Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Pain
While prescription medication may pack a more powerful punch and yield faster results for people living with chronic pain, they often come at a price that’s too steep — from addiction to extreme side effects.
But what if we told you that CBD oil could also help you ease pain without any repercussions?
Today, many consumers are using CBD oil as well as other CBD products in the treatment of painful areas in their body. And according to their reports, it works!
However, it is not just them. Even the research shows that CBD oil does have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can prove critical for people dealing with pain.
But what are the pros and cons of using CBD oil for pain? Keep reading to discover more.
Key Takeaways
- CBD oil has great potential for helping consumers relieve pain.
- There are several advantages that come with using CBD oil for pain. But there are a few drawbacks too.
- More CBD oil does not always mean better pain relief. So, ensure you don’t increase your dosage too fast.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (or CBD for short) is one of the many compounds that can be derived from cannabis plants, usually hemp. It contains a lower level of THC (the compound in cannabis that produces the high).
That said, CBD oil is essentially what it sounds like — CBD that has been processed into oil. Usually, this happens by diluting the CBD with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.
With CBD oil, you typically have three options for consuming or administering it:
- Orally: CBD oil can be ingested directly by placing drops under the tongue to cause sublingual absorption.
- Topical application: You can also use CBD oil topically: CBD oil can also be used as an ingredient in skincare products or apply it directly to the skin (for targeted pain relief in this case).
- Mixing it into food: You can also mix CBD oil into your foods or drinks and consume it that way.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Irrespective of your method of consumption or application, CBD oil will work the way any other CBD product will work — by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The body’s ESC refers to a complex network of receptors and enzymes that contribute to regulating several body processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, pain reception, and immune function.
Since CBD is a cannabinoid, it can bind to specific receptors in the ESC, especially the CB1 And CB2 receptors. As a result, it can modulate or influence the activities of these receptors, thereby regulating some body functions.
Research shows that the CB1 and CB2 can suppress pain stimuli through various mechanisms when they are activated. Thankfully, CBD oil can activate these receptors.
In addition, CBD can also activate your body’s serotonin receptors, which may help improve your mood despite the pain you’re feeling.
However, you should note that the effects of CBD oil may vary depending on several factors, including the dosage, the method of administration, and your body chemistry. More research is also necessary to determine more about CBD oil and how it affects the body.
back to menu ↑How to Use CBD Oil for Pain
Over the years, CBD oil has become quite popular among consumers for its potential to help relieve pain, including chronic pain and pain resulting from inflammation. Here are some ideas on how to use CBD to alleviate pain:
- Sublingual administration: In this case, you’ll place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for a while, usually 45 seconds to 2 minutes. This gives your mucus membrane time to absorb the CBD directly into your bloodstream and may provide more rapid relief for the pain.
- Topical application: With topical application, you’re applying CBD oil directly to the affected area to help relieve pain and inflammation. For instance, if you’re dealing with any form of arthritis, rubbing CBD oil on the affected areas may prove effective in easing the pain.
However, you should note that the optimal dosage of CBD oil you should take for pain relief will vary depending on the extent of the pain and your body chemistry. Either way, we recommend starting with a lower dose and increasing the dosage until you achieve your desired effect.
Better still, consult with your healthcare professional, especially if you’re using other medication.
back to menu ↑What are the Pros of Using CBD Oil for Pain?
Here are some advantages of including CBD oil in your wellness regimen and treatment for pain:
Easy to Use
One of the finer points of CBD oil is how easy it is to use. Most CBD oil bottles come with a dropper. So, all you have to do is take out the dropper and place a few drops of the liquid in your mouth. If you apply your CBD oil topically, it is even more straightforward. Simply place a few drops onto the problem area and rub it in.
Non-psychoactive
While this benefit is subjective depending on whether you consume THC products, another advantage of CBD oil is that it is non-psychoactive. Yes, CBD oil will not get you high. So, you don’t have to worry about the side effects or psychoactive effects that come with consuming products that contain THC.
Natural
We should also mention that CBD oil is generally all-natural. Every constituent in the bottle comes from one plant or the other — the CBD from hemp plant and the oil from hemp seeds, in most cases. Either way, CBD oil allows you to relieve your pain without the fear of consuming more chemicals.
Minimal side effects
Generally, most people do not even report any side effects from using CBD oil. However, if you’re on higher doses of the compound, you may experience some fatigue, drowsiness, or dry mouth in some cases. Sometimes, CBD oil may also affect your appetite. But the good news is these side effects are minimal and easy to manage.
Studies show Positive Potential
While there is still a need for more conclusive research, current studies show great potential for CBD oil as an effective treatment for pain. In other words, it is super likely for you to experience positive results if you’re using CBD oil for pain relief.
Legal
With CBD oil, you don’t have to worry about legality issues or problems with the authorities. According to federal law and the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is no longer a controlled substance and is legal if it is derived from hemp plants. This makes CBD oil much more accessible to consumers whenever they need it.
Helps Support Homeostasis
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain internal balance and stability. Since CBD oil influences the body’s endocannabinoid system, it can play a crucial role in regulating several bodily functions and overall health.
back to menu ↑What are the Cons of Using CBD Oil for Pain?
While CBD oil can undoubtedly benefit people living with pain, it is not without some drawbacks. Here are some of the cons of CBD oil
Not Always Accessible
CBD oil may be legal, but it is not necessarily always available or accessible, depending on where you live. In addition, some state laws may restrict the product or sale of CBD oil to certain. However, buying CBD oil online should typically solve this problem for you.
Not FDA Approved
While several research and expert publications have shown that CBD oil is safe for use and consumption, it still does not have the FDA’s approval as there needs to be more conclusive evidence.
Can Cause Minor Side Effects
Also, CBD oil can potentially cause several side effects, especially when you take it in doses that are too high. Some of these side effects include drowsiness, changes in appetite, mood changes, and interference with other medications. However, the good news is these side effects are generally minor and manageable.
Not Covered by Insurance
Another drawback with using CBD for pain relief is that your insurance will likely not cover it. This is arguable because CBD products do not have FDA approval yet.
Relatively New to the Market
CBD products are still relatively new to the market, and there’s still a lot of skepticism. Even more, since it’s still new in the marketplace, it is not as freely available as other products, which may be a bother. Thankfully, you can order and purchase your CBD products online.
Quality of Product Varies
This is quite an important one. Since the FDA does not regulate CBD production and sale, it is almost impossible to keep track of what each manufacturer produces. As a result, some CBD oil may be of inferior quality, containing contaminants and synthetic additives.
However, buying from a well-established brand that boasts a certificate of analysis (COA) and third-party test results should solve this problem.
back to menu ↑How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Work for Pain?
There is no absolute answer here.
The time it takes for CBD oil to relieve your pain will depend on various factors — such as the method of consumption, your dosage, your metabolism, and the severity of the pain.
However, you should feel relief from the sublingual administration of CBD oil within 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, topical application to the pain site may provide much faster pain relief, but the effects may be restricted to the application point.
back to menu ↑What to Know Before Buying CBD Oil
Here are some tips to help you buy high-quality CBD oil:
- Look out for the brand’s Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Ensure you find third-party testing results for the brand’s products.
- Ensure that their ingredient list is 100% organic.
Final Thoughts: Is CBD Oil for Pain Right for You?
We can’t answer that question for you. But here’s what we know — CBD oil has shown great potential for helping consumers living with pain alleviate and relieve their symptoms. So, chances are it will work for you too.
Looking for more CBD content like this? Check out How Long Before Bed Should You Take CBD, and our guide on Can you Take Too Much CBD.
