For many people, pain relief comes from either over-the-counter drugs, such as NSAIDs, or prescription medication that offers stronger, more permanent relief. However, both of these options don’t come without risks. Over-the-counter pain relievers have been linked to all sorts of side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea. Long-term use may also increase the risk of kidney and eye damage.
Prescription medications have their own set of concerns, the scariest being the ongoing opioid epidemic that has killed tens of thousands of people over the last few years. With all of this said, it’s no surprise that people have sought a healthier alternative for treating their pain. With the help of Green Health Docs, you can obtain a medicinal marijuana card if you want to treat pain, depression, and anxiety the natural way – without having to resort to addictive and harmful medications.
CBD has become the go-to, all-natural pain relief product. Here’s what you need to know about using CBD products for pain management.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is a compound that’s found in both the hemp and cannabis plants. Yes, you read that right. CBD can be harvested from the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. But, in order for a product to be legal in the U.S., the CBD must be sourced from hemp.
With that said, one of the biggest misconceptions about CBD is that it can get you high. But, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. This means you won’t be euphoric or feel as if you don’t have control of your mind. Instead, what CBD will make you feel is calm, relaxed, and like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders.
But that’s just one of the many benefits of CBD. While it can help to ease a stressed and anxious mind, it can also help in relieving all sorts of pain.
Is CBD Legal?
Because many people don’t differentiate between CBD and marijuana, many also falsely assume that the two are the same. But, ever since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD was legalized on a federal level. Of course, there are some state and local laws that apply, depending on where you live.
In order for a CBD product to be legal, it:
- Must be harvested from hemp
- Must contain no more than 0.3% THC
- Cannot be sold as a dietary supplement
Because the CBD industry is unregulated, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure that you’re buying a high quality product. Only quality products will deliver the pain relief you seek.
How CBD Relieves Pain
While there is still much to learn and understand about CBD, the way in which the compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system is thought to be why the cannabinoid has pain relieving properties.
Everyone has an endocannabinoid system. When CBD is ingested, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are in the brain and throughout the entire body. Receptors receive chemical signals and stimuli in order to help the cells properly respond.
When these receptors are activated, they create an anti-inflammatory response that offers pain relief and pain management. So whether you take PureKana CBD gummies, capsules, or try a topical product, you can expect relief from the pain that’s been plaguing you.
What Kind of Pain Can CBD Treat?
There have been all sorts of studies that prove CBD’s ability to relieve all sorts of pain, including chronic pain, inflammation, and overall discomfort
In fact, a review of studies conducted from 1975 to 2018 found that CBD is effective in treating various types of pain, including neuropathic pain, cancer pain, and fibromyalgia. The cannabinoid can even offer relief to those suffering from joint pain, muscle pain, migraines, and much more.
Research on CBD for pain relief and pain management has been promising thus far. The compound serves as a great alternative for people who rely on medications in order to minimize pain and discomfort. But by using CBD, patients don’t have to worry about side effects or taking a habit-forming drug that could eventually lead to addiction and/or dependence.
Tips for Using CBD for Pain Management
If you’ve never taken CBD before, there are some tips you’ll want to follow in order to experience the best results.
Choose the Right Product
Over the last few years, the market has been flooded with CBD products, and there’s no shortage of options. CBD products can be applied to the skin, taken orally, or inhaled. Each option has its benefits, and at the end of the day, how you take CBD is a personal decision.
Topical Application
For muscle aches and joint pain, topical CBD may offer the relief you seek. Topical products include creams, lotions, and balms, which are applied to the skin. These products often contain other pain-relieving ingredients such as:
- Capsicum
- Camphor
- Menthol
Topical CBD is a great option for those seeking quick relief.
By Mouth
When taking CBD by mouth, it is swallowed and absorbed through the digestive tract. CBD is available in capsule form, as well as gummy, tincture, and many others. When taken orally, CBD absorption is slow, so effects may not be fault for a few hours.
The quickest way to feel the effects after taking CBD orally is by using a tincture. The CBD oil is placed under the tongue and then swallowed.
Dosing CBD
According to CBD research site, CBDGrade, there are no established guidelines for how much CBD you need in order to get the results you seek. The best way to find your sweet spot is to go low and slow. Start with a small dosage, such as 2-10mg, and take note of how you feel and if your pain lessens. Increase the dosage over the course of several weeks, and maintain the dosage that offers pain relief.
At the end of the day, when dosing CBD, it’s generally all about trial and error. When you find your ideal dosage, you’ll know it.
Work with a Medical Expert
There are many factors that not only influence how much CBD you need, but whether or not CBD is safe for you to take. It’s best to start CBD only after getting clearance from a medical professional.
This is because CBD has caused negative interactions with certain prescription medications. By getting medical clearance, you can avoid any negative side effects and instead get the all-natural relief that you’ve always wanted.
