Compare the Best CBD Oil for Pancreatitis in 2022

How CBD May Help With Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a flat, long gland located behind the stomach, producing digestive enzymes, pancreatic enzymes, and hormones that aid in the body’s regulation of glucose (sugar). 

When the organ becomes inflamed and swollen, it develops a condition called pancreatitis⁽¹⁾. 

Pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain and swollenness that may reach the individual’s back. This pain may last for a few days (acute pancreatitis) or over several years (chronic pancreatitis)⁽²⁾. 

 Research has suggested that CBD (cannabidiol) may contain analgesic benefits that may relieve chronic pain⁽³⁾. 

Another study stated that the compound may have anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁴⁾. These characteristics may help manage symptoms of certain medical conditions like pancreatitis. 

CBD, known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid from the cannabis plant⁽⁵⁾. This compound uniquely interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽⁶⁾.

The ECS contains many cannabinoid receptors, like CB1 and CB2 receptors, in the nervous and immune systems. 

CB1 receptors are in charge of regulating pain sensations. Meanwhile, CB2 stimulates the body’s anti-inflammatory processes⁽⁷⁾.

The interaction of these two receptors with CBD may cause analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects⁽⁸⁾.

Research also hypothesized that the manipulation of the ECS may regulate nausea and vomiting in both human and animal models⁽⁹⁾. The same study suggests that cannabinoids may possess an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) effect. 

Other symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea and vomiting⁽¹⁰⁾. CBD’s purported benefits may offer a possible way to ease symptoms of pancreatitis. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a clinical condition triggered by the inflammation of the pancreas. It causes pain in the abdominal area that may spread across the back, fever, nausea, and vomiting⁽¹¹⁾. 

Inflammation has a significant role in acute and chronic pancreatitis⁽¹²⁾.

An animal study noted that CBD could have decreased pancreatic inflammation caused by diabetes in rodents⁽¹³⁾.

Research investigating the effects of CBD in mice with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis also suggested CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects⁽¹⁴⁾.

Several studies have shown CBD’s purported benefits on health conditions linked to pain.

A study in 2016 examined the effectiveness of topical CBD for reducing pain and inflammation of rodents with arthritis⁽¹⁵⁾.

Researchers noted that the transdermal application of CBD may have provided analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits without any adverse side effects⁽¹⁶⁾.

In addition, research suggested that CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects on rats with inflamed paws⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Researchers noted that the compound may have reduced edema or swelling due to excessive fluids within the tissues⁽¹⁸⁾ and hyperalgesia, a heightened sensitivity to pain⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Although these findings were from animal studies, CBD’s suggested benefits may benefit future research on CBD’s effects on humans.

Meanwhile, a published study from the Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology explored the potential effects of topical CBD oil in relieving symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities⁽²⁰⁾. 

The results suggested that CBD oil may have decreased the pain and intolerable sensations of individuals suffering from neuropathy⁽²¹⁾.

One of the symptoms of pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy is lower back pain^(22-23).

Additionally, neuropathic pain, or pain caused by damaged nerves, is also linked to chronic pancreatitis⁽²⁴⁾. Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms associated with pancreatitis⁽²⁵⁾.

A study discussed CBD’s beneficial properties that may relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy⁽²⁶⁾.

Despite the research regarding CBD’s therapeutic benefits, there are no official clinical studies or evidence that the compound may help treat pancreatitis.  

Further research on the compound’s effects on individuals with pancreatitis is needed.

How to Take CBD for Pancreatitis

Once ingested, edibles such as CBD gummies and pills pass through the digestive system before the compound enters the bloodstream⁽²⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD oil tinctures are applied under the tongue using a dropper. Individuals should wait for one to two minutes before swallowing the compound, allowing it to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream⁽²⁸⁾. 

Topical CBD, like CBD creams and salves, is typically used for localized pain relief⁽²⁹⁾.

Individuals suffering from pancreatitis may experience pain and tenderness in the abdominal area⁽³⁰⁾. Applying topical CBD on the affected area may be beneficial for this issue. 

Lastly, inhaling or smoking CBD using vape pens is the quickest way for the compound to enter your bloodstream⁽³¹⁾. 

However, vaping is associated with lung damage and pulmonary diseases, so caution is advised for this CBD administration format⁽³²⁾.

  It is vital to consult your doctor before taking CBD. They can give you recommendations on the best CBD oil product to use for pancreatitis or other medical conditions. 

CBD Dosage: How Much to Take for Pancreatitis 

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not authorize CBD as an official medical treatment for pancreatitis. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for the medical condition. 

However, according to a study on the side effects and safety of CBD, humans may tolerate up to 1,500mg of cannabidiol every day⁽³³⁾.

Meanwhile, research suggests that CBD’s effectiveness may be dose-dependent or that too high or too low doses may not provide any significant difference in terms of efficacy⁽³⁴⁾. 

Nevertheless, it is vital to first speak to your doctor for them to prescribe the optimal dosage of CBD for pancreatitis or any medical condition.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Pancreatitis?

The CBD administration method and form are some of the factors that determine how long it takes for CBD products to take effect in the body. 

CBD edibles, gummies, and pills have an onset time of 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion⁽³⁵⁾. CBD oil tinctures may take effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁶⁾. 

Meanwhile, topical CBD, such as creams, balms, and salves, may take effect within 10 to 15 minutes of application⁽³⁷⁾.

Lastly, CBD inhalation using vape pens may be the quickest way for individuals to feel the effects of the compound. 

This method has an onset time of only 2 to 15 minutes⁽³⁸⁾. However, it is necessary to note that smoking and vaping may cause severe pulmonary disease and lung damage⁽³⁹⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Pancreatitis?

No current studies have determined how long the effects of cannabidiol in the system can last to help with pancreatitis. 

The effects of the compound may linger in the body depending on factors like CBD’s potency, administration method, and form. Your body weight, metabolism, and diet may also affect the duration of effects⁽⁴⁰⁾.

How to Choose the Right CBD for Pancreatitis

Many CBD brands aim to offer consumers the best CBD oil for pancreatitis and other related medical issues. 

Here are some vital elements you may consider to help you pick the best CBD oil for pancreatitis:

CBD Extracts

CBD extracts are categorized as CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and full-spectrum CBD oil⁽⁴¹⁾.  

CBD isolates are pure cannabidiol⁽⁴²⁾ and do not contain other compounds or cannabinoids. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil has all of the natural compounds and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant except for THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)⁽⁴³⁾. 

THC is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, meaning it causes the feeling of being high⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD oil has all the compounds and cannabinoids in cannabis plants, including CBD, a less than 0.3% THC concentration, flavonoids, and terpenes.  

Flavonoids are plant chemicals that may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties⁽⁴⁵⁾. Terpenes give the unique aroma of cannabis plants⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

Individuals who prefer to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD without THC’s psychoactive effects may opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolates. 

Hemp Source

CBD brands that produce high-quality CBD products typically use hemp extracts from non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and organic hemp plants. 

Choosing brands that outsource their highest quality hemp plants from states with prominent CBD industries like Texas, Colorado, and California is highly suggested. 

Extraction Method 

Carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, or solvent extraction are favored extraction methods to produce safe CBD products⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Utilizing hexane or butane as extraction techniques may potentially leave behind heavy metals or pesticides, which are detrimental to consumers’ health. 

Carrier Oils

Upon extracting cannabidiol from the hemp plant, the compound is then infused into a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

It is essential to remember that ‘hempseed oil’ is different from ‘hemp oil.’  

Hempseed oil is produced from the pressed seeds of hemp. Hempseed oil is rich in fatty acids and nutrients but does not contain CBD⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is another term used to refer to CBD oil and is an essential oil from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Examining certificates of analysis (COAs) and third-party lab reports ensures that the CBD product contains what is advertised. 

Make sure that the laboratory results or the COA’s are up-to-date and come from a trusted third-party laboratory. 

Additionally, the indicated information on the COA should match the written claims on the CBD product label. 

Is CBD Safe to Use for Pancreatitis?

There are no official clinical studies about the safety of CBD for pancreatitis.

However, according to a report from WHO (World Health Organization), CBD has a good safety profile, is well tolerated by the body, and is non-addictive⁽⁵⁰⁾.  

Nonetheless, before you take CBD for pancreatitis or any medical condition, it is vital to seek medical advice from your physician first. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Pancreatitis

For the consumer’s safety and information, the attorney general (AG) in the United States encourages the FDA to conduct further research on how cannabis compounds work, specifically on how the compounds interact with dietary supplements and drugs⁽⁵¹⁾.     

However, the compound may potentially induce some mild side effects such as⁽⁵²⁾:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Individuals with pancreatitis may use opioids for symptom management⁽⁵³⁾. However, note that taking these drugs alongside CBD may induce increased drowsiness, fatigue, accidental falls, and possible hazards when driving⁽⁵⁴⁾.

It is highly suggested to seek medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider before you take any CBD products alongside any medications. 

Legality of CBD

The only CBD-derived product verified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is Epidiolex. This medicine is prescribed to treat seizures caused by two rare forms of childhood epilepsy and, most recently, tubular sclerosis⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as CBD are federally legal in the United States⁽⁵⁶⁾ as long the product has less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

Cannabis sativa contains several active compounds, such as THC and CBD. Medical marijuana, also called medical cannabis, refers to the derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

Regardless, it is still vital to check product labels and verify state laws before purchasing and traveling with CBD products to avoid any possible legal repercussions.