The Pros and Cons of
Using CBD Oil for Pain

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs are putting lots of users on the edge. Conventional pain drugs come with warnings and side effects that make people wonder whether they are safe. Is it worth using such drugs to manage your pain?

Today, many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil for pain relief. CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient in the cannabis plant. Derived directly from the hemp plant, this natural compound doesn’t cause the “high” associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD affects messages traveling to the brain. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to help regulate body functions like sleep, pain reception, and immunity. Over the past decade, the use of CBD for medical purposes has tremendously increased. Still, there are many questions regarding the pros and cons of CBD oil for pain relief. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CBD product to treat seizures — Epidiolex.

What Are the Advantages of Using CBD Oil for Pain?

While CBD is being studied as a potential treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including diabetes, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, research on CBD oil’s benefits is limited. Still, some studies point out CBD oil’s benefits for various conditions. Here are some advantages of using high-quality CBD oil for pain.

Chronic Pain Relief for People With Long-Term Health Conditions

CBD oil is a popular alternative for managing chronic pain. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates your pain response, motor control, immune system, and emotions. When you ingest CBD oil, this compound affects how your body perceives and responds to pain.

CBD and naturally produced cannabinoids interact with pain receptors in the brain and body to reduce chronic pain. ECS neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, affecting the brain’s pain perception. A study on pain relief found that rats experienced less pain from incision cuts after using CBD. Rats offered CBD oil in a non-rewarding manner wanted more CBD as a reward.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments can also use CBD oil for pain relief. Additionally, CBD can help alleviate pain associated with muscle spasms, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, and the lower back .

Anti-Inflammatory Effects Without Psychoactive Effects

Inflammation is the body’s immune response to illnesses, injuries, or infections.

An estimated three out of five people worldwide die due to inflammation-related diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases.

According to a study reviewing the biological effects of CBD , the compound effectively binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, suppressing inflammation. CBD oil’s therapeutic benefits affect how the body responds to injuries, decreasing the body’s negative immune response without any psychoactive effects.

In another study on the effects of CBD on rats with joint inflammation , researchers discovered that topical CBD gel reduced joint pain and swelling in rats — without evident side effects.

Hemp Seed Oil Active Ingredients Help You Relax and Sleep Better

Early studies indicate that high doses of CBD can help with relaxation and promote healthy sleep patterns.

According to a study of the effects of CBD in 72 adults with sleep disorders and anxiety , the sleep scores of 48 adults improved within the first month of using the compound. However, the results fluctuated over time. The study proved that CBD might be a promising compound for increasing sleep duration and quality.

Active ingredients in hemp seed oil may also decrease anxiety and pain, which may affect a restful night’s sleep. CBD can help treat anxiety-induced insomnia .