What is CBD?
CBD, known as one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, is distinct from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); the latter being responsible for the psychological effects of “high” commonly associated with marijuana. Unlike THC however, CBD does not have psychoactive properties and does not cause its user to feel high when consumed on its own.
Our intricate neuromuscular structure is comprised of a plethora of chemicals, and the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS) works to modulate them. Recent studies have proposed that cannabinoids like CBD interact with this ECS to support regulation in numerous physiological functions such as pain management.
Is CBD legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill officially excluded hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, paving the way for some CBD products containing less than 0.3 percent THC to be deemed federally legal. Nevertheless, those with more than 0.3 percent THC remain illegal on a federal level yet may still be permissible based on certain state laws – so always bear this in mind when venturing out of town! Additionally, keep in mind that no nonprescription CBD product has been approved by the FDA; furthermore, multiple items may come with inaccurate labelling or descriptions.
Is CBD effective in pain management?
The body produces two key types of naturally occurring lipids, referred to as endogenous cannabinoids: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Moreover, there are exogenous cannabinoids that come from external sources. These can be found in many different plants such as cannabis sativa or hemp—both used for their medicinal properties.
Cannabis plants contain an array of exogenous cannabinoids, with some examples including:
- CBD
- THC
- cannabichromene
- cannabigerol
Cannabinoids, regardless of their origin, bind to endocannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells. Both CB1 and CB2 are two types of these receptors that act as mediators in producing cell responses when stimulated by cannabinoids. This reaction can affect pain pathways throughout our bodies and contribute to analgesic effects.
Although CBD does not associate robustly with endocannabinoid receptors, a study on mice revealed that it could interact with neurological receptors in the vertebral column to suppress long-term inflammatory agony. Furthermore, CBD may increase AEA’s effects; an endogenous cannabinoid which reduces pain.
In a 2018 study with seven individuals who experienced chronic pain due to kidney transplants, researchers found that CBD had promising results in managing their symptoms. Out of the six participants, all reported improvements in their pain levels after taking different doses of CBD. One individual demonstrated more discomfort when they consumed higher dosages but experienced the most relief at a lower dosage.
In a groundbreaking 2015 study, researchers discovered that applying CBD topically to mice could significantly reduce joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis. Successful doses ranged from 6.2 mg up to 62 mg per day in the animals tested.
Although more comprehensive research, such as big-scale clinical trials with high quality standards, is yet required to completely validate the efficacy of CBD for managing pain relief, preliminary studies suggest that this natural compound may be helpful. Furthermore, a study conducted in 2021 found participants had positive attitudes towards CBD treatments and experienced favorable results while utilizing it to treat their pain related conditions.
How to safely use CBD for treating pain
CBD comes in several different forms, including:
- oils and tinctures
- gummies
- oral capsules or pills
- creams, balms, and salves
- topical patches
For those looking to feel the effects of CBD quickly, now there’s an option: ingestible gummies and capsules. On the other hand, if you’d rather apply directly to problem areas instead of taking orally, topical CBD products offer just that – simply lather onto tired muscles or painful joints and reap the rewards fast!
CBD oils and tinctures offer an unparalleled versatility, typically arriving in a tinted glass bottle with a dropper. Utilizing this form of CBD can be done either by adding it to food or drinks or simply placing the drops under your tongue – hold it for up to one minute before ingestion! To ensure best results, always pay attention to the dosage instructions found on the product label.
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