back to the central question: Can CBD help with pain? Some people have found that it can, and there is some scientific evidence to back up this concept. However, more study is needed, and you should absolutely check with a medical professional before trying CBD.
