Patients with severe or chronic pain may wonder, “Does CBD oil reduce pain?” According to an article published in 2008 in the scholarly journal Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, the use of cannabinoids in treating pain has been accepted medical practice in Canada since 2005. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most promising cannabinoids for pain relief. Understanding how to reduce pain with CBD oil can help patients manage even the most persistent chronic conditions without the side effects associated with some prescription pain medications.
How Does CBD Oil Work to Combat Pain?
The endocannabinoid system consists of a network of receptors in place throughout the nervous systems of mammals. These receptors regulate the signals that travel throughout the body. The active ingredient in CBD oil attaches to these receptors, reducing the transmission of unwanted electrical impulses in the nervous system. This can provide real help for patients with certain forms of epilepsy and those with chronic or severe pain issues.
Does CBD Produce a High?
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. However, it is not the same as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for producing a high. Because CBD lacks the euphoria-inducing characteristics of THC, it is safe for use by people of all ages. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued guidelines about the use of hemp-derived chemical compounds that limit the percentage of THC in these legally sold remedies to 0.3 percent by weight. This ensures that patients who choose to relieve pain with CBD oil do not experience unwanted side effects.
Reducing Pain with CBD Oil
In Canada, a prescription drug that combines THC and CBD is used to treat patients with long-term pain and has shown outstanding results for those suffering from neuropathic pain and pain associated with cancer and its treatments. In the U.S., however, formulations containing any amount of THC are considered to be illegal by the Drug Enforcement Administration. As a result, it can be difficult to find a safe and legal supply of CBD oil in states that do not have medical cannabis legislation in place.
Related: What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
States Working to Improve Access to CBD Oil
In April 2017, the Des Moines Register reported that Iowa legislators had approved a plan that would allow for greater cultivation of cannabis plants in the state and would expand access to CBD oil for patients. The bill was signed into law on May 12, 2017, and allows for the production of high-CBD oil products within the state for use by patients with epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses that cause serious or chronic pain that cannot be treated effectively through other methods.
For patients who depend on reducing pain with CBD oil, Iowa’s stance on the use of these products represents a welcome change in the climate surrounding cannabis-based medications. Research has shown that CBD-based products are safe and effective for a wide range of conditions. For those still wondering, “Does CBD oil reduce pain for chronic and acute sufferers?” the answer appears to be a resounding yes.
Additional CBD Resources on Pain
The Best CBD Oils for Pain – 2019 Ranking
How Does CBD Oil Help Prevent Migraines?
How Does CBD Oil Help With Pain Relief?
