Should You Consume CBD to Get Relief from Pain?

CBD has been used for ages as a pain reliever. CBD does not have psychoactive properties, making it ideal for pain treatment among various individuals. This article discusses the benefits of CBD as a pain reliever, its potential side effects, and how to get good quality CBD products. The article also describes the types of CBD and how they are vital for pain relief. 

CBD, abbreviated from, has gained popularity over the years, especially among users who seek herbal medicine. It can also is used for recreational reasons due to its relaxation properties. As more legislation continues to embrace hemp, from which CBD is derived, more scientists are curious about the properties that CBD is anecdotally believed to possess. Epidiolex is the only CBD medicine approved by health bodies to treat epilepsy. CBD remains a popular product in stores and pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. The cannabis derivative dispenses multiple health benefits without adverse side effects like opioids. 

Reasons Why You Should Use CBD To Get Relief from Pain

Chayasirisobhon (2021) stated that CBD had been used medicinal due to the following reasons;

CBD Does Not Have Psychoactive Properties

CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are chemical substances in marijuana and hemp, alongside hundreds of other chemical components. Marijuana has plenty of THC, while hemp has about 0.3% of THC. It is worth noting that THC is the chemical component that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties; it makes its users feel "high." Since hemp has a negligible amount, many countries have approved the use of hemp, while marijuana remains illegal in most countries because of the high levels of THC. Apart from being non-psychoactive, CBD is not like opioids used for similar purposes. The cannabis derivative may also be an ideal replacement for opioids in handling withdrawal symptoms that accompany quitting drugs and substance abuse.

You Can Buy CBD as a Product

Initially, the only way you could enjoy your CBD was through inhaling the smoke, a harmful practice that affected the lungs and discouraged non-smokers from using CBD. However, as CBD continues to be more popular, industries continue to infuse it in as many products as possible to reach the consumer in the form they desire. Think of any product you wish was a CBD product, and chances are it is already in the market. The user is therefore exposed to a wider range of products. Users consider when picking their desired CBD: convenience, discretion, absorption time, and the duration of CBD effect on the body. The following are some of the methods of CBD consumption;

As a Sublingual

CBD is absorbed under the tongue as an oil or tincture.

As an Edible

The cannabis derivative may be consumed through ingestion as gummies, snacks, candies, or capsules.

As an Inhalant

CBD may be used through vaping or through smoking.

As a Topical

Skin products may be laced with CBD as skin tones, lotions, or creams.

Types of CBD

There is a type of CBD for everyone. A first-time CBD user may wonder about the most suitable product for pain. The three spectrums of CBD include; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The categories known as spectrums will not have the same reactions on everyone. Oleinik (2022) suggested that first time user starts with the milder spectrums before using the most effective spectrum;

Full spectrum CBD 

The full spectrum CBD is considered the most effective among the spectrums because it contains most of the chemical components found in cannabis, including THC. The user can enjoy the entourage effect due to the synergy among the cannabis derivatives in CBD. Evans (2021) opined that CBD is more effective when it has several chemical components that complement each other to provide a wider range of benefits. It is worth noting that the THC percentage in the CBD full spectrum is limited to 0.3%.

Broad spectrum CBD

The broad spectrum has many cannabis chemical elements like the full spectrum CBD. Unlike the full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD does not have THC. The user experiences a limited entourage effect due to the absence of THC.

CBD Isolate

As the name suggests, the CBD isolate has only one chemical element; the user does not enjoy the entourage effect. The isolate is considered the purest CBD spectrum and is the most recommended for first-time users because it is milder than CBD in the other spectrums.

CBD Is Readily Available

CBD is readily available. It is legal in many countries; you may purchase it online or in drug stores and pharmacies. 

You Do Not Need a Doctor's Prescription.

Regular user of CBD doesn't need to visit the doctor whenever they want to purchase CBD. However, like any other drug, CBD may cause some side effects. Kominek (2021) opined that CBD may cause dry mouth, diarrhea, and low appetite. It is therefore important that first-time users consult the doctor for the following reasons;

• The doctor may check your health status to find out if there are any underlying health issues.
• If you are on medication, the doctor may check them and determine if they can interact with CBD.
• To ensure that CBD will not compromise your health.
• The doctor may recommend the best places to buy CBD for pain relief.

Conclusion

CBD has anecdotally been proven useful in pain relief. It is a great alternative to substances used for their medical value because it does not have psychoactive properties due to the negligible amount of THC. The users have various CBD products to choose from; they can also consume the CBD spectrum that suits their needs. However, first-time users should seek a medical opinion before using a CBD product for pain. While the product is relatively harmless, poor-quality products may have side effects.

References

Chayasirisobhon,S.(2021).Mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of   cannabis. The Permanente Journal, 25.

Evans, J. (2021). Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home.            Fair Winds Press (MA).Chayasirisobhon, S. (2021).Mechanisms of action and     pharmacokinetics of cannabis. The Permanente Journal, 25.

Kominek, C., & Brooks, A (2021) See, Be, Deceived… or Relieved? Evaluating CBD for    Pain Management.

Oleinik, G.(2022) Can Full-Spectrum CBD Cause Anxiety?.