CBD for Pain: Benefits, Risks, How to Use

Treating different types of aches, acute or chronic, is generally done with pain medication. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD) is drawing the attention of people looking for alternative products to help them find relief.

Dealing with physical pain is common in Thailand. Research shows that 30 percent of the population has physical limitations due to chronic lower back pain.

Since Thailand has legalized medical cannabis, it has given people access to CBD products for pain relief. The effects of using CBD on the human body are being looked at closer than ever, thanks to promising results. This guide will tell you all you need to know before using CBD to help with your pain relief needs.

Understanding how CBD helps with pain

Cannabidiol is one of the main cannabinoids found in marijuana. Unlike THC, the chemical that gets you high, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive.

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, among other important bodily functions.

This cannabinoid has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for managing pain. CBD also affects neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in pain perception. Additionally, it activates TRPV1 receptors, which play a role in ache regulation.

Mentioned below is a summary of scientific research on how CBD can help with different types of pain.

Condition	How CBD can help
Back Pain	Reduces inflammation, alleviates discomfort, promotes muscle relaxation
Headache	Offers analgesic properties, reduces inflammation, calms tension
Knee Pain	Provides anti-inflammatory benefits, alleviates swelling and stiffness
Joint Pain	Reduces inflammation, relieves joint pain, improves mobility
Menstrual Pain	Alleviates cramps, reduces inflammation, promotes relaxation

Chronic pain

CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic interactions in the human body, which is promising for those who suffer from acute and chronic aches. It has shown particularly strong results for people with fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, and seizure disorders.

Many studies are showing promising results from using CBD for various types of pain. The signs indicate improved quality of life, improvement in sleep, and reduced chronic pain.

Cancer pain

Pain from cancer can come from the disease itself or the chemotherapy it takes to get rid of it. It can often cause nausea and a loss of appetite, which can affect your overall health.

CBD can help patients manage the symptoms of cancer and improve their quality of life. Evidence suggests CBD can relieve cancer pain, ease the side effects of chemo, and potentially reduce harmful cell growth.

The therapeutic actions of CBD – like anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant – can also help cancer patients live better. Cannabidiol can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve sleep, and support palliative care.

Neuropathic pain

CBD has shown promise as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain – though, like other things, more research is needed.

Neuropathic pain arises from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, and it can be chronic and challenging to manage.

A study conducted in 2012 found that cannabidiol has the ability to target and suppress specific receptors that are linked to nerve pain.

The same was further validated in a couple of other studies published eight years later. Researchers found that CBD oil, when massaged on affected areas, led to drastic improvements in pain and other discomforts for patients with peripheral neuropathy. Similarly, cannabidiol was also found to regulate immune responses that can help reduce nerve pain and ease symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Arthritis pain

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that can negatively impact your quality of life. Chronic arthritis can limit movement and cause aches all over the body.

Modern medicine works by relieving inflammation and blocking ache receptors. The analgesic properties of CBD are showing promising results as an effective and safe alternative treatment for rheumatic diseases, according to the Arthritis Foundation of New South Wales.

A recent review study conducted in 2022 added more evidence to support the use of CBD for arthritis and joint pain. The study found that CBD was linked to improvements in pain levels, sleep quality, and physical functioning in patients with these conditions.

Less dependence on opioids

Presently, acute and chronic pain are usually dealt with using prescription medication. Opioid pain medication works well to eliminate the pain but often causes the person to get addicted to it.

According to a study, there was a 64% decrease in opioid use by participants, which resulted in a better quality of life. There is still a lot of research to be done regarding cannabidiol’s effectiveness in reducing reliance on opiate medication.

What CBD products should you use for pain?

Medical cannabis can be consumed in various ways, making it accessible to the majority of people.

But how do you know which product is right for you? The search begins by learning what cannabidiol products are used for pain. Understanding the pros and cons of each method and selecting the one that aligns with your preferences and pain relief goals is crucial.

Oils

CBD oil is generally taken under the tongue or mixed with beverages. They provide quick absorption into the bloodstream for fast relief (within 15-60 minutes). Tinctures will be marketed differently depending on the extraction process.

For example, cannabidiol isolate is only cannabidiol and nothing else. Full-spectrum CBD includes relevant terpenes and other cannabinoids. You can find a list of top cannabidiol tinctures in Thailand on Weed Review.

Edibles & gummies

Incorporating cannabidiol into your food is a delicious way to take it for pain relief. Edibles can be in the form of baked goods, gummies, and chocolate.

Edibles take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours or more to produce any effects. The benefit is that you will enjoy relief for much longer than with other consumption methods. The CBD edibles market in Thailand is limited at the moment, but Chanabis has done well in meeting the CBD demands of its customers.

Flower

CBD flowers can be vaporised or smoked to provide relief. There are many strains to choose from that incorporate their cannabinoids and terpene profiles. The pain relief effects do not last for that long, however.

Look for a high-CBD strain like Harlequin or Charlottes Angel CBD for fast ache relief – but be mindful that smoking is associated with its own set of problems.

Topicals

Cannabidiol topicals allow you to use a targeted approach for localised pain. These products are absorbed through the skin, which provides pain relief. You can use CBD oils as topicals – but you may need a higher dose – say upwards of 1,000 mg – for better effects.

Alternatively, you can look for dedicated CBD creams and balms designed specifically for topical use.

Effective strategies for taking CBD for pain management

When it comes to harnessing the potential of CBD for pain, the way you approach it can make a huge difference in achieving desired results. Here is a detailed guide on how to use CBD for pain.

The good news is CBD is non-psychoactive, well-tolerated in all doses, and has a good safety profile. With a little bit of practice and research, cannabidiol can be an effective pain remedy in your arsenal.

• Choose high-quality CBD products: Opt for reputable brands that prioritise quality ingredients and employ strict manufacturing processes.
• Review third-party lab tests: Thoroughly examine manufacturers’ lab reports or certificates of analysis (COAs).
• Experiment: Try different CBD products to find the one that works for you. If flowers do not suit you, try oils & gummies.
• Determine dosage: Start with a low CBD dosage and gradually increase it as needed, carefully monitoring the effects. There is no standard rule on how much CBD you need to take, as it varies from person to person.
• Use consistently: CBD may require time to build up in the body and produce noticeable effects.
• Listen to your body: Everyone’s response to CBD is unique, so pay attention to how your body reacts to different products and dosages.
• Speak to your doctor: Consulting with a doctor or CBD specialist can provide valuable guidance in determining the optimal dosage for your specific pain condition.

The effectiveness of CBD depends on the person’s biology, metabolism, tolerance & sensitivity, and other individual factors.

Things like dosage, timing, and the duration of effects, will differ from person to person. Using CBD is a personal journey, where each person needs to explore and adjust their approach to find the right balance for their specific needs.

Potential side effects of using CBD

As with any form of medication, it is important to understand the risks associated with it. While cannabidiol is generally considered safe for consumption, there have been some reported side effects, such as:

• Increased heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Stomach upset/diarrhoea

Drug interactions

CBD can interact with pain medications, affecting how they are broken down in the body. When taken regularly together, it can potentially lead to higher (or lower) levels of drugs in the bloodstream. This can have implications for the effectiveness and safety of the medications taken alongside CBD.

It is crucial to be mindful of these potential interactions and consult with a doctor to ensure a safe combination of CBD and medications.

Conclusion

In the quest to understand the link between medical marijuana and pain, CBD shows great promise. More studies are coming forward showing the benefits of using these products to improve your quality of life.

Ensure that you talk to a doctor before starting any sort of treatment using cannabidiol products – especially if it is for medical purposes.

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