26% of American adults are using CBD. And by 2024, the percentage of CBD users in the US is expected to increase to 35%.
Out of the people that used CBD, 22% claimed that it helped them reduce or entirely replace their over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Out of the Americans using CBD, 64% of them do so for pain relief, 42% for insomnia, and 49% for anxiety.
As you can see, many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) for pain relief and to reduce inflammation. CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient in the cannabis plant.
Derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. However, this natural compound doesn’t alter consciousness or trigger a “high.” associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
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 for pain relief.
What Are The Pros of Using CBD For Pain?
While CBD is being studied as a potential treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.
Research on CBD's benefits is limited. Still, some studies point out CBD benefits for variety of ailments. Here are some advantages of using high-quality CBD for pain we know today.
CBD As A Treatment For Chronic Pain Relief
CBD oil is a popular alternative for managing chronic pain. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is now known to be one of the key endogenous systems regulating pain sensation.
With modulatory actions at all stages of pain processing pathways. 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 59% responded that CBD products have helped their pain and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%), including opioids (53.7%).
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.
CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is the body’s immune response to illnesses, injuries, or infections. The extent and effects of chronic inflammation vary with the cause of the injury and the ability of the body to repair and overcome the damage.
An estimated three out of five people worldwide die due to inflammation-related diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, obesity, heart disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases.
According to a study reviewing the biological effects of CBD, focusing on the cellular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. , found that 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 in rats with joint inflammation and pain, researchers discovered that topical CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling reduced and joint pain in rats — without side effects.
CBD Can Help You Relax and Sleep Better
Studies indicate that high doses of CBD are therapeutic for anxiety, and relaxation and promote healthy sleep patterns.
One study showed that nearly 80% of participants who used CBD to treat their anxiety reported lower anxiety levels within a month. Sleep initially improved in more than 65% percent of participants. However, the results fluctuated over time.
The study proved that CBD might be a promising compound for increasing sleep duration and quality.
The active CBD in the hemp plant may also decrease anxiety and pain, which may affect a restful night’s sleep. CBD can help treat anxiety-induced insomnia.
What Are The Cons Of Using CBD For Pain?
Evidence suggests CBD is well-tolerated by users. However, CBD use also carries some risks. The most commonly reported side effects were tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite/weight.
Some users have shown extreme sensitivity to CBD, though a tolerance can be built up over time to the point where the primary effects are felt only after a heavy dose is achieved.
CBD side effects may vary from one person to the next. This may depend on the type and quality of CBD product one uses.
May Interact with Other Medications
Things like malaise, weakness, heavy fatigue, diarrhea, and a skin rash can occur, especially when CBD is consumed with specific prescription and over-the-counter medications. Although such effects may not be extreme, they can cause disruptions in one's ordinary routine.
Usually More Expensive Than Over The Counter Pain Medication
When compared to the price of OTC medications, the price tag of CBD will be higher (especially if it's of high quality). This is due to quality and safety control.
$20 to $80 is the average monthly spending amount for 44% of people that use CBD regularly, of which 13% spend over $160 every month.
It is crucial to ensure that you know what is in your CBD products and buying pricier, better quality, third-party tested products is the way to do that.
Final Thoughts
CBD products that contain hemp have gotten popular in recent years, especially in the health sector. People have taken to using CBD as a healthy substitute or supplement.
Others rely on it as a remedy for pain relief, to fight inflammation, as a sleep aid, to reduce anxiety, and as a stress reliever.
CBD comes in oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, balms, creams, lotions, drinks, and candy. If you are hoping to relieve pain, high-quality CBD is the way to go.
CBD oil for pain may help you deal with muscle spasms, arthritis, stiffness, back pain, and sports injuries. You can also use CBD to improve your anxiety and sleep quality and duration.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, again, consider using high-quality CBD oil to manage the symptoms.
By applying CBD oil to the target area, you can treat chronic pain symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.