CBD Oil for Pain Management

August 14, 2019 | Julie Riley, 502 Hemp

Hemp extract oil is gaining credibility as a treatment for pain management.  Many CBD oil users are sharing the impact of their pain being managed, if not controlled completely.  Scientific studies are showing how CBD is helping with their pain and how effective it is.

How does CBD oil help with pain?

CBD oil or Hemp Extract oils contain compounds called Cannabinoids.  There are at least one hundred and thirteen known Cannabinoids in the hemp plant.  These cannabinoids naturally fit into the endocannabinoid system, existing within the human body.  One study published in Ther Clin Risk Management (2008), Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain, states that the endocannabinoid systems “parallels and interacts” with other biological systems that control pain. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system is active in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

In a more recent study (2014), Cannabinoid Delivery System for Pain and Inflammation Treatment found that the endocannabinoid system is vital to neuronal development plus axon and dendrite growth.  The endocannabinoid system does not merely exist in the body alongside the nervous system, it plays an integral role in the nervous system health.  The same publication looked at pre-clinical studies as well.  These preclinical studies are finding that cannabinoid receptors, within the endocannabinoid system, are blocking acute and chronic pain while reducing inflammation.  With the recent interest in the effects of CBD and preclinical studies underway, it’s just a matter of time how much more we will learn about how CBD controls pain within the body.

We know a few ways how Cannabidoil compounds work within the body to help with pain.  But, is it effective?  In 1996, J Neurosci released a publication analyzing several studies concerning Cannabinoids and the nervous system.  One study discussed, reported that “cannabinoids proved to be ten-fold more potent than morphine in wide dynamic range of neurons mediating pain.”  What does this mean? This particular study found cannabinoids more effective than morphine and its effects not limited to the nervous system.

About a decade later, Curr Med Res Opin released the findings of Meta-analysis of Cannabis Based Treatments for Neuropathic and Multiple Sclerosis-Related Pain. (We do not write these long titles and they are cited as they are written.)  In this study, participants were divided into two groups, one placebo and the other a Cannabidoil/THC spray.  The Cannabidiol/THC spray was found to be more active in controlling neuropathic pain.

Around the same time of this study’s release, Br J Pharmacol released a rat study in 2004 looking at non-psychoactive cannabinoids and inflammation.  Why a rat study? It’s one of the rare studies looking at the effects of a non-hallucinogenic cannabinoid.  Cannabinoids were found to be anti-inflammatory within the rat’s endocannabinoid system.

In 2010, J Pain Symptom Manage published a study on Cannabidiols and cancer-related pain. This report was one the first we read that included all of the known cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.  The study broke down participants into three groups:  Placebo, THC, and

CBD/THC.  This is crucial, as their results showed that the most effective pain relief experienced by participants was the CBD/THC group.  Neither of the placebo or THC (only) found significant relief.  Five studies demonstrate that Cannabinoids, any form, is effectual in controlling pain. What about side effects? The 2007, Curr Med Res Opin reported sixteen percent of participants who used the spray with cannabinoids complained of dizziness.  The same complaint of the four percent of the placebo group. Dosage was suspected to be the root cause of the symptom. Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain publication explored the comparison of CBD to NSAIDs.  Cannabinoids (CBD) did not show potential risks with gastrointestinal bleeding, higher heart attack risks, or possible sudden brain death.  The classification of drugs known as NSAIDs carries all of these risks.  An amazing side effect to Cannabinoids is comparatively the fact that there are very few side effects, unlike most other pain management medications.

Full spectrum hemp extract oil, aka CBD oil, is proving to be the best most natural alternative to pain management with little to no side effects.  However, not all CBD oil is created equal and the consumer needs to be aware and not buy CBD oil from just anyone.  There are clinical grade CBD oils on the market and 502 Hemp carries these products.  Their manufacture has set the gold standard when it comes to processing, testing, and quality extracts.