CBD for Inflammation and Pain Management
With the rising popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), more and more people are curious about it. CBD is known for potentially aiding several health conditions, such as arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety, and cardiac problems. In this article, we focus on the benefits of CBD for pain management and inflammation. Let’s go through it together!
About CBD
CBD is a type of cannabinoid, a compound that naturally occurs in cannabis (hemp and marijuana) plants. A different kind of cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which contains psychoactive properties and is responsible for causing ‘high.’ Unlike THC, CBD does not cause any euphoric sensation and may help treat many ailments in humans and animals.
Some people use topical CBD products for pain management and inflammation because the research on pain management regarding CBD has been promising. Keep reading to know about the CBD for pain management and inflammation.
Does CBD Make You ‘High?’
As mentioned earlier, CBD is entirely different from THC and does not cause any ‘high.’ It influences the body to use its endocannabinoids more effectively.
A study was published in Neurotherapeutics that discussed the working of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and CBD. According to the study, it happens because CBD itself has little influence on the ECS. Instead, it inhibits or activates other compounds in the ECS. For instance, CBD prevents the absorption of anandamide in the body, substance which regulates pain. Therefore, enhanced levels of anandamide in the bloodstream may decrease the intensity of pain an individual experiences.
Not only that, but the CBD may also decrease inflammation in the spinal cord and brain, which may help people experiencing insomnia, pain, and specific immune-system responses.
Advantages of Using the CBD
CBD has been used for thousands of years to treat several types of pain, but it recently gained the attention of scientists and experts. Following are some of the potential advantages of consuming CBD.
Arthritis Pain
The European Journal of Pain carried out an animal model to see if the CBD could help individuals with arthritis manage their pain. Scientists applied a CBD topical gel to rats experiencing arthritis for four days. There was noticed a significant drop in pain and inflammation without any side effects.
People with arthritis may find relief in the CBD; however, more studies need to be conducted on human beings to support these results.
Multiple Sclerosis
It is an autoimmune condition in which the entire body experiences pain through the brain and nerves. The most common symptom of Multiple Sclerosis is muscle spasms. These spasms are sometimes so severe that they cause continuous pain in some individuals.
According to a report, short-term use of the CBD oil reduced the spasticity levels an individual experiences. The results are modest, and several individuals reported a decrease in symptoms. More research, however, is required to verify these results.
Chronic Pain
The same report studied the CBD use for a chronic pain condition. The results of multiple systematic reviews were compiled by the researchers, covering dozens of studies and clinical trials. With substantial evidence, it was concluded that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.
Another study was published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, which supports these results. According to this study, consuming the CBD lowers inflammation and pain in people. It was also found that subjects were not likely to build up a tolerance to the effects of the CBD, so they would not need to raise their dose constantly.
It was also noticed that the CBD may be helpful in new treatments for individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Other Uses
Presently, CBD offers a range of applications and promising possibilities. They are:
- Antipsychotic effects on people with schizophrenia
- Help with quitting smoking and drug addiction
- Anxiety treatment
- Lowering some of the effects of Alzheimer’s, as indicated by this study
Even though there needs to be more research to confirm some uses of the CBD, it indicates that the CBD may offer versatile treatments.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved one CBD based medication in 2018. This CBD medication a treatment for individuals with two rare kinds of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). The medicine is called Epidiolex.
Although CBD products derived from marijuana are not yet legal at the federal level, but are legal under the laws of some states. On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less are legal federally but are still illegal in certain states.
Hence, it is important that people check their state’s laws and those of anywhere they are planning to travel. Make sure to remember that the FDA does not regulate or approve nonprescription CBD products. It may result in inaccurate labeling.
Dosage
The FDA is still working on regulations for CBD, which is why dosages are presently open to interpretation, and individuals must take precautions. If you are planning to consume the CBD, you must first discuss it with your doctor.
Side Effects
People usually do not experience any adverse effects using the CBD. There are, however, some possible side effects.
A review was published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, which discussed the most common side effects of the CBD:
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in appetite
Moreover, consuming the CBD with other prescribed drugs may make those medications less or more effective. It is also stated that researchers have yet to study some aspects of the CBD, like how it affects hormones. More research will be helpful determining any adverse effects CBD causes on the consumer’s body.
Individuals considering consuming the CBD must speak to their doctors as their consultants will monitor the situation for any changes and make adjustments accordingly. Be sure to consult a doctor before you start using the CBD because it may interact with certain medicines and dietary supplements in the body.
Apart from that, the CBD may also interact with an enzyme known as cytochrome P450 complex. This disruption might cause difficulty in breaking down toxins in the liver, which will result in liver toxicity. The Epidiolex leaflet states that there is a risk of severe depression, liver damage, and lethargy. These effects, however, are experienced in other treatments of epilepsy, too.
CBD and other cannabinoids may also affect the lungs. According to a study in Frontiers in Pharmacology, anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids may lower inflammation significantly. Too much inflammation reduction may weaken the lungs’ defense system, raising the risk of lung infection.
Other Considerations
Most studies of the CBD come from adult trials. Scientists do not suggest the CBD for kids’ consumption since there is not enough evidence on the CBD effects on a child’s developing brain and body.
Individuals, however, may use Epidiolex for children aged two years or more for treating epilepsy. One must speak to a doctor if they think their child requires to use CBD for seizures. The use of CBD is also not advisable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Where to Buy CBD?
If you are looking for the original and best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.
Conclusion
Several multi-faceted studies have concluded that the CBD is useful for treating pain management and inflammation, but at the same time more research on this particular subject matter is required, particularly in regard to its long-term effects on humans.
CBD, however, indicates many potential benefits for pain relief. Anecdotal evidence advises that CBD may treat chronic pain in many cases. Furthermore, CBD is particularly a must-try compound due to its lack of intoxicating effects and lesser chances for adverse effects than most of the pain-relieving drugs. One must discuss CBD consumption with their doctor if they are using it for the first time.