• Local pain relief prevents pain from reaching the nervous system by blocking pain with anesthesia treatments(1). One way to do this is by administering local anesthetics as a cream applied to the skin.
  • Research showed that 6.2mg of topical CBD may also reduce joint pain(2). Studies also suggested that topical CBD may help with inflammation, such as arthritis-related pain(3).
  • CBD relieves pain by activating the cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system(4). With cannabinoid receptors, the brain receives signals to address pain in the body(5).
  • Topical CBD may also help individuals with arthritis by reducing pain directly in the joints, providing localized relief. However, more evidence is needed to solidify CBD’s effectiveness(6).

What the Science Says: Benefits of CBD for Pain

Inflammatory pain may first manifest in the central nervous system. Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neuropathy may arise due to inflammation(7)

Research showed that individuals treated with CBD may show reduced neurological pain symptoms(8).

CBD deals with pain by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors residing in different body parts.

Cannabinoid receptors work in the central nervous and immune system, regulating an individual’s mood and resolving inflammation(9).

As CBD interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, the brain receives signals to address pain in specific body areas(10).

Research also stated that the effectiveness of CBD may be driven by both its inherent therapeutic properties and a placebo effect among its users(11).

An individual’s response to painkillers may improve after being informed of their benefits because of the placebo effect(12).

With the varied effects of CBD among its users, more evidence is needed to conclude CBD’s benefits.

There are other benefits of CBD, aside from pain relief. 

Studies suggest that CBD contains anxiolytic (antianxiety) and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD may also help control drug addiction among individuals(13).

Usage and Dosage of CBD for Pain

There is currently no recommended CBD dosage for pain. However, studies suggest that 6.2 mg of topical CBD may also reduce joint pain(14).

Meanwhile, researchers have noted that one dose of up to 600 mg CBD may alleviate anxiety symptoms among individuals(15).

Safeness of CBD for Pain

A survey showed most of its participants attesting to the benefits and safeness of CBD(16).

Moreover, research showed that CBD users may not develop side effects within a short time frame. Therefore, more long-term human studies are needed to prove that CBD is safe(17).

Ingesting CBD vs. Applying CBD Topicals for Pain

Oral CBD products may come as oils applied to the tongue’s sublingual glands. 

Sublingual drug administration may result in a quicker drug onset than swallowing. This method assures that the drug enters the body effectively, as swallowing may cause the medication to mix with chemicals in the digestive system, affecting its potency(18).

However, some individuals prefer CBD edibles, such as CBD gummies. Edibles may also be mixed with meals for easier ingestion.

A study showed that individuals taking CBD edibles exhibited more minor symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain(19).

Meanwhile, topical CBD has shown positive results among individuals with neuropathy(20).

Topical CBD may also help individuals with arthritis by reducing pain directly in the joints. However, more evidence is needed to solidify CBD’s effectiveness(21).

How to Choose and Buy the Right CBD Product for Pain

CBD products may be sold as oils, tinctures, lotions, gummies, and edibles. Products vary in bioavailability or potential to cure certain diseases.

Research suggests that some oral CBD products may have low bioavailability, depending on the mode of administration(22).

Meanwhile, topical CBD may help with inflammation, such as arthritis-related pain(23).

Moreover, individuals may buy hemp-based products that contain CBD and less than 0.3% THC as these are not controlled substances under U.S. federal law(24). 

However, some CBD brands may declare false information regarding the THC content of their products(25). 

Therefore, it is best to seek advice from a doctor before buying CBD products. Individuals may also refer to a CBD product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) to know the components of the product. 

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a form of CBD that may be used topically or orally.

CBD oils consist of CBD extract and carrier oil. Carrier oils chosen for CBD oils may also depend on their unique health benefits.

For example, olive oil helps to normalize cholesterol levels(26). Therefore, olive oil may boost the effects of CBD as CBD may also regulate cholesterol(27).

Types of CBD

The three types of CBD are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabis extract in its complete form, including phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Terpenes provide a distinct aroma in plants, while flavonoids give color and contain antioxidants(28).

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD contains little to no THC. 

Isolate CBD is pure CBD extract and may be produced naturally or synthetically(29).

How Is a CBD Tincture Different Than a CBD Oil?

CBD tinctures and CBD oils differ in composition, particularly in the medium used to infuse CBD.

CBD oils are typically composed of CBD extract and a type of carrier oil, like medium-chain triglyceride oil and olive oil. 

Meanwhile, CBD tinctures are a mixture of CBD extract and ethyl alcohol(30). CBD tinctures may be applied onto the skin or under the tongue, also known as sublingual administration.

CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil

CBD oils contain CBD extracted from Cannabis sativa or hemp. CBD oils may be beneficial because of the entourage effect among CBD’s phytochemicals.

With the entourage effect, chemicals in CBD oils produce a synergistic effect that boosts the product’s therapeutic properties, which may help individuals with anxiety(31).

Hemp seed oil is not extracted from hemp and is hailed for its fatty acid content. Research showed that hemp seed oil helps an individual’s cardiovascular health, making it a viable dietary supplement.

Risks and Side Effects of CBD

A study that tested CBD dosage observed that CBD may cause diarrhea, nausea, and sleep issues. CBD may also result in low mortality and neurological problems among animals(32).

Legality of CBD

CBD has been removed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s list of controlled substances, as long as CBD is extracted from hemp. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products with 0.3% THC content or less can be sold in the U.S(33).

  1. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
  2. Home Prevention and Wellness Pain Control After Surgery: Pain Medicines Pain Control After Surgery: Pain Medicines. https://familydoctor.org/pain-control-after-surgery-pain-medicines/
  3. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  4. The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
  5. Ibid.
  6. Does CBD help with arthritis pain? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418
  7. Central nervous system inflammation in disease related conditions: mechanistic prospects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22342162/
  8. A preliminary controlled study to determine whether whole-plant cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12617376/
  9. The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
  10. Ibid.
  11. Research shows pain relieving effects of CBD. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210423130221.htm
  12. Ibid.
  13. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  14. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
  15. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/
  16. Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8107012/
  17. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/
  18. Advances in Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Approaches for Sublingual and Buccal Administration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6848967/
  19. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7893882/
  20. Topical Cannabinoids for Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Case Series. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15347354211061739
  21. Does CBD help with arthritis pain? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418
  22. Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7558665/
  23. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  24. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  25. Penn Study Shows Nearly 70 Percent of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online Are Mislabeled. https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2017/november/penn-study-shows-nearly-70-percent-of-cannabidiol-extracts-sold-online-are-mislabeled
  26. Network Meta-Analysis of Metabolic Effects of Olive-Oil in Humans Shows the Importance of Olive Oil Consumption With Moderate Polyphenol Levels as Part of the Mediterranean Diet. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379345/
  27. The non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid, cannabidiol affects cholesterol metabolism-related genes in microglial cells. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21533611/
  28. Cannabinoids and Terpenes: How Production of Photo-Protectants Can Be Manipulated to Enhance Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.620021/full
  29. Synthetic Biology: The Next Step in the Cannabinoid Revolution. https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/cannabinoid-synthetic-biology/
  30. The Benefits of CBD Tinctures. https://learn.maricopa.edu/eportfolios/22405/Home/The_Benefits_of_CBD_Tinctures
  31. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
  32. Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052834/
  33. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
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Written by 

Fay Smith

Fay Smith worked in communications for five years before settling down with her husband. Now a mother of two young children, she also takes care of three lovable Pomeranians. When one of her dogs was suffering from anxiety, she had...

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