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Cannabidiol (CBD), found in cannabis, is extracted from hemp that contains only a tiny amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD isn’t legalized at the federal level but is legalized under certain state laws and is available in a variety of forms: foods, oils, lotions, capsules, cosmetics, and more.
Unlike THC, which causes a “high” sensation, CBD doesn’t cause impairment and has been shown to assist with health concerns, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and pain management.
CBD for Pain Relief
CBD interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS), which affects bodily functions like sleep, motor control, emotional response, and pain regulation.
Many adults are opting for CBD as a natural pain remedy, with 60% citing CBD as an effective pain treatment. CBD limits the risk of experiencing side effects caused by other pain medications, and for those whom medication isn’t an option, CBD opens doors to natural pain management.
Before trying CBD for pain management, individuals should note that CBD is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, with the exception of Epidolex, a medicine containing purified CBD hemp extract that’s used to treat rare forms of epilepsy.
Chronic Pain Management
There are between 50 and 116 million American adults suffering from chronic pain, identified as pain lasting longer than several months. This includes chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as migraines.
Unfortunately, chronic pain patients often build tolerance to pain treatment plans. If their treatment plan includes opioids, this increases the risk of developing dependence or even addiction. CBD offers an alternative to medication or a supplement to the treatment plan as a whole.
While research on CBD is still evolving, there are promising results that show CBD may effectively improve sleep, reduce pain, and reduce inflammation caused by persistent chronic pain conditions.
Arthritis and Joint Pain Management
Arthritis includes hundreds of joint-related conditions and pains, with symptoms including swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. Animal and preclinical CBD trials showed a topical CBD gel reflected a notable decrease in inflammation, effectiveness in treating joint pain, and reduction in pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Neuropathic Pain Management
Neuropathic pain encompasses conditions and injuries resulting in nerve damage, with pain symptoms including:
Tingling
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Sharp, shooting, burning, or stabbing pains
Studies showed CBD eased neuropathic pain over a two-week duration; however, more research is required to explore its effectiveness and side effects.
Risks and Side Effects of CBD
Research on the effects of CBD is underway, and more is necessary to identify long-term side effects. While most respond positively, there are possible CBD side effects you should note before trying CBD for chronic pain management:
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Mood swings
Change in appetite
Weight gain or weight loss
Interference with over-the-counter and prescription medication
Consult a physician on the following considerations before using CBD as a pain relief treatment:
CBD is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or while breastfeeding
CBD products are not regulated by the FDA—research quality products before consumption
Avoid high-fat foods to reduce the risk of harmful side effects
If you’re interested in trying CBD for chronic pain, look no further for quality products than Biotanica CBD. Grown and produced in the USA, all our THC and CBD products are non-GMO, lab-tested, and pesticide-free.
Shop the Biotanica CBD store online, check out our product guides, or contact us to learn more!