The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to the Best CBD Oil for Pain
It’s estimated that 1.5 billion people worldwide are suffering from chronic pain. Can CBD help and how? What is the best method of application for people coping with pain on a daily basis? What are the factors to consider when buying CBD oil for pain?
Learn the answers and get more information on CBD and pain in our handy guide.
Is CBD Legal in the UK?
The first item of concern is legality. The good news is that use and possession of CBD oil for pain in the UK is completely legal, as long as the product is derived from industrial hemp (containing 0.2% THC or less) or has 1mg of THC per package.
The bad news is that companies aren’t allowed to make claims about the medical properties of their CBD products, leaving consumers confused when trying to find quality cannabidiol oil for their condition.
Does CBD Oil Work for Pain?
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since 2900 BC. However, science has only recently enabled us to see how exactly this miracle plant can help people manage pain.
The answer lies in CBD, and other cannabinoids, that interact with the ECS receptors in the brain, impacting their activity and reducing inflammation and pain perception.
CBD, in particular, binds to CB1 receptors (found in the brain and spinal cord) that affect the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors (found throughout the body) that reduce inflammation.
This sounds a bit abstract; luckily, there are several studies providing rock-hard evidence on the link between CBD oil and pain relief.
These are some of the most common diseases and conditions CBD oil help with:
Chronic Pain
Several studies have explored the impact of cannabis on chronic pain.
One report found CBD-use to considerably reduce pain levels, prompting the authors to recommend cannabis as an effective treatment for chronic pain symptoms in adults.
A different study supported these results and added that patients were not likely to develop a tolerance to cannabidiol; thus, the CBD oil dosage for pain relief needn’t increase.
Multiple Sclerosis
Experiencing muscle spasms and stiffness, the most common symptoms of MS (and the most painful too), makes patients eligible for a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK, especially if other treatments have failed.
What’s more, the NHS has approved the use of Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine, to people with MS-related muscle spasticity. Sativex is one of the two NHS-approved CBD drugs in the UK.
Arthritis Pain
According to a study in the European Journal of Pain, the topical application of CBD significantly reduced inflammation and signs of pain in arthritic rats.
There is other evidence (scientific and anecdotal) to suggest that CBD oil for joint pain could lower inflammation and pain levels in humans with this condition. However, more proof is needed to definitely recommend CBD as a treatment for arthritis.
Cancer Pain
Cancer and cancer treatment have been the subject of many CBD studies and research.
Some studies point out that CBD could have tumour-shrinking properties, others that cannabis, in combination with opioids, might be more effective in treating cancer pain than opioids alone. Evidence, however, is still inconclusive.
What we do know is that CBD alleviates chemotherapy side-effects, such as pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. To that end, both Nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, and medical cannabis have been approved by the NHS as a form of relief from these symptoms.
Migraine
Certain evidence suggests that CBD oil for pain relief could have a positive effect on migraines, such as a 2017 study which showed that a THC-CBD combination reduced migraine attacks by a staggering 40%.
Fibromyalgia
Several studies and surveys indicate that CBD could reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and the management of pain arising from this prevalent disease.
Sports Injuries
Although not officially approved, there is a long list of athletes who use CBD following serious injuries (including concussions, fractures, and trauma) and long-term physical wear and tear.
Many of them even advocate for CBD use as a safer and healthier alternative to traditional pain medication, such as NSAIDs and opioids.
CBD Oil Dosage for Pain Relief
Although users and studies support the use of CBD for pain management, cannabidiol isn’t officially recognised as treatment, so there is no standard dose in place. Research is confusing as well, with some studies showing promising results with a 5mg dose and others with 500mg.
Thus, it’s all up to you. We recommend starting with a lower dose of 2mg to 5mg (depending on your weight and age) and increase gradually.
If you start to feel any adverse effects, simply lower the intake. If you feel that the CBD is no longer useful, increase it slowly until you achieve the desired result.
How to Use CBD Oil for Pain?
There are several ways to use cannabidiol for pain:
Oils and Tinctures
Consuming CBD sublingually, or under the tongue, is one of the quickest ways to get immediate relief as the CBD is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Effects will take 5 to 15 minutes to kick in. One of the downsides is the taste, which could take some getting used to.
Topicals
These include lotions, muscle rubs, creams, gels, massage oils, and patches. Topical application is considered the best in terms of CBD oil and back pain, muscle strains and joint pain — it allows users to apply the cannabidiol directly onto the affected areas. Plus topicals have the longest-lasting effects — up to 6 hours.
Edibles
Edibles are the most discreet method of consumption and great for people who want a fixed dose of CBD. They are the slowest-acting, though, and it may take them 2 to 4 hours to start working, so not the most suitable for instant relief.
Vapes
Unlike edibles, vapes take 15 to 40 minutes to kick in, making them the perfect choice for immediate alleviation. Yet, vapes aren’t that discreet, and their impact on the lungs is still not thoroughly researched.
When it comes to the issue of “how to take CBD oil for pain,” there are several aspects users need to consider: do you want immediate relief or a longer-lasting solution? Do you want to consume hemp at home, or do you wish to have a dose handy in your hour of need? What kind of pain are you treating?
Once these questions are answered, you can decide on the best method of cannabis consumption for you.
CBD Oil Side Effects
Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not have psychoactive properties and cannot get you high or show up on a drug test.
There are, however, certain mild side effects. Although not common, users should be aware that taking CBD might cause: dry mouth, diarrhoea, drowsiness, and possible interaction with medication.
What to Look For in the Best CBD Oil UK for Pain?
Here are a few factors to take into account before deciding on a product:
- Look at CBD and THC content, i.e., check whether the product is potent enough for your needs and whether it’s legal.
- Find a reputable company that continuously tests its CBD products and displays a Certificate of Analysis for each of them.
- Check online reviews to see whether the product has been helpful for others with your condition.
- Ensure that the product is competitively-priced and that it comes with generous return policies or free delivery.
- Choose a method of application that is right for your needs and medical condition so you can properly experience all the CBD oil benefits for pain.
Bottom Line
If you’re living with pain, CBD might be just what the doctor ordered.
Despite the few risks that come with cannabidiol, you shouldn’t make a rushed purchase. Consult your GP and adequately research the product before taking CBD oil for pain in the UK. Above all, be patient. Results may vary on use, method of administration, as well as your lifestyle and condition.
We hope that our selection of the best cannabidiol products for pain will help you find the right one for you and bring you closer to a life without pain.
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