Compare the Best CBD Oil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2022

How CBD May Help With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabis plant compound purported to have anti-inflammatory benefits that may help reduce or prevent inflammation in the body⁽¹⁾.

Some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) include headache, muscle or joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, or fatigue⁽²⁾.

CBD works by engaging the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽³⁾. The ECS is a regulatory mechanism that processes cannabinoids to help maintain homeostasis or stability of the body’s internal environment and well-being⁽⁴⁾.

The ECS also interacts with other non-cannabinoid systems like the immune system to regulate inflammation, pain, mood, energy, and hormonal balance⁽⁵⁾. These interactions suggest that the ECS, together with CBD, may help manage CFS symptoms.

The biological system comprises various cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors help maintain many bodily functions like eating, sleeping, learning, controlling pain, and managing immune and inflammatory responses⁽⁶⁾.

Further research and human clinical trials are needed to determine how CBD and its interaction with the ECS may help relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), can cause headaches and sleep problems⁽⁷⁾. Researchers may be interested in determining CBD’s potential to manage these symptoms.

A 2020 study was conducted on the effects of prolonged medical cannabis treatment on migraine frequency⁽⁸⁾.

The results suggested that medical cannabis, composed of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may provide less negative headache impact and better sleep quality.

Animal studies showed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties may help manage arthritis⁽⁹⁾.

Arthritis is a disorder characterized by joint stiffness and pain⁽¹⁰⁾. Joint pain is another symptom associated with ME/CFS⁽¹¹⁾.

Individuals with CFS may experience muscle pain, fatigue, and memory issues⁽¹²⁾. These symptoms can also manifest in individuals who have fibromyalgia, a condition affecting one’s bones and muscles⁽¹³⁾.

There is insufficient clinical data to conclude that CBD may help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia or CFS.

However, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties may be an interesting research area in determining a potential treatment for these diseases.

Some individuals may be interested in how CBD may help alleviate their post-exertional malaise (PEM) and find treatments to increase their energy levels. At present, there is not enough conclusive evidence to support CBD as a remedy to manage PEM.

PEM is a CFS symptom characterized by worsening exhaustion after physical or mental activities⁽¹⁴⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Individuals considering CBD oil products to help alleviate CFS symptoms may choose to take CBD using any of the following administration methods:

• Under the tongue: This method delivers CBD oil sublingually or under the tongue. CBD administered sublingually enters the bloodstream directly and bypasses the digestive tract.

Sublingually administered CBD products include CBD tinctures applied using oromucosal sprays or droppers.

• Ingestion: This delivery method involves administering CBD oil orally, allowing CBD to pass through the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream.

Oral CBD products include edibles and capsules. Some edibles include CBD gummies, cookies, and chews.

• On the skin: This method involves applying CBD oil topically or directly to the skin.

Some topical CBD products include lotions, balms, salves, and ointments.

• Inhalation: This method delivers CBD into the body by inhalation through smoking or vaping. Inhalation is considered the fastest method to administer CBD into the body⁽¹⁵⁾.

Users are reminded that vaping has potential health risks associated with lung disease⁽¹⁶⁾.

While vaping may be a potential alternative to smoking, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved vaping as a method to stop smoking⁽¹⁷⁾.

Individuals with CFS or any existing medical conditions should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment before taking CBD.

CBD Dosage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

At present, the FDA has not endorsed any CBD dosage guides for chronic fatigue syndrome. When taking CBD for the first time, a general recommendation is to start with a low dose⁽¹⁸⁾.

Your CBD dosage may vary depending on various factors, such as exercise, diet, stress levels, genetics, and existing health conditions⁽¹⁹⁾.

If you consider taking CBD to help manage CFS symptoms, initiate a conversation with your doctor before deciding on a specific CBD dosage.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

At present, there are no conclusive clinical studies that focus on CBD onset times for chronic fatigue syndrome.

According to reports, onset times for various CBD delivery methods include⁽²⁰⁾:

• 30 to 90 minutes for oral CBD products
• 15 to 30 minutes for sublingual or topical administration
• 2 to 15 minutes for CBD inhalation

How Long Will CBD Help With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

There is insufficient human clinical data at present to conclusively determine how long CBD’s effects on chronic fatigue syndrome will last.

In one study, researchers showed that CBD administered orally at 10 milligrams (mg) and 20mg doses have a half-life of 1.09 and 1.97 hours, respectively⁽²¹⁾. 

The study also showed that capsules containing 10 mg of CBD have a half-life of 2.95 and 3.21 hours.

Half-life is the time it takes for a drug’s concentration or quantity within the body to decrease by 50%.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Individuals taking CBD may experience tolerable side effects, such as appetite loss, dry mouth, drowsiness, and fatigue⁽²²⁾.

A 2020 study showed that some patients prescribed with CBD oil experienced sedation and vivid dreams⁽²³⁾.

In another study, researchers stated that the typically reported side effects of CBD include tiredness, diarrhea, and appetite or body weight changes⁽²⁴⁾.

Choosing the Right CBD for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some of the best CBD oils that may help manage CFS symptoms undergo well controlled and monitored processes. These procedures involve extraction, product categorization, and laboratory testing before the products reach customers.

Manufacturers typically extract CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant using carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction methods.

CO2 extraction involves highly pressurized and liquefied carbon dioxide to extract the compounds from high-CBD hemp plants. Many CBD suppliers prefer this method as it is considered the safest way to perform CBD extraction⁽²⁵⁾.

In hydrocarbon extraction, suppliers extract CBD using hydrocarbon-based solvents, such as propane or butane.

Most hydrocarbons are neurotoxic and flammable. However, as long as the proper safety procedures are followed, hydrocarbon extraction may be a safe and affordable method to extract CBD.

However, if the solvents are not wholly removed from the CBD extract, those solvents may be ingested by accident and cause a health risk.

Ethanol extraction utilizes ethanol as a solvent to extract CBD. For centuries, this method has been used to derive medicinal compounds from cannabis plants⁽²⁶⁾.

After CBD has been extracted, suppliers process and categorize it as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil, sometimes called full-spectrum hemp oil, contains all the essential compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. These compounds include THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Terpenes are phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) that give plants a distinct aroma. Flavonoids are compounds that provide plants with their distinctive colors.

Combining these compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil creates an “entourage effect.” This effect is a phenomenon where the active compounds in the cannabis plant work synergistically to enhance their benefits⁽²⁷⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil products also contain most compounds and cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum products are THC-free.

CBD isolates are composed of pure CBD only. These products are THC-free and do not contain any other cannabinoids or compounds.

You may consider purchasing broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolates if you prefer CBD products that do not contain THC or its psychoactive effects.

Trusted CBD brands that sell quality products provide certificates of analysis (COA) for their CBD products. COAs contain detailed information about a CBD product’s actual content, as analyzed by third-party labs.

These labs can provide a comprehensive product analysis, including determining whether the product has harmful contaminants. These contaminants include pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents that can cause a health risk to consumers.

Consider purchasing CBD products from brands that post up-to-date COAs on their website. When buying a high-quality CBD product, compare the COA results to the details on the product label first to ensure consistent quality.

Additionally, be sure to review your state’s laws regarding the legality of medical cannabis or CBD use before purchasing CBD products.

Some U.S. states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Washington, have legalized medical cannabis programs⁽²⁸⁾.

Legality of CBD

The legality of CBD oil and medical marijuana vary in all U.S. states. Check your state’s laws to determine what CBD products are legal in your area.

Under federal law, CBD oil products containing more than 0.3% THC are considered illegal⁽²⁹⁾.

In the United States, industrial hemp cultivation is legal, based on the 2018 Farm Bill. This law also removes hemp-based CBD products with less than 0.3% THC from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) list of controlled substances.

Presently, the only FDA-approved CBD product is Epidiolex. This drug is used as a prescription medication for treating epilepsy⁽³⁰⁾.

The FDA advises suppliers that labeling CBD products as dietary supplements and marketing these products as food additives are illegal⁽³¹⁾.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a complex disorder characterized by extreme and long-lasting fatigue. CFS currently has no known cause, and there is a possibility that two or more conditions can trigger it⁽³²⁾.

Some common symptoms of this disorder include⁽³³⁾:

• Extreme fatigue that does not improve by rest
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Memory and concentration problems
• Worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Unexplained muscle or joint pain
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit or neck

CFS may cause chronic pain if the pain you experience lasts weeks or months.

There is currently no cure for CFS. However, remedies such as medications and therapies may relieve its symptoms.

Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, or over-the-counter pain relievers⁽³⁴⁾.

Individuals with CFS may also attend therapy sessions such as counseling, address sleep problems, or perform exercises⁽³⁵⁾.

Some individuals have considered taking alternative therapies for CFS, such as herbal products and supplements. However, there is not enough evidence to conclude that these remedies work⁽³⁶⁾.