Chronic pain affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, prompting the ongoing search for safer, more effective pain management solutions. One treatment that has become increasingly popular is CBD oil. Does it work?
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 400 compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, also found in marijuana), CBD won't get you high. CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp, a type of cannabis that has low levels of THC. Once extracted, CBD is diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, to create CBD oil.
CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, including capsules that you can take by mouth, tinctures or sprays that you place under the tongue, oils, lotions, and creams that you apply to the skin, and CBD oil can also be vaped.
Can CBD oil help manage chronic pain?
CBD's potential to relieve chronic pain may be due in part to its anti-inflammatory properties, but it also interacts with dozens of different receptors in the body. CBD is thought to modulate the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including pain sensation, mood, and immune response. By influencing the ECS, CBD may provide a means to relieve pain and inflammation (which are often two sides of the same coin). Additionally, CBD may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, both of which indirectly contribute to pain relief.
Research into the effectiveness of CBD oil in managing chronic pain is still in its early stages, but the findings are promising. Some studies have shown promise that CBD may reduce pain and improve quality of life for people with a variety of chronic pain conditions.
A systematic review published in the journal Cureus analyzed multiple studies on CBD and pain management. The review concluded that CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. Another report study also concluded that CBD, along with other cannabinoids, could be an effective treatment option for managing chronic pain in adults.
Many of the studies included in the CBD research also looked at the pain relieving effects of cannabis, which contains both CBD and THC, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of CBD alone on chronic pain.
More research is needed to fully understand whether CBD is effective for pain management. Currently, the FDA has not approved CBD oil for the treatment of chronic pain. The only FDA-approved use of CBD is for certain pediatric epilepsy syndromes.
Is CBD oil safe?
CBD oil is generally considered safe. According to the World Health Organization, CBD is well tolerated by most people and has a good safety profile. However, it is wise to use CBD with caution and be open with your doctor about your CBD use. Side effects of CBD can include:
Mood changes such as fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, diarrhea, appetite or weight changes, dry mouth, and liver inflammation.
CBD may also interact with certain medications, as it may compete with liver enzymes and increase levels of other medications in the body. It is especially important to consult with a medical professional before starting CBD if you are taking other medications. The CDC recommends against using CBD during pregnancy.
With CBD products, quality and purity are big concerns. Because the market is completely unregulated, CBD products may not contain what's listed on the product label, and they may be contaminated with unwanted substances like THC (which can be dangerous if you're not expecting it, like while driving).
Buy your CBD oil from a trusted source that offers third-party lab-tested results to ensure the quality and safety of their products. These products come with a COA (Certificate of Analysis) to show that the label is accurate.
