There are a few research papers that show that people using CBD for pain find it effective. However, due to the illegal nature of marijuana, it is not easy to research in many countries. CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is an extract of marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike smoking cannabis, CBD oil does not give the "high" associated with marijuana.
CBD products, and especially CBD oil, are taken by people with chronic pain. The oil may reduce inflammation, pain, and any discomfort that comes with chronic diseases. Research in the use of CBD oil for pain management is promising thus far, but more research is needed. Instead of habit-forming opioids, most people prefer CBD oil which does not have THC, tetrahydrocannabinol. Read on to learn more about cannabis oil for pain.
CBD Oil For Pain: What The Research Says
According to research, using CBD oil for pain results in an interaction between the oil and the cell-signaling system in the human body. The endocannabinoid system, ECS, has receptors in your brain and your immune system. Receptors are minute proteins attached to body cells. These receptors receive chemical signals from different stimuli to help your body cells respond effectively.
The response from body cells creates a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect that helps you manage pain. When communication between receptors and other systems is interfered with, a person suffering from chronic pain feels relieved.
A reviewed conducted in 2018 assessed the benefits of CBD oil in relieving chronic pain. The review considered all studies on CBD oil conducted between 1975 and 2018. The studies evaluated the benefits of CBD oil for cancer pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. After the assessment, the researchers concluded that using CBD oil for pain management was effective. All you need to learn is how to use CBD oil for pain.
CBD Oil For Pain Caused By Arthritis
While more research will shed light on the effect of CBD oil on arthritis, a study conducted in 2016 on rats has shown that CBD oil can relieve pain caused by arthritis. The research involved applying CBD gel on rats for the four days in a row. During the duration of the study, the researchers observed that there was reduced inflammation and reduced pain in the joints of the rats. Again, the use of CBD for pain did not show any side effects on rats.
The researchers noted that rats that received low doses of between 0.6 and 3.1 mg were still in pain, while those that received about 6.2 mg per day showed significant improvement with less pain and inflammation. Again, rats that received 62.3 mg per day showed the same effects as rats that received 6.2 mg per day. The researchers thus concluded that receiving significantly high amounts of CBD oil did not have any better effect.
The research shows that CBD oil can relieve arthritis pain in humans, but more research on human beings is needed.
Cannabis Oil For Pain Related To Cancer
Many people with cancer use CBD for pain. According to research conducted on rats, CBD oil is effective in reducing the size of cancerous tumors and relieving pain. There are also studies in humans that have investigated the effect of using cannabis oil for pain for people undergoing cancer treatment.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), CBD has possible pain-relieving effects for people undergoing chemotherapy. It can reduce pain, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
Another study in 2010 combined opioids and THC-CBD extract on patients of cancer. The study concluded that using the extract made the pain after chemo more manageable than using opioids alone.
Cannabis Oil For Pain Management Due To Migraines
You can also use CBD oil for pain management when you have migraines, but studies on this are limited. Most studies that exist only show the effects of CBD when paired with THC.
A study conducted in 2017 indicated that when paired with THC, CBD can lead to acute and intense pain management for people with migraines. In the study, the participants took a dose of CBD with almost zero percent THC, while another group of participants took CBD with 19 percent THC. The latter group had better results with reduced pain levels. There are different ways on how to use CBD oil for pain. One of the ways is to vape it – you can learn more about vaping on the Vaporizerchief site.
Side Effects Of Using Cannabis Oil For Pain
CBD oil has fewer side effects than smoked marijuana thanks to the low amounts of THC in it. Again, most CBD products do not enter your bloodstream. However, you might experience certain side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, increased appetite, and changes in weight.
Using cannabis oil for pain may also cause interactions with prescribed medications, dietary supplements, and certain over-the-counter drugs. Before taking CBD oil, check that any supplements or drugs you are using do not have a "grapefruit warning" since grapefruit and CBD will interfere with drug metabolism.
Again, like many other drugs and supplements, you risk liver toxicity when you use CBD oil.
How To Use CBD Oil For Pain
There are different ways to use CBD, including edibles, mouth sprays, topicals, vaping, and smoking. You can opt for CBD oils with no THC at all, or you can smoke herbs with all the THC. Irrespective of how you use it, before using CBD for pain, consult your doctor. This is especially crucial if you are on prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Conclusion
More research is needed to tell the exact effects of CBD oil for pain management. While most people continue to use it, studies with human participants would show better results. Of all the CBD oil products on the market today, only Epidiolex is approved by the FDA.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. The writer will not be liable for how you use the information. Consult a doctor before smoking weed or essential herbs and consider the state or federal laws of your country of residence.