CBD for Pain Relief: Things to Know before Trying it
CBD – cannabidiol – is a natural compound that comes from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another well-known cannabis compound, CBD does not lead to intoxication or addiction. On the other hand, it is popular for its therapeutic properties, including pain relief.
People turn to CBD for pain relief due to its effectiveness at relieving discomfort and pain. It is available in various forms, such as oils, capsules, and creams. These products aim at providing relief from pain for conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, and inflammation.
CBD offers a natural remedy for pain. It stands out as an alternative treatment for several health conditions that involve extreme discomfort and chronic pain.
Here is everything you need to know before trying this seemingly magical treatment.
Understanding CBD
Before using CBD products, it is useful to know how the compound works. This information will help you understand the science behind the effectiveness of its pain-relieving properties.
Our body has an endocannabinoid system – a complex network that connects various bodily functions. This system also influences pain sensation. CBD interacts with this system and produces anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects to deal with different kinds of pain.
It is important to note that even though many people report positive results with CBD, it’s not a magical pain relief solution for everyone. Scientific research about its effectiveness is still in progress. More studies are needed to completely understand how CBD works and how effective it really is.
Legality
Laws regarding CBD differ across the globe. Some countries allow CBD for medicinal use, while others have strict regulations or complete bans on CBD products. So, before turning to this treatment, research about its legal use and availability in your region.
In many countries, CBD’s legality depends on the THC content and its source. THC is the compound that leads to the feeling of “high” and is classified as an intoxicating and addictive substance.
Different CBD products may contain varying levels of THC. Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts. One the other hand, CBD isolate is THC-free. So, choose products based on your preferences and legal considerations.
Quality of CBD Products
When it comes to using CBD for pain relief, it is important to consider the quality of the CBD product you want to use. It affects the safety of the product along with its effectiveness.
CBD products come in different spectrums. Full-spectrum contains various cannabinoids, including minute amounts of THC that are usually within legally allowed limits. On the other hand, broad-spectrum products contain multiple cannabinoids and are THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolate contains pure CBD without any other cannabinoids and without THC. Your choice depends on personal preferences and your concerns about THC contamination.
Moreover, you should also check for the product’s ingredient list in order to assess its overall quality. High-quality CBD products use natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives or preservatives. You should avoid CBD products with undisclosed or synthetic additives.
Possible Side Effects
Although CBD is a natural remedy for pain, it comes with potential side-effects. So, before using it, find out what possible drawbacks you should expect.
- A common side-effect of CBD use is a dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid this issue.
- Some users report feeling fatigued after using CBD. You may reduce your dose if you experience tiredness or lethargy.
- CBD can affect your appetite. It may lead to a decrease or increase in how hungry you feel, affecting your eating habits.
- In some cases, CBD can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea.
- Some users report changes in mood, such as irritability.
It is a good idea to start taking a small dose of CBD and increase it slowly over a period of time. This strategy might help you reduce the potential risk of experiencing side-effects.
Responsiveness of your Body
If you have seen positive reviews about CBD products that claim magical results, you should not expect the same for yourself. This is because different people respond differently to the compound.
Some of the most important factors that affect the responsiveness of your body to CBD include your age, weight, and overall health condition. For instance, people with a heavier body weight need a higher dose of CBD for effective results.
Similarly, people with prolonged health conditions that have worsened over the period of time also need higher doses to see noticeable results for pain management.
Final Thoughts
CBD offers a pain relief solution for different kinds of ailments. However, it is important to consult your physician before turning to CBD products. There are several potential side-effects that your physician can help you avoid. Similarly, CBD also interacts with medicines. So, if you are on medication, you must seek the advice of your doctor before trying any CBD product.
