Many users report that taking CBD oil offers relief from pain. They don’t have to worry about negative side effects or addiction that can occur when using some pharmaceutical drugs for pain relief. Being able to relieve pain with a natural product is beneficial. Lazarus Naturals has farms in Central Oregon where they grow and harvest CBD-rich hemp in a sustainable way. Consumers looking for all-natural CBD solutions tested through third-party labs to ensure good quality can rely on Lazarus Naturals.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it is a compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant. It doesn’t have psychoactive properties like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD products are derived mainly from hemp, a species of the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when it is derived from the hemp plant and contains 0.3% or less of delta-9 THC. CBD products, such as oils, are made by extracting the CBD compound from the plant.
How does CBD work on pain?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body and appears to help with both musculoskeletal and nerve pain. It has anti-inflammatory qualities that give it the potential to relieve joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. It is also an anti-oxidative so it fights oxidative stress, and this reduces systemic inflammation.
CB1 receptors are found largely in the central nervous system and are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain. CB2 receptors are found mainly in the peripheral nervous system. CBD dissolves in fat so it can go across the blood-brain barrier. It helps to reduce and even block pain signals coming from the pain receptors.
What form of CBD is best for pain?
The form of CBD that’s best for pain relief will depend on the personal preference for administration, the type of pain and how quickly a product will take effect.
Personal administration preferences: Some people prefer not to ingest CBD and would rather use a topical CBD ointment or cream. Applying it to their muscles, joints, or ligaments can bring them localized relief.
Type of pain: People suffering from localized pain can apply a topical cream directly to the skin. Vaping CBD can bring quick relief for those suffering from intense pain. Ingesting CBD is often more beneficial for people suffering from systemic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Speed of delivery: The main difference between using vape pens, tinctures or edibles is the speed of delivery. Those who wake up in the morning and find they have a painful back may want to take CBD through a vape pen because of its quick delivery. Vape relief may be fast, but it also wears off faster.
Tinctures take longer to work, but the effects last for longer. Placing a tincture under the tongue offers relief within about half an hour, and the effects can last for four to five hours. An array of milligram strengths offers users a choice of potency levels.
Edibles, such as capsules, gummies or baked goods, go through the digestive system. They take longer to get into the bloodstream, but the effects also last for longer.
Recommended dosage
It can be difficult to figure out how much CBD to take as there are no officially recommended dosages. Body weight, the condition being treated, individual body chemistry, and the concentration of CBD can affect how much CBD a user needs to take.
It’s always best to start with a small dosage, such as 20mg to 40mg a day and gradually increase it by 5mg until treatment is effective. When using CBD oil, it usually comes in a dropper bottle, and it is important to figure out how much CBD a single drop contains.
When dosing, it is also important to consider whether the CBD is an isolate or full-spectrum. Full spectrum products include other cannabinoids to offer the ‘entourage effect,’ which means ingredients are more effective together than any one of them alone. Isolate is 100% CBD. Some people may only need 10 mg of a full-spectrum CBD but much more of an isolate to have the same effect.
Minimal side effects
There are very few known side effects of using CBD, and even high doses are fairly well tolerated. When side effects do occur, they include nausea, fatigue, diarrhea and appetite changes. For those currently taking medication who would like to use CBD, it is important to speak to their healthcare practitioner.
