CBD works for pain with minimal side effects

CBD (Cannabidiol) is the second of the prevalent compounds in Cannabis that has numerous health benefits, such as treating pain. CBD does not produce an equal psychoactive effect like THC which was the most popular due to its high impact on the human body. Research has shown that 62 percent of people who use CBD use it to relieve physical pain. In addition, CBD has minimal side effects, and addiction isn’t familiar with its use. Read on to learn how CBD works for pain.

What is CBD

CBD is a unique compound contained in Cannabis alongside 120 plus other compounds with known or unknown effects. Cannabis might still be illegal in some countries because of its THC constituent, but CBD, on the other hand, is legal.

CBD is consumed in many forms, such as CBD oil/tinctures, CBD capsules, CBD edibles, CBD in a topical form such as balm, lotion and cream. CBD works for pain in its topical form to treat the area affected. You can also use it in its oral form. There are some fantastic CBD products you can try such as tranquil earth CBD.

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How CBD works for pain

The body’s endocannabinoid system comprises cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes that facilitate the process.

Cannabinoid receptors: There are two cannabinoid receptors which are CB1 and CB2 receptors; CB1 receptors are found in the CNS (Central Nervous System) and are majorly responsible for the cognitive and emotional effect of cannabis and our perception of pain. CB2 receptors are located in the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System), CNS, and the immune system.
Endocannabinoids, short for Endogenous cannabinoids, are the cannabinoids that your body produces.
Enzymes will facilitate the breakdown and use of cannabinoids.

Naturally, the body releases endocannabinoids to bind with the cannabinoid receptors when it experiences pain/inflammation. What CBD does is increase the production of endocannabinoids to fight pain faster and better. Although CBD has a much broader effect on the body central nervous system and immune system, such as:

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: CBD works for pain as it reduces inflammation by fighting oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory property also helps fight arthritis pain associated with the joint
Antipsychotic effect: CBD aids in reducing outcomes such as anxiety disorder and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
Others include neuroprotective effect, antiemetic effect and prevention of nerve damage

CBD spectrum

The benefits and the extent to which CBD can benefit the body are not yet fully discovered by scientists, but currently, there are three CBD spectrum and are classified as full CBD spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate.

Full-spectrum

Full-spectrum is also known as the most potent CBD spectrum, and it is also the most known because of its constituent. It consists of up to a hundred cannabinoid compounds, terpenes, flavonoids, proteins, phenols, sterols and esters. Aside from this, the whole spectrum can treat multiple conditions simultaneously, unlike isolate, which treats different conditions individually. Full-spectrum is also great for preventing nerve damage/pain because it contains a mixture of CBD and a tiny percentage of THC.

Broad-spectrum

It maintains the properties of cannabis but without THC, that is, it contains every other compound in cannabis aside from THC.

Isolate spectrum

Isolate consists of only CBD in it, and it can treat a condition at a time.

The way your body works is essential

The bioavailability of CBD in your body is the amount of CBD that makes it to your bloodstream. It plays a vital role in how much it will affect the pain you feel. You must have been told to use some medications with your meals. It is not entirely different from CBD consumption. CBD will work in the body depending on some factors such as:

The form you take it

CBD in its oral form is better absorbed when it is taken with fatty foods as CBD is hydrophobic and lipophilic.

Your weight and history with cannabis

CBD dosage may vary depending on individuals’ metabolism, body composition, and history of using marijuana products. The product also plays an important role in that you are advised to consult your doctor for the correct dosage. You can start by taking the smaller dose of 2 mg and increase from 2 to 5 mg after weeks.

Your habits

The effects of CBD depend on whether you have eaten, slept, or been stressed.

3 ways CBD works for pain

Reducing pain signals: CBD regulates the sensation of pain by inducing and boosting the level of adenosine in the brain, thereby reducing the feeling of pain.

Increasing immune response

CBD can help modulate the immune response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the proliferation of T cells indicated in autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders.

Reducing inflammation

As we mentioned earlier, CBD reduces inflammation for arthritis joint pain; it does so by preventing any decrease in micronutrients such as zinc and selenium, which are very important for balanced immune response and may reduce neuropathic pain. It also acts to reduce oxidative stress.

Improved mood and quality sleep

When you can barely function at anything else, significantly when the pain worsens, it could affect your way of life, especially relationships with loved ones and your job. Full-spectrum CBD which contains terpenes and other cannabinoids works effectively for sleep.

Other ways CBD may benefit pain include:

Osteoarthritis
Type 2 Diabetes
Cancer and Alzheimer’s
Multiple Sclerosis

The bottom line

We discussed what CBD is, its spectrum, how CBD works for pain, and the ways it affects pain directly and indirectly. You are advised to have a conversation about how CBD might affect you as a person and what form you should take CBD for pain. Overall, CBD has minimal side effects compared to THC.

You should focus on consuming CBD products with minimal THC (<0.3%), otherwise, you might be prosecuted because it is illegal to consume THC in high amounts. You can share how CBD works for pain for you and what form of consuming CBD has worked for you. However, before integrating this wonder supplement into your diet, consult a doctor.