Compare The Best CBD for Kidney Stones For 2022

How CBD May Help With Kidney Stones

The mentioned benefits of CBD may offer relief for individuals suffering from symptoms of kidney stones⁽¹⁾.

Cannabidiol, more popularly called CBD, is one of the many active chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant⁽²⁾. This compound may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽³⁾. 

The ECS consists of various cannabinoid receptors, including CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the nervous and immune systems. 

The interaction of CBD and these two receptors may produce analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory benefits⁽⁴⁾. These characteristics may help with pain due to kidney stones.

Poor diet, excess body weight, certain medications or supplements, or some medical disorder can cause kidney stones to form. An individual’s urine may become concentrated, crystallizing minerals and chemicals⁽⁵⁾. 

A small kidney stone as small as a grain of sand may remain or move out of the kidney while causing minimal pain and discomfort. However, some stones as large as a pebble or even a golf ball can block some parts of the urinary system and cause extreme pain⁽⁶⁾.

Acute renal colic is characterized by severe pain caused by the presence of a kidney stone in the urinary system⁽⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, studies have noted how CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS play essential roles in renal function and dysfunction⁽⁸⁾.

Other symptoms of kidney stones are severe lower back pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, or foul-smelling urine that may appear bloody or cloudy⁽⁹⁾.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are often administered for pain relief to individuals with kidney stones⁽¹⁰⁾.

On the other hand, research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may contain pain-relieving properties that may help deal with chronic pain⁽¹¹⁾. The compound may also possess anti-nausea and antiemetic (anti-vomiting) benefits⁽¹²⁾. 

CBD may also interact with 5-HT1A receptors, commonly named serotonin receptors⁽¹³⁾. Serotonin, the chemical hormone that regulates mood, may help with nausea and vomiting⁽¹⁴⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD for Kidney Stones

A recent study indicated that topically applied CBD provided considerable pain relief for individuals suffering from chronic back pain⁽¹⁵⁾.  

Kidney stones may induce severe lower back pain⁽¹⁶⁾.

Additionally, a British Journal of Pharmacology study suggested that CBD may possess therapeutic effects that may reduce nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or other medical treatments⁽¹⁷⁾.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with kidney stones⁽¹⁸⁾.

According to 2019 research, opioids are prescribed to individuals suffering from pain around the kidney area due to kidney stones. Opioid use is prevalent among people who have a history of kidney stones⁽¹⁹⁾. 

However, potent pain medications like opioids are linked to adverse side effects such as confusion, nausea, slowed breathing, addiction, and physical dependence⁽²⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD may possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help with various medical conditions⁽²¹⁾.  

In addition, a review from the World Health Organization states that CBD is not linked with addiction or substance abuse⁽²²⁾.

Choosing the CBD Product Type to Use for Kidney Stones

When choosing a CBD product, consider the severity of your medical condition, the form of CBD you prefer, the type of CBD extract, and carrier oil.

CBD Administration Methods

CBD oil tinctures are taken sublingually or under the tongue with the help of a dropper or oromucosal spray. After administering the compound, individuals should wait for one to two minutes before swallowing⁽²³⁾. 

Edibles such as CBD gummies and capsules are administered through ingestion. The compound passes through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream⁽²⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, smoking or inhaling CBD using vape pens is the quickest method for individuals to feel the benefits of the compound⁽²⁵⁾. 

However, caution should be exercised when considering vaping due to the health risks it is associated with, such as lung damage⁽²⁶⁾.

Lastly, topical CBD such as CBD creams and balms are usually for localized pain relief⁽²⁷⁾. This method may also be helpful for symptoms of kidney stones.

A case study stated that topically applied CBD cream delivered significant pain relief for individuals with lumbar compression fractures (injury caused by trauma)(28).

Lumbar compression fractures and kidney stones may cause back pain^(29-30).

Still, you should first consult your doctor for recommendations on the best CBD product or supplement for kidney stones or any medical conditions. 

CBD Extracts

The types of CBD oil extracts are: 

• Broad-spectrum CBD oil 
• Full-spectrum CBD oil 
• CBD isolate  

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains compounds and cannabinoids such as cannabidiol, terpenes, and flavonoids⁽³¹⁾. However, this type of oil does not contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

THC is a chemical compound of cannabis that produces psychoactive effects or the feeling of being high⁽³²⁾.

Terpenes give cannabis plants their unique scent. Flavonoids are plant compounds that may possess antiviral, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory health benefits⁽³³⁾. 

Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and cannabis-derived compounds, including less than 0.3% THC concentration. 

The presence of all the cannabis compounds in a full-spectrum CBD oil may deliver the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is the occurrence wherein all the active ingredients of cannabis plants work better when administered alongside each other⁽³⁴⁾.

Lastly, CBD isolates are pure CBD, usually in powder form. Isolates do not contain cannabinoids or compounds. 

Individuals may opt for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolates if they prefer to feel CBD’s therapeutic effects without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Carrier Oils

Upon the extraction of CBD from the hemp plant, the compound is infused into a carrier oil like hempseed oil or MCT oil⁽³⁵⁾. 

Note that the terms “hempseed oil” and “hemp oil” have considerable differences.  

Hempseed oil is from pressed seeds of hemp. Hempseed oil is also rich in fatty acids but does not have CBD⁽³⁶⁾. 

Hemp oil, a term often used to refer to CBD oil, is an essential oil from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants. 

CBD Dosage for Kidney Stones

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not authorize the use of CBD to treat any medical conditions⁽³⁷⁾. Thus, there is no set CBD dosage for kidney stones.

Research on the safety and side effects of CBD suggests that the human body may tolerate up to 1,500mg of CBD each day⁽³⁸⁾.

Nonetheless, it is advisable to talk to a medical professional for advice on a suitable CBD dosage for kidney stones or any medical illness. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Kidney Stones?

The administration method and CBD form may determine how long the compound takes to affect the human body. 

Due to the compound’s direct entrance to the bloodstream, CBD tinctures have an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁹⁾. CBD topicals like creams and balms have the same onset time⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, edibles such as CBD gummies and capsules have an onset time of 30 minutes to 90 minutes⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Lastly, vaping CBD offers the fastest onset time of 2 to 15 minutes⁽⁴²⁾. However, it is essential to remember that vaping may cause detrimental effects to your health, such as pulmonary disease⁽⁴³⁾.  

Talk to a medical expert before taking CBD oil for kidney stones. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Kidney Stones?

There are no studies that determine the duration of the effects of CBD in the system. 

Cannabidiol may linger in the body depending on dosage, the frequency of use, and administration method⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Is It Safe to Take CBD With Kidney Stones?

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD to treat kidney stones. 

For the safety of consumers, the attorney general (AG) in the United States has encouraged the FDA to perform extensive studies on how cannabis compounds work, especially the interaction between the compounds and other drugs⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Nevertheless, CBD has been reported to be safe and well tolerated by the body⁽⁴⁶⁾. Still, individuals with kidney stones should seek the advice of a medical professional first before taking CBD for their symptoms. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Kidney Stones

In general, taking CBD may cause minor side effects such as⁽⁴⁷⁾: 

• Appetite loss
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

People who suffer from kidney stones are given prescription medications such as opioids or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen⁽⁴⁸⁾.

However, CBD may interact with certain medications and induce side effects such as increased drowsiness, tiredness, accidental falls, and hazards when driving⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Inform your physician before taking CBD products alongside any prescription medication. 

Legality of CBD

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill made CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC federally legal in the United States⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Still, it is essential to verify state laws before purchasing and traveling with CBD products. 

Overview of Kidney Stones

Causes of Kidney Stones

Determining the type of kidney stone is vital to finding out the cause and treatment plans for reducing kidney stone symptoms. 

The different types of kidney stones are⁽⁵¹⁾:

• Calcium stones: Most common kidney stones are made from calcium oxalate. This substance is absorbed from your diet or produced by the liver. High doses of vitamin D, certain fruits and vegetables, and specific migraine medication may increase the risk of oxalate in urine. 
• Cystine stones: These are formed due to a hereditary disorder called cystinuria which causes kidneys to eliminate amino acids.
• Struvite stones: These stones form due to a urinary tract infection and grow large fast with little to no symptoms on the body. 
• Uric acid stones: Uric acid stones are formed due to the loss of too much fluid or chronic diarrhea. Individuals with high-protein diets or diabetes have high risks for these types of stones. 

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Sometimes kidney stones will not cause any symptoms. However, if a stone becomes stuck in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder) and blocks urine flow, this may cause pain and inflammation of the kidneys and ureter⁽⁵²⁾. 

Other symptoms of kidney stones include⁽⁵³⁾: 

• Severe pain in the back, side, and lower ribs
• Pain at the groin and lower abdomen 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burning sensation while urinating

• Foul-smelling and unnaturally colored (red, pink, or brown) urine 

Alternative Treatment for Kidney Stones

Treatment for kidney stones may differ depending on the cause and type of stone.

Most small kidney stones do not need invasive surgeries or serious medical interventions if such conditions have minimal symptoms. 

Individuals may be able to pass a small stone by⁽⁵⁴⁾:

• Drinking water: Drinking water may dilute urine and prevent the formation of kidney stones. 
• Taking pain relievers: Passing a kidney stone may induce discomfort. Doctors can recommend medications like naproxen sodium or ibuprofen for pain management.
• Taking alpha-blockers: This type of medication relaxes the ureter muscles, helping the body pass the kidney stone faster and with minimal pain. 
• Taking potassium citrate: Doctors can also suggest potassium citrate, which is a dietary supplement used to decrease urine stone or kidney stone reproduction⁽⁵⁵⁾.

You should first consult your doctor for a recommendation on the best supplement or medication to manage kidney stones.

If the kidney stones are too large or are causing kidney damage, bleeding, or urinary tract infections, doctors may suggest a more extensive approach, such as surgery⁽⁵⁶⁾.