Written by Dr. Dustin Sulak
Every day, an increasing number of individuals are opting for CBD to manage their pain symptoms. Various forms of CBD products, such as oils, capsules, tablets, topicals like lotions and creams, vape pens, and hemp flower, can be found lining store aisles.
The main challenges for new CBD consumers lie in understanding which forms to utilize, how to use them correctly, and identifying the safest and most reliable products. To avoid the time-consuming and costly process of trial and error, it is essential to have a good grasp of how to select the right CBD product and use it effectively for managing pain.
Nevertheless, many people are unaware of the potential of CBDA, as it is not present in most heat-manufactured products. This guide aims to shed light on the benefits of this lesser-known cannabinoid and its ability to complement CBD or even replace it for managing and preventing symptoms effectively.
Is CBD effective for pain relief?
While animal studies suggest that CBD can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in various pain models, including neuropathic, inflammatory, and arthritis-related pain, translating these findings to human experiences may vary.
Although there is ample research showing that a combination of CBD and THC pharmaceuticals can decrease pain levels, there is still limited data on the efficacy of using CBD or CBD-dominant hemp products alone for pain relief. However, a few small studies suggest that higher doses of CBD can be effective, as noted by Dr. Sulak.
Notable human research on CBD for pain includes:
- In a study with 24 patients suffering from severe pain due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and limb amputation, daily CBD treatment resulted in a significant reduction in pain levels.[2]
- CBD did not show improvement in Crohn’s disease patients when taken daily.[3]
- Using CBD oil, participants with adverse reactions to the HPV vaccine experienced significant pain reduction after a specific dosage.[4]
- During an open-label trial, CBD was effective in managing chronic pain following kidney transplantation.[5]
- In fibromyalgia patients, a single inhalation of CBD did not show significant pain relief compared to a placebo.[6]
- Topical application of Emu oil infused with a small amount of CBD and essential oils significantly reduced pain sensations in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy.[7]
- A CBD-dominant hemp extract improved the quality of life and reduced opioid use in patients with chronic pain.[8]
- A study on CBD treatment safety in 400 patients indicated pain reduction and improved mental health symptoms with varied dosage ranges.[9]
- In a trial with diabetic peripheral neuropathy subjects, regular CBD intake led to a noticeable reduction in overall pain levels within a short period.[10]
Research indicates that CBDA may have a stronger and more potent effect compared to CBD in animal studies. This is not only due to better absorption but also because of its more powerful actions. For instance, studies have shown that CBDA is:
- 10 times more potent than CBD in a seizure model[11]
- 100 times more potent than CBD in an inflammatory pain model[12]
- 10,000 times more potent than CBD in a nausea model[13]
- 50,000 times more potent than CBD in an anxiety model[14]
When it comes to CBD formulations for pain relief, consider the following:
- Higher doses of CBD may be needed to effectively manage pain but can be expensive to maintain
- Formulations containing the legal amount of THC alongside CBD are often more efficient and may require lower doses than pure CBD
- Products with CBDA, whether with or without THC, are generally more potent and effective than those without CBDA.
Tips for Using CBD to Manage Pain
To achieve optimal results with CBD for pain management, it is crucial to use the right amount tailored to your specific needs, along with a variety of plant compounds including CBDA. By determining your ideal dosage and frequency of use, you can maximize the benefits of CBD. Additionally, utilizing a formulation with significant levels of CBDA and/or legal THC content can enhance the potency of CBD, reducing the amount needed for pain relief.
EXPLORE MORE: CBD VS CBDA: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE & WHAT IS BEST FOR ME
Use of CBD Oil for Pain Relief
When it comes to treating and preventing pain, CBD oil (administered under the tongue) is often the most effective delivery method. Some of the medication is absorbed directly through the capillaries in the mouth, while the remainder that is swallowed can be absorbed in the digestive system. Notably, taking CBD oil with a meal containing fats can enhance absorption in the gut by 4-5 times.
CBD drops offer a way to fine-tune your treatment regimen to find the optimal personalized dosage. This customization is particularly apparent with Whole Plant Hemp CBD drops, which provide a 6:1 ratio of CBD to CBDA.
Although CBDA tinctures or oil drops are not as common, Our RAW formula is specifically developed to preserve CBDA in their Whole Plant Hemp CBDA drops. These drops are non-psychoactive and boast a high terpene and flavonoid content.
Topical Application of CBD for Pain Relief
Creams, lotions, salves, balms, and gels containing CBD can effectively target specific areas of the body like joints, muscles, and skin to relieve pain from muscle spasms, inflammation, and various skin conditions.
One example is our Whole Plant Hemp CBD Topical (1:1 CBD: CBDA), cream designed to penetrate the skin more effectively with the help of emu oil. This product is aimed at reducing pain.
If applying CBD directly onto the skin isn’t an option, tinctures or oil drops can be used topically or mixed with lotion for broader coverage. Our Gold Formulas are perfect for this application.
CBD-infused edibles for managing pain
For those unable to take CBD oil sublingually, consuming it as an edible in food or drinks is an alternative method. The effects may take longer to manifest and a higher dosage may be needed due to the slower digestion process. However, adding oil-based CBD to drinks can result in waste as some oil may stick to the container.
CBD capsules for pain relief
Although CBD capsules have a delayed onset as they need to pass through the digestive system, they offer longer-lasting relief. Many users find capsules to be a convenient way to consume CBD discreetly.
If capsules are known to work effectively, are necessary in higher doses, or to mask taste sensitivity, they are recommended. Switching to sublingual oil or edible forms is suggested if adjusting dosages is needed. For individuals with digestive issues, oils or topicals may be preferable. Consuming CBD capsules with fatty food enhances absorption.
CBD for Managing Cancer-Related Pain
CBD and CBDA have shown promise in alleviating neuropathic pain commonly experienced during chemotherapy. Studies suggest that using CBD during chemotherapy can reduce the risk of neuropathy. Additionally, CBD possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. Preliminary research indicates that CBD might enhance the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy drugs while also managing side effects like neuropathy and nausea.
There have been studies showing how CBD and other cannabis components can have anti-cancer effects in certain animal models. However, we still have a lot to learn about the best way to use CBD to combat cancer in humans.
A Guide to CBD Dosage | Using CBD for Pain Relief
It’s important to understand that cannabis, including CBD products derived from hemp, can have varying effects on individuals. Finding the right dosage and frequency is key to achieving the best results. While some advocate for low doses of CBD for medical conditions, higher doses may be necessary, especially when CBDA or THC are not present in significant amounts.
The reason behind this is that CBD is not as potent as CBDA or THC in alleviating symptoms. For instance, someone who finds relief from 3-10 mg of THC or 5-10 mg of CBDA may need 15-100 mg of CBD to experience similar effects.
Since the effects of CBD may be subtle initially, it’s crucial to pay attention to how your body and mind respond before and after taking the product, and document your results.
It’s also worth noting that the time it takes to feel relief can vary among individuals, with some experiencing benefits sooner than others. Results may also accumulate over time, as seen in a study on neuropathic pain where a third of participants reported improvements after 24 hours and two-thirds after about a week.
Using CBD Oil for Pain Relief
For quicker and more effective absorption, consider administering CBD or CBDA oil sublingually. To enhance absorption, take the oil after a meal containing healthy fats or oils.
If you are new to using CBD or CBDA (or have only used it occasionally), follow these steps:
- Ensure the oil is well mixed by shaking the bottle.
- Begin with 5 mg under the tongue. You can use a mirror to count drops or put drops on a spoon for easier dosing.
- Hold the oil under your tongue for 1-5 minutes before swallowing to maximize absorption.
- Gradually increase your daily dosage by 5 mg every 2 days. Once you start feeling the effects, maintain the same dosage.
- If you find that the effects wear off too soon, consider using the oil 2-3 times a day for better pain relief.
Instructions on using CBD or CBDA Capsules for Pain Relief – Use our Admixture oils to make your own.
Starting to use CBD capsules is a simple process:
Day 1 & 2:
– Take 1 capsule orally 1-3 times a day, with a 4-5 hour gap between doses
After Day 2:
– Increase by 1 capsule every two days until desired benefits are achieved.
– If you experience unwanted effects or reduced benefits, decrease the dosage by 1 capsule daily until finding the right response.
– If 1 capsule is too potent or if results are inconsistent, consider switching to CBD or CBDA oil taken sublingually.
How to use CBD or CBDA topicals & lotions to alleviate pain
For pain relief, opt for a product that can be accurately dispensed with a pump to track the CBD amount used. Follow the product instructions on the CBD content per pump. Begin with 10-20 mg and apply every 3-6 hours. Massage CBD lotion, oil, or gel onto the affected areas until absorbed.
Interestingly, CBD and CBDA Tinctures or Drops can also be used topically by applying directly to the skin or mixing it with your favourite lotion. Try our Gold Formula for this application.
Factors to consider when choosing the best CBD product for pain relief
There is a wide variation in potency, purity, and safety among CBD and CBDA products. Some studies and reports have revealed instances of inaccurate labeling and contamination with harmful substances in around half of the tested products. Furthermore, even high-quality products may have confusing labels making it difficult to determine the CBD and CBDA content per serving.
It’s important to look for CBD products containing significant levels of CBDA and hemp-derived terpenes, as these can enhance the product’s effectiveness. CBDA has shown to be better absorbed and more potent in various studies when compared to CBD.
FOOTNOTES
Prior to purchasing a CBD product for pain relief, check the certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab to confirm the CBD and other cannabinoid content, terpenes, and absence of contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. Ensure the COA matches the product batch and has a clear date. Examine the product label to easily understand the CBD content per drop or capsule.
[1] The article by Mlost, Jakub, Marta Bryk, and Katarzyna Starowicz explores the use of Cannabidiol in pain treatment, focusing on its pharmacology and mechanism of action. It was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2020.
[2] A preliminary controlled study conducted by Wade DT et al. in 2003 investigated the potential benefits of whole-plant cannabis extracts in improving intractable neurogenic symptoms in patients. The study was published in Clinical Rehabilitation.
[3] Naftali, Timna et al. conducted research on the use of cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease, which was published in Digestive Diseases in 2014.
[4] Palmieri B, Laurino C, and Vadala` M studied the short-term efficacy of CBD-enriched hemp oil in girls with dysautonomic syndrome following human papillomavirus vaccination. The results were published in IMAJ in 2017.
[5] Cuñetti, Leticia et al. explored chronic pain treatment with cannabidiol in kidney transplant patients in Uruguay. The research was published in Transplantation Proceedings in 2018.
[6] Van de Donk, Tine, et al. conducted an experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. The study was published in Pain in 2019.
[7] Xu, Dixon H., et al. researched the effectiveness of topical cannabidiol oil in providing symptomatic relief for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The findings were published in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in 2020.
[8] Capano, Alex, Richard Weaver, and Elisa Burkman conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use and quality of life indicators in chronic pain patients. The study was published in Postgraduate Medicine in 2020.
[9] Gulbransen, Graham, William Xu, and Bruce Arroll conducted an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand who received a prescription for cannabidiol in clinical practice. The results were published in BJGP Open in 2020.
[10] Kimless D, Caloura MK, Kirakosyan A, and Goldner S investigated the effects of cannabidiol-based sublingual tablets on diabetic neuropathic pain. The research was published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism in 2020.
[11] Anderson, Lyndsey L., et al. published a study in the Journal of Natural Products in 2019.
[12] Rock, Erin M., et al. conducted research that was published in Psychopharmacology in 2018.
[13] Rock, E. M., et al. published a study in the British Journal of Pharmacology in 2013.
[14] Rock, Erin M., et al. conducted research that was published in Psychopharmacology in 2017.
[15] Waissengrin, Barliz, et al. conducted a retrospective analysis on the effect of cannabis on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy among oncology patients. The findings were published in Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology in 2021.
[16] Blanton, Henry L., et al. explored current and future options for treating chronic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain with cannabinoids. Their research was published in Drugs in 2019.
[17] Fraguas-Sánchez, A. I., et al. researched CBD loaded microparticles as a potential formulation to enhance paclitaxel and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in breast cancer. The study was published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics in 2020.
[18] Seltzer, Emily S., et al. investigated the potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) as an anti-cancer drug. Their research was published in Cancers in 2020.
