Did you know that marijuana was used as a treatment for millennia before it’s decriminalization? Most people didn’t know this because we have been born into a society that was also brought up demonizing the naturally occurring medication. Its criminalization was to control the culture of immigrants into the US. However, it’s decriminalization was made possible for medical studies and reasons and in particular the medicinal value of the CBD oil in the plant.
So how does CBD for pain relief Work?
Cannabidiol C21H30O2 is a naturally occurring component of industrial hemp. Cannabidiol is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it doesn’t get you high.
With recently allowed studies, scientists have discovered that specific components of marijuana, i.e., CBD compounds are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body has a system in the brain called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) involved in regulating sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. The body produces its natural endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. CBD works as a pain relief by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. To put it more explicitly, it influences the body to use its endocannabinoids much more effectively.
Some CBD compounds also stop the body from absorbing anandamide. Anandamide is a body compound associated with regulating pain. Increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream usually reduce the amount of pain a person feels. So when CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, the amounts subsequently increase in your bloodstream the consequences being you feel much less pain.
Yes, CBD extracts help with pain relief.
How to choose the best form of CBD Oil for Pain
Depending on the type and level of pain you are in, a lot of consideration goes into deciding the source and concentration of CBD in the oil you need. There exist several forms of products including:
Cannabis Tinctures:
These are liquid extractions commonly applied under the tongue. If you have watched the CNN documentary “Weed” of a young Charlotte with life-threatening seizures, she benefited from a strain of cannabinoid tincture. Tinctures are less concentrated than other forms of the product, but their liquid or fluid state gives off the fastest kind of a relief because they are soaked in either alcohol or vegetable glycerin. They are best for pain stemming from pain receptors in the brain.
CBD-Infused Cannabis Edibles:
Edible is not always loaded with THC compounds. Many vendors now make CBD-infused edibles and drinkables. These are used to help relieve stress, anxiety, and other medical symptoms while simultaneously sating your appetite.
High-CBD Cannabis Strains:
Remember we discussed the CBD concentration as a factor in selecting which oil to use for pain. Some CBD strains can be smoked or vaporized for immediate effects. Sometimes the concentrate may have some levels of THC depending on the type and so may give you just a little high. It is recommended you take CBD medicine with THC.
How do you determine the Dosage?
Remember CBD components interacts with your endocannabinoid system. And every system and tolerance is different. There are insufficient studies to show how much CBD works for what disease. In the meantime, the best way for patients to find out what dosages work for them is to try out with different concentrations and dosages.
For the first few days, you need to start from the lowest amount recommended, and if that doesn’t give you the pain relief you need, you then work your way up to what works best for you. You also need to ask how many doses you need to take in a day. Your doctor should be able to advise you. However, don’t worry, CBD is not dangerous unlike other medications such as opioids which can lead to addiction and death.
The method of use is also vital. You can choose between edibles, tinctures, oil in capsules and tropical balms. Pain relief can sometimes be instantaneous while sometimes it takes a while to kick in. Hence before you decide to seek higher dosages, give it time to work its magic.
Recommended Dosage guide for various conditions:
To stimulate appetite in cancer patients:
- 2.5 milligrams of THC by mouth with or without 1 mg of CBD for six weeks
For chronic pain:
- 2.5-20 mg CBD by mouth for an average of 25 days.
For epilepsy:
- 200-300 mg of CBD by mouth daily spread out evenly during the day maybe twice.
Huntington’s disease:
- 10 mg per kilo of CBD by mouth daily until symptoms improve.
Sleep disorders:
- 40-160 mg CBD by mouth.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms:
- Cannabis plant extracts containing 2.5-120 milligrams of a THC-CBD combination by mouth daily for 2-15 weeks.
- A mouth spray might contain 2.7 milligrams of THC and 2.5 milligrams of CBD at doses of 2.5-120 milligram for up to eight weeks.
Schizophrenia:
- 40-1,280 mg CBD by mouth daily.
To treat glaucoma:
- A single dose of 20mg and a maximum of 40 mg CBD under the tongue.
Topical CBD oil for pain.
CBD-Infused Cannabis Topicals as types of extracts have become more popular especially among patients treating a variety of localized body aches and pains. The balms are applied directly to the skin where they then get absorbed.
Topicals oils deliver localized relief such as that of arthritis. Most often than not, the tropical creams also contain a variety of other therapeutic compounds. Because these creams are not ingested, they are best for patients who prefer to keep a clear head while undergoing treatment.
CBD Oil for Arthritis Pain Relief.
CBD infused tropical balms are most famous for easing the Arthritis-associated pain. Not only does it reduce the pain the patient feels, but it also reduces the inflammation associated with arthritis.
There are insufficient human trials, but so far people who suffer from arthritis complications and self-medicate with CBD have reported a significant level of ease and management of the condition.
CBD Oil for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Relief.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. It affects the entire body through the nerves and brain making it a painful and uncomfortable with condition to live. The disease is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms trapping the patient in a loop of constant pain.
Given how CBD interacts with the nervous system, and the area of the brain affecting relaxation, sleep and movement, short-term use of CBD extracts could reduce the levels of muscle spasms. The results have been excellent, with patients who self-medicate, with reports of reduced symptom manifestation.
CBD Oil for Cancer Related Symptoms Relief.
Scientific research on various forms of cannabinoids have shown that the compounds can
- cause a cell to die
- stop cells from dividing
- stop cells from developing new blood vessels.
Therefore, taking cannabis oil has various treatment benefits including:
- Protects your immune system
- Significantly increases the chances of remission by preventing further production of cells.
- Eliminates chronic pain brought about by cancerous growths.
- Eliminates the need for toxic pharmaceutical products which further weaken your body.
- Reduces nausea by stimulating the production of the body’s natural cannabinoids and stimulates increased appetite.
CBD Oil for Chronic Pain Relief.
For chronic pain relief, CBD intake varies widely. Research and reports from patients are that they do not have to continually adjust doses because they do not develop a tolerance for natural oil. However, more research needs to be conducted in this area of treatment. The Journal of Experimental Medicine asserts that “Cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.” The research also suggests that using CBD reduces inflammation as well.
The way this oil works for chronic pain is the cannabinoids, in particular, CB2 receptors, attach themselves to specialized receptors in a person’s brain and immune system. The receptors also cause the body to produce natural cannabinoids that connect to the CB2 receptors and also delay in reabsorption of the compound that numbs the pain.
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil
The source:
The best form of CBD less likely to be marred with THC components is extracted from the industrial hemp plants. Hemp absorbs everything in the surrounding soil so it should not be grown with pesticide and dangerous fertilizers.
The Extraction Process.
Solvents such as propane and hexane reduce the purity of the final oil extract. Such components are toxic and hazardous especially when introduced to an already ailing body.
Look for companies that use CO2 extraction processes.
Third-Party Lab Reports.
The components of the oil should be directly available for customers to purchase. Some companies especially those that promise cheap products usually have synthetically manufactured CBD or high levels of THC and ether compounds. Always make sure that you buy the right amount of dosage for you to administer the medication properly.
THC-Free Oil guarantee.
Legally produced oil should contain less than 0.03 percent THC.
Clearly-labeled Packaging.
A clearly-labeled package should help patients make informed decisions about the oil products that they are purchasing. Such labeling is helpful especially if the patients know what to look for.
The labeling should indicate the strength of the product and any additional ingredients such as the carrier oil.
Top 10 Best CBD Oils for Pain.
Pure Kana Natural CBD Oil
The manufacturer was voted the best oil producer in 2017. Their products are organic and non-GMO, and their THC concentrate is only 0.05%. The US-based company delivers to all states, and their products are subject to 3rd party lab tests making them transparent.
They use CO2 extraction which produces almost 99% pure oil.
Green Roads CBD Oil
This company’s product is consumed orally but is also suitable for vaping. The oil is fused with vegetable glycerine as the carrier, so it is ideal for consumers who have epilepsy, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, lack of focus, and pain.
CBD Essence: Medicinal Grade Hemp Extraction
This particular compound is available in the form of a tincture. The tincture is a full-spectrum compound meaning it also contains other essential natural ingredients such as terpenes and flavonoids. However, the tincture remains THC-free.
You can also buy pure CBD oils in the form of edibles or tropical balms.
Hemp Bombs CBD – “Bomb” Potency CBD Oils
This is one of the most potent doses available in the market offering a 60 mg dose in a single drop. Such a concentration is more than enough for most conditions. The company uses state-of-the-art extraction and purification methods so you can be sure the extracts are safe.
Charlottes Web CBD Oil
Our list is not complete without the addition of this unique and powerful strain. We all know of this strain produced by the Stanley brothers for a little girl with Dravet Syndrome, Charlotte. The potent strain also incorporates other cannabinoids and amino acids, Terpenes and Phytonutrients found in proprietary hemp strains.
Koi CBD: 0% THC, ISO Lab-Certified
Koi CBD manufactures one of the “cleanest” oils boasting a 99+% pure CBD tincture extracted from the raw cannabis plant. The company’s lab has an ISO Certification status making its products solvent free, GMO-free and pesticide-free.
Elixinol – CBD Tincture
One drop of the Elixinol CBD tincture contains 10 mg of CBD. The preciseness of the concentrate allows patients to administer correct dosages and monitor their intakes. This, in turn, will enable them to master their requirements without any other adjustments. The tincture is available in both Cinnamint & Natural Flavor.
Premium Jane Brand.
Their extract contains the full spectrum of the other amino acids and essential cannabinoids which helps in maintaining its natural medicinal capabilities. The hemp plants are sourced from Kentucky where any interested person can visit. The available flavors are also naturally sourced from pure vanilla and mint oil extracts.
Verified CBD pain relief
Verified CBD has been making 100% organic oil since 2014. All their products are free from fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. The final product has an average purity of over 80% where the averages are usually up to 40%.
MedTerra CBD Tinctures
The MedTerra company has access to the finest raw cannabis hemp plant from Hemp Plantations in Kentucky. The sources are non-GMO, herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer free. The plants also have almost 0% THC concentrates. Their labs use the CO2 method of extraction to preserve purity.
Final Words
While taking CBD oil can be the solution to your ailing afflictions, remember that it is a drug that affects some of your neuro functions. Consulting with an expert doctor before self-medicating is very important for the sake of your health.
Your doctor should also adjust the medication after your trial period. And finally, remember there are a lot of companies claiming to have the best CBD concentrate on the market. Most of them will have you purchase products online, and you may not receive what has advertised. So before you make a purchase, do thorough research for the best product for your pain.