Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. CBD doesn’t cause the “high” often associated with cannabis. This intoxicating feeling is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a different type of cannabinoid. CBD can provide various health benefits. Also, it interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in signalling body functions, from emotional responses to energy balance. Over the last two decades, studies have shown CBD’s efficacy as an analgesic or painkiller with promising results.
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Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits of CBD for pain!
CBD For Pain Relief
As of now, no CBD medications are approved as painkillers in the U.S. However, Epidiolex, which is used for the treatment of epilepsy, is the only CBD medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Meanwhile, many countries have approved CBD to treat certain conditions like sclerosis and cancer pain. Ongoing research states that CBD oil for pain can help medical issues, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Although some pain may not be treatable by CBD, it can help when paired with THC or western medications.
Interestingly, 60% of U.S. adults consuming CBD products do so for its potential pain-relieving effects.
CBD For Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is any pain lasting longer than several months. Studies have found CBD, along with THC, is an effective pain reliever for various chronic pain.
In clinical trials, Sativex, a spray having equal parts of CBD and THC, proved successful as an analgesic for cancer pain. The spray, also used for multiple sclerosis pain, treats cancer pain. It is currently undergoing trials for approval and uses in the U.S.
A 2019 study states Sativex to be an “effective and well-tolerated add-on treatment” for patients with severe chronic pain. The study also identified three types of pain: nociceptive (affecting body tissue), neuropathic (nerves-related), and mixed pain. Sativex helped treat all these three kinds. However, it proved effective, especially against neuropathic pain.
CBD For Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a broad term that depicts hundreds of joint-related conditions and pains. Some common symptoms include swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints that may progress over time.
CBD shows favorable results as anti-inflammatory medication in both animal and preclinical trials. However, clinical trials dedicated to CBD administration for arthritis are less robust and ongoing.
The first trial conducted in 2006 focused on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Scientists found that Sativex improved pain during movement, pain at rest, and quality of sleep. Any negative reactions to the treatment were mild or moderate. Plus, there were no complications with withdrawal.
In 2018 scientists tested the efficacy of topical CBD gel on people with osteoarthritis knee pain over the course of 12 weeks. Participants utilized 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams, split into two applications daily. In general, participants’ weekly pain levels didn’t improve much with the use of CBD as compared to placebo. But, when researchers tested the average weekly pain scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function scores, participants who applied 250 milligrams of CBD daily achieved improvement over placebo participants.
Furthermore, a 2019 trial suggests a mix of CBD and THC may prove beneficial for people with fibromyalgia, a type of arthritis that results in whole-body pain and fatigue. The study found that, through a single inhalation, a CBD-THC medication performed better than a placebo.
CBD for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is termed as conditions and injuries that damage nerves or the nervous system. This kind of pain results in tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and a sharp, shooting, burning or stabbing pain.
Multiple sclerosis is one of the common causes of neuropathic pain. This disease wears down myelin, a mixture of proteins and phospholipids that coats nerve cells. Sativex is already backed as an M.S. treatment around the world due to its success in clinical trials. Studies support a median dose of eight sprays a day for patients with M.S., which provides about 20 milligrams of CBD and 21.6 milligrams of THC. However, doses vary between patients, and each person needs to find their optimal dose.
Likewise, a 2020 study tested topical CBD oil as a treatment for patients with peripheral neuropathy or damage to the peripheral nervous system. Unlike placebo, the topical CBD significantly reduced patients’ chronic and intense pain, as well as cold and itchy sensations.