Can CBD Alleviate Pain?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, offering potential relief from pain and inflammation. Many individuals with chronic pain explore CBD products like CBD oil and topical CBD pain relief creams to manage their symptoms. CBD oil may help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with various health conditions. Our customers have experienced relief from joint pain, arthritis, and muscle discomfort through CBD usage. However, due to cannabis testing restrictions, further research is needed to confirm the pain-relieving benefits of CBD oil. Nonetheless, the existing research on CBD products and pain management is promising. Importantly, CBD may serve as an alternative for individuals with chronic pain, reducing their reliance on habit-forming and risky medications like opioids.

CBD and Pain

Pain is a universal experience that affects everyone at some point in their lives. Chronic pain can be an ongoing discomfort or a debilitating condition. Opioids are commonly used for pain relief, but their habit-forming nature and severe side effects have led people worldwide to seek alternative solutions. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared opioid-related deaths an epidemic, with over 70% of drug-related fatalities in the USA involving opioids in 2019. It is clear that people are increasingly searching for alternative pain management approaches.

Many believe that CBD is an effective pain reliever, even though human studies on CBD and pain are limited due to restrictions on cannabis research. Nevertheless, the available research provides encouraging results. In the first human experimental pain study on CBD, researchers discovered that CBD genuinely alleviates pain, dispelling the initial belief that its effects were merely a placebo. Lead researcher Martin De Vita stated, "We observed improvements in pain measures resulting from the pharmacological effects of CBD... it was quite remarkable and surprising."

Using CBD for Pain Relief

There are various ways to use CBD for pain relief:

1. Ingesting it via capsules, tablets, or enjoying our delectable CBD gummies. This method involves digestion, which may take up to two hours for the CBD to enter your bloodstream.

2. Sublingual administration (under the tongue) using CBD oil. Allowing the product to absorb under your tongue preserves more of the CBD, providing faster results.

3. Topical application involves applying CBD creams directly to the skin, making it an excellent choice for localized pain relief, such as joint pain and arthritis. The massaging action while applying the cream may offer additional benefits.

CBD and Arthritis

Cannabinoids are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential benefits in alleviating inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with arthritis. Although animal studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, these effects require validation through high-quality human studies. Anecdotal evidence indicates that some individuals with arthritis who have tried CBD report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety.

Research on rats in 2016 and a study on dogs in 2018 showed significant reductions in both pain and inflammation related to arthritis with CBD use. More than 30 clinical trials are currently underway in Europe, exploring various conditions, including the potential benefits of CBD for arthritis in human patients. 

Pain and Athletes

Exercise subjects our bodies to both positive and negative stress. While training stress leads to adaptation and increased performance, physical trauma and wear and tear can result in injuries and pain. Athletes are increasingly turning to CBD as an alternative for pain relief and effective sports recovery.

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that CBD may offer chronic pain relief, making it beneficial for athletes. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can be risky for athletes, especially those participating in ultra-distance events, as they pose an increased risk of gastric trauma. CBD, with its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, could provide a safer alternative to NSAIDs for some athletes.