Yo, what’s up, it’s your boy Dan, and today we’re talking about CBD and its relationship with pain. Pain is no joke, man, and it’s a complex experience that’s different for everyone. It’s influenced by our biology, social environment, and past experiences which makes it hard to treat. But with chronic pain management being such a challenge and the controversy surrounding opioid pain medication, people are turning to CBD as an alternative.
Now, you know cannabis is being legalized all over Europe and North America so people are starting to see it as a way to take care of their physical wellness. Cannabis has over a hundred different cannabinoids but the two most abundant ones are THC and CBD. And listen to this, THC has been getting all the attention in scientific studies but that’s starting to change.
So let’s get into it. You know how we have this thing called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies? Well, it plays a big role in regulating our bodily functions like our metabolism, appetite, mood, anxiety, and pain perception. And guess what? There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis and they all interact with the ECS to some degree.
Now listen up because this is important. CBD may help the body utilise its endocannabinoids which act as neurotransmitters. A 2015 study examined whether CBD could influence ECS receptors by increasing levels of anandamide. Anandamide (AEA) is an endocannabinoid associated with reducing pain perception and improving mood. And there’s more, a study published in May 2019 in the Journal of Pain Research looked at the mutual relationship between the cannabinoids THC and CBD and chronic pain. The study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and safety of a mouth spray containing both cannabinoids. The product was administered as an add-on natural care product for patients suffering from severe chronic pain.
So what about research on CBD and pain? Inflammation is something we all deal with at some point or another when we get injured. Well, a review published in 2019 observed CBD for its potential impact on inflammation and oxidative stress via ECS-mediated mechanisms. Although this review is inconclusive and focuses largely on animal studies, it sets the stage for in-depth clinical research.
Arthritis sucks, man. It’s joint pain or joint disease that affects millions of people all over the world. A 2016 study administered CBD gel to a rat model of arthritis for four days to observe any changes in the condition. This research assessed whether administration of topical CBD could cause long-lasting positive effects.
Neuropathic pain can be caused by nerve irritation and symptoms include pins and needles, excruciating pain, and sensitivity issues. Research regarding CBD’s potential in neuropathic conditions is of mixed opinion but a 2018 review looked at potential harms associated with the use of CBD and THC for pain, highlighting the need for further analysis.
Now you might be wondering how to use CBD for pain. Well, there are different methods of administration depending on what you’re looking for. CBD balms, salves, and ointments can be applied directly to the skin which makes them ideal for those targeting specific areas of pain. CBD oils, tinctures, and sprays can be taken orally or placed under the tongue which allows CBD to enter the bloodstream directly making for fast-acting effects. Capsules are essentially a pill form of CBD oil containing consistent doses. Vaping has become popular because it’s one of the most bioavailable methods meaning a large amount of total CBD content will actually make it into your bloodstream but there are dangers associated with vaping just like smoking.
But listen up because this is important too. So far pharmaceutical CBD has only been approved for use in a limited number of instances like Sativex (a 1:1 THC:CBD product) which is approved in certain countries to treat multiple sclerosis and cancer pain or Epidiolex supported within the US for certain types of epilepsy and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis.
Now before you go trying out anything new you should know that there are potential side effects to taking CBD. CBD is commonly advertised as a “cure-all” silver bullet with no risks or side effects but that’s just not true. While side effects of CBD are typically mild and non-life-threatening (e.g. diarrhoea, reduced appetite, fatigue), the most significant risk is that CBD may interact with blood thinners or other medications.
And listen to this my homies because it’s important too. When you’re buying CBD products they’re currently classed as unregulated supplements making it hard to know exactly what you’re getting. Regulating drug and health authorities worldwide have issued numerous warnings to companies attempting to market unapproved products allegedly containing CBD because many were found to make inaccurate claims regarding CBD levels and quality.
But yo if you’re considering trying out some CBD then we recommend speaking first to your doctor for guidance. Until there is solid clinical evidence it’s difficult to assess the suitability of CBD for pain management. Remember that everyone is unique so what may work for one person may not work for another. And if you do feel some side effects then ease off it immediately.
Alright guys that’s it from me today on how CBD relates to pain. Peace out!
