- CBD (cannabidiol) syrup is one type of CBD product with cannabidiol. CBD is an active component of cannabis or medical marijuana(1).
- Research has stated that cannabidiol may contain anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage various types of pain, such as chronic pain(2).
- CBD may also decrease pain linked to certain health conditions like arthritis, migraines, diabetes, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer(3).
- There is no conclusive evidence that CBD syrup may help with pain. However, the compound’s purported therapeutic benefits may potentially support pain management.
Benefits of CBD Syrup for Pain
CBD syrup is a type of CBD product that contains cannabidiol.
Studies have hypothesized that cannabidiol may contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits that may aid with different types of pain like chronic pain(4).
CBD is an active compound of cannabis or marijuana. Even though CBD is an essential element of medical marijuana, the compound is mainly derived from hemp plants, a relative of marijuana(5).
CBD may interact with the ECS or the endocannabinoid system(6). This system is present in most parts of the body and regulates most of its bodily functions(7).
Moreover, the ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 located on various cells throughout the body(8).
CB1 receptors regulate pain sensation, while CB2 stimulates a response that deals with inflammation(9).
CBD has a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, the compound may antagonize the receptors in the presence of THC(10).
THC, also called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana(11). This compound causes users to experience a euphoric high.
Meanwhile, CBD is non-psychoactive(12). Researchers hypothesize that CBD decreases the efficacy and potency of THC and regulates pain perceptions(13).
Due to CBD syrup containing cannabidiol which modulates pain perception, CBD syrup may help with pain.
Meanwhile, a recent randomized controlled trial was done to determine the efficacy of topical CBD in alleviating peripheral neuropathy in humans(14).
The trial results suggested that transdermally administered CBD oil may reduce pain and other disturbing sensations linked to peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damaged peripheral nerves or nerves outside the spinal cord and brain. This injury may induce numbness, weakness, and painful hands and feet(15).
Moreover, a review suggested that CBD may effectively manage chronic pain without causing adverse side effects(16).
CBD may also reduce pain associated with the following health issues(17):
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cancer
There are no conclusive studies on the effectiveness of CBD syrup for pain. However, the compound’s purported therapeutic benefits may potentially aid in managing pain.
What Is in Hemp CBD Syrup?
Individuals who are not fond of the natural or earthy taste of CBD tinctures or other CBD products may opt for CBD syrups.
CBD syrups are thick, concentrated, and may come in various flavors such as blueberry, watermelon, apple, and grape. This product may also be added to beverages.
Each bottle of CBD syrup may contain cannabidiol mixed with natural herbs and melatonin.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain that responds to darkness. This hormone may help decrease anxiety and may also help individuals who have trouble falling asleep and waking up in the morning(18).
How to Use CBD Syrup
Generally, CBD products have labels that indicate the proper dosage and use of the product.
For CBD syrup, individuals may pour their preferred amount into any beverage, like sodas, or ingest the product just like any other liquid medicine.
CBD Dosage
Presently, the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA does not endorse the use of any CBD product for any medical condition.
Thus, CBD syrup does not have a set dosage specifically for pain.
A general rule of thumb on CBD dosing, especially for individuals without experience in CBD, is to start with a low dose and slowly increase the dosage if the individual does not feel any significant side effects(19).
Individuals who take CBD-dominant products may start with 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD every day. If the product has tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), individuals may take low amounts of THC at around 1 to 1.25 mg doses(20).
Where to Buy CBD Syrup
CBD syrup and THC drinks are currently popular and may be bought online or from legal cannabis dispensaries in states where cannabis-derived syrups are allowed for selling and consumption.
CBD Syrup vs. CBD Oil and Other Products
CBD-infused syrups are a new type of CBD product. This CBD form combines CBD with sweetened syrup mixtures and ingredients like health supplements.
These syrups may provide a tasty, pleasant, and easy way to take CBD.
Meanwhile, CBD edibles such as CBD gummies work by allowing the compound to pass through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream.
CBD tinctures are made by infusing cannabis into carrier oils, like olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, or hemp oil(21).
Tinctures are then applied sublingually or directly under the tongue. Users should wait for one to two minutes before swallowing the compound(22).
Inhaling CBD using vape pens offers the quickest way to feel the benefits of the compound. The vapor goes straight from the user’s lungs into the bloodstream(23).
However, smoking and vaping have been associated with the development of severe pulmonary diseases and lung irritation, so caution is advised(24).
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants(25).
CBD may interact with the ECS, which is prevalent in most humans and animals and is located in the nervous and immune systems.
Apart from being nearly present in almost all mammals, the ECS also plays a significant role in regulating homeostasis or balance(26).
Side Effects of CBD
There is a lack of clinical data that conclusively determine what side effects may occur from CBD use.
However, some common side effects of CBD use generally include loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue(27).
A study in 2018 stated that kidney transplant patients who took CBD to help manage chronic pain may have experienced side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or periodic heat episodes(28).
Moreover, in a recent study on the effects of CBD on individuals given CBD oil, the researchers stated that some of the participants encountered adverse effects such as sedation and vivid dreams(29).
Lastly, a 2020 study investigating adults who used CBD reported common side effects like changes in body weight, appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea(30).
- 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 - A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/ - Page 167-168 of Healing With CBD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/ - 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 - The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full - Ibid.
- What Is Marijuana?
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana - Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/ - Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full - The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/ - Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms & Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061 - Page 167 of Healing With CBD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - page 167-168 of Healing With CBD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - Melatonin: What You Need To Know
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know - CBD dosing
https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing - Page 218 of Healing With CBD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - Healing with CBD page 205
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain - Best way to take CBD
https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/best-way-take-cbd - Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html - The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator - Ibid.
- What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700 - Chronic Pain Treatment With Cannabidiol in Kidney Transplant Patients in Uruguay
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29579828/ - Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/ - Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/