CBD Chocolate for Pain - April 2024

What Is CBD Chocolate?

CBD chocolate is an edible chocolate product containing cannabidiol or CBD. Some CBD brands add ingredients like mint, peanut butter, ginger, and other flavors to CBD chocolate to give consumers product variety.

Individuals who prefer to take CBD through oral administration may consider CBD chocolates as a viable option.

How CBD Chocolate Works for Pain

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a neuromodulatory system composed of endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that synthesize cannabinoids.

Some of the most prolific receptors in the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and bones⁽³⁾. CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the immune and peripheral nervous systems⁽⁴⁾.

When an individual takes CBD, it engages these receptors, producing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that may help manage pain⁽⁵⁾.

Using CBD Chocolate for Pain

As an edible, CBD chocolate is usually taken orally. CBD passes through the gastrointestinal tract and is metabolized in the liver before spreading throughout the body⁽⁶⁾.

CBD administered through ingestion has onset times of around 30 to 90 minutes. Its effects may last for about six to eight hours⁽⁷⁾.

CBD Chocolate Dosage for Pain

To date, there is no specific dosage for CBD chocolate products approved by the Food and Drug Administration that may be used in managing pain.

However, one practical recommendation is to start with low doses and go slow. This strategy means going with a low dose when starting with CBD.

For example, a person may start with 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day. If the CBD product contains a low amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the person may start at 1 to 1.25mg⁽⁸⁾.

Types of CBD Chocolate

Many CBD brands sell different types of CBD chocolate. Some come in bars, brownies, candies, bite-sized pieces, and chocolate chip cookies.

Individuals concerned about the CBD content of these products are advised to closely check the label and the product’s certificate of analysis (COA).

Certificates of analysis are third-party laboratory test results that show the actual CBD content of the products. Consumers are advised to buy only CBD products with verifiable COAs that match the details on the product label.

Advantages of CBD Chocolate

There are currently no studies explicitly focusing on the advantages or effects of CBD chocolate or any of its forms like bars, candies, or cookies for helping with pain.

However, animal studies and human research suggests CBD, in general, may help with anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain, and addiction⁽⁹⁾.

Clinical trials of CBD’s potential therapeutic effects showed CBD is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile⁽¹⁰⁾.

Side Effects of CBD Chocolate for Pain

No specific studies have been conducted focusing on the side effects of CBD chocolate for pain.

In general, CBD’s side effects may include dry mouth, appetite loss, fatigue, diarrhea, and drowsiness⁽¹¹⁾.

In 2018, a study was conducted on the effects of CBD on kidney transplant patients with chronic pain⁽¹²⁾.

The researchers noted that the individuals who took CBD experienced dry mouth, intermittent heat episodes, nausea, and dizziness.

Legality

While CBD is almost readily obtainable in the United States, all 50 states have laws legalizing CBD use. However, the restriction levels of these laws may vary between states⁽¹³⁾.

Individuals planning to purchase and consume CBD chocolates or other CBD products must check their state’s laws to determine the legality of CBD in their area.

The only CBD product approved by the FDA as a prescription medication is Epidiolex. This drug is used to treat two types of childhood epilepsy⁽¹⁴⁾.

The FDA advises businesses and consumers that labeling CBD as a dietary supplement or marketing it as a food additive is illegal⁽¹⁵⁾.

Conclusion

CBD chocolates may be a viable alternative for people interested in edible CBD products.

However, more studies and clinical trials are needed to ascertain CBD’s purported therapeutic benefits.

While some brands claim their CBD products provide various benefits, these claims must be backed by science and approved by related governing agencies.

FAQs

1. Does CBD chocolate cause a high?

Among the many cannabinoids and components of the cannabis plant, CBD, by itself, does not cause a high⁽¹⁶⁾.

The component usually associated with the feeling of high is THC. While CBD is not psychoactive like THC, some products may contain small amounts of THC⁽¹⁷⁾.

2. Is CBD chocolate a suitable delivery method for pain?

There is not enough clinical information to determine which product is the best method to deliver CBD to help manage pain.

However, individuals who prefer CBD edibles may consider CBD chocolates as their product of choice.

Those interested in trying CBD chocolates are advised to consult a doctor about their overall health or medical condition before they consider taking CBD products.

3. Will taking CBD chocolate cause a drug test failure?

Standard drug tests such as the drug abuse screening test (DAST) or marijuana urine test look for THC content in the urine⁽¹⁸⁾.

Consumers are advised to check the type and concentration of CBD oil used in the CBD chocolate. 

CBD oil derived from marijuana plants that contain more than 0.3% THC are prohibited under federal law⁽¹⁹⁾. Consuming these products may cause a drug test failure.

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