How to take CBD for pain?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has multiple health benefits. CBD is said to have analgesic properties in particular. So how should you take CBD for pain? Find the answers in this dedicated article.

How does CBD act in the body to relieve pain?

CBD is one of the cannabinoids that make up hemp. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and does not cause cannabis addiction. The cannabinoid rather has numerous beneficial properties for health, some of which are proven by Science. Among the many virtues of CBD, its pain-relieving potential is particularly noteworthy.

The actions of CBD on the endocannabinoid system (ECS)

Several scientific studies notably demonstrate the actions of CBD on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS. Cannabidiol would bind to the receptors to reduce the perception of pain regardless of its nature and origin. The cannabinoid would notably relieve neuropathic pain. The substance derived from cultivated hemp has also proven its effectiveness in treating everyday ailments such as migraine, stomach ache, etc. The product would also ease the pain caused by certain chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Crohn's disease.

CBD against back pain

Specific scientific research demonstrates the actions of CBD on very particular ailments. According to a study conducted in 2020, cannabidiol possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Indeed, the cannabinoid reduces the reactions of immune cells to external aggressions to limit, or even avoid, the symptoms of inflammation.

The cannabinoid would therefore have the potential to relieve pain related to back pain. These results are supported by the results of another study published in June 2021.

CBD for relieving joint pain

The Arthritis Foundation conducted a specific observation to demonstrate the actions of CBD on joint pain. It emerged that cannabidiol would have beneficial effects in the treatment of pain related to osteoarthritis.

Cannabidiol for relieving menstrual symptoms

According to the conclusions of a study conducted by a team from the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing – University of Arkansas, CBD has the potential to considerably relieve the symptoms of menstruation. The natural product derived from hemp would notably relieve pain localized in the lower abdomen during menstruation and soothe headaches of low to very intense severity. Cannabidiol would also act by calming the emotional and psychological disorders linked to menstruation.

Which form of CBD should be used against pain?

CBD is sold in different forms in the dedicated market. Producers compete with technology and creativity to develop increasingly practical CBD products for daily use. You can notably find on the market of legal CBD in France:

CBD oils

Oils are the most common and most sought-after CBD products on the dedicated market. This type of product consists of a natural vegetable oil base enriched with CBD molecules and sometimes other natural ingredients derived from hemp. CBD oils are notably categorized as follows, according to their composition:

• Full Spectrum CBD oil: containing all the other components of hemp, namely terpenes, flavonoids, as well as all other cannabinoids including THC at a regulatory rate of less than 0,3%;
• Broad Spectrum CBD oil: the vegetable oil is enriched with all the components of the hemp plant except THC;
• CBD isolate: this is an oil concentrated in CBD. The product contains only the natural vegetable oil base and the CBD molecule, without any other ingredient.

Depending on the entourage effect, CBD oils containing other components of the Cannabis sativa L. plant have sustained actions. Indeed, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) possess certain virtues similar to those of CBD. These components would also integrate their own beneficial health properties.

Furthermore, you can find oils with very varied CBD concentrations: ranging from 5% to 40%.

CBD capsules

A CBD capsule is a capsule that contains cannabidiol powder. This form of cannabidiol is very common in the market.

CBD infusions

CBD infusions are made from dried or fresh CBD flowers, leaves, or fruits, packaged in a packet or sachet. Consumers must prepare their own hot cannabidiol drink themselves.

CBD e-liquids

CBD e-liquid products are specially intended for vapers who wish to enjoy the benefits of CBD on a daily basis.

CBD flowers

The CBD flower is generally available in dried form from CBD sellers. The product is sold by the gram. CBD flower is not subject to specific treatments. This type of product therefore preserves all its natural qualities, notably its therapeutic properties.

CBD treats

CBD candies are classic confectioneries containing CBD. These products are specially intended for gourmets. Please note, CBD confectioneries are strictly prohibited for minors.

Everyday CBD food products

Cannabidiol is available in special formats. You can notably find in stores different types of everyday CBD foods: syrups, culinary oils, coffee capsules, CBD honey.

The different uses of CBD against pain

The methods of using CBD vary depending on the form of the product. The most frequent uses offering the best results are notably:

Sublingual administration

The sublingual administration method is specific to CBD oil. The consumer must notably draw up the number of drops corresponding to the quantity required for the treatment. The product must be held under the tongue for 20 to 60 seconds so that the molecule is completely assimilated into the body. You can then swallow the drops with a large glass of water. Sublingual administration offers rapid effects, within 1 to 2 minutes after administration.

Ingestion

CBD oil can also be consumed by ingestion. To do this, add the number of drops necessary for the treatment to your meals. Please note, this type of product cannot be subjected to high temperatures, as this risks making all its qualities disappear. Therefore, be sure to pour the drops of cannabidiol oil just before eating to fully enjoy the effects against pain.

CBD infusions are also consumed by ingestion. You must prepare the hot drink just before administration. As cannabidiol is a fat-soluble product, you must infuse it in boiling water and fatty matter (ideally milk or butter).

CBD capsules as well as CBD foods are also taken by ingestion. You must consume these products as you would their classic versions.

Inhalation by vaporization

This method of use involves using the product in a vaporizer to produce a vapor rich in CBD, to be inhaled. The inhalation administration method by vaporization is used for CBD flowers, CBD oil, and CBD resin.

CBD creams, balms, and gels to optimize CBD treatment against pain

You can obtain CBD cream, gel, or balm from a specialized retailer. These types of products are used topically. You must spread the substance on your skin, at the painful area, while performing a light massage. The cannabidiol molecule then penetrates beneath the epidermis to exert its analgesic action and its anti-inflammatory actions in depth. Topical use of CBD allows targeted treatment and therefore enables satisfactory results to be obtained.

Topical cannabidiol products are especially recommended for relieving painful joints, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis and back pain treatments.

As a reminder, CBD does not replace any medication treatment for pain relief. The natural product complements or optimizes the analgesic effects of the baseline treatment. Furthermore, as a precaution, seek the advice of your doctor or a cannabidiol expert before starting any CBD treatment if you are already taking one or more medications. Indeed, improper dosing, inappropriate use of CBD, or an interaction of the CBD molecule with other products can lead to more or less serious side effects.