CBD oil, which is composed of the secondary active ingredient in the marijuana plant and hemp; cannabinoid is fast replacing opioids for pain relief, as it does not have the same addictive properties which opioids do. Another great benefit is due to its non-addictive properties, which is that there are no harmful side effects from withdrawals, which is one of the most common problems with opioids, whether natural or synthetic.
Understanding the science
It is because of the antioxidant properties that are beneficial for various types of pain. The high levels of antioxidants alongside CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal choice for many suffering from physical, as well as emotional ailments, such as depression and anxiety; it also has an analgesic effect and works to reduce pain perception in the brain.
CBD oil, which has the active ingredient, cannabinoid, not only directly affects our endocannabinoid systems, but also increases and enhances the other chemical reaction in the grain, such as serotonin and anandamide to alter and reduce the pain perception for the person. Also, the antioxidants work together to reduce inflammation for the user. This combined effect is beneficial for people suffering from acute and chronic pain due to diseases or injuries.
What constitutes pain?
It is crucial to understand the main three categories of pain; neuropathic pain is caused by damaged or inflamed nerves, and this type of pain is extremely painful like carpal tunnel syndrome of sciatica. The other type of pain is called nociceptive pain, which is usually the result of an injury or damaged tissues; this is also known as acute pain from broken bones, or also arthritis, caused by bone rubbing against a bone. The last type of categorization of pain is called centralized pain, also known as nociplastic pain. This is usually the result of fibromyalgia, migraines and tension headaches.
How does CBD help?
Human bodies have natural endocannabinoid systems, which regulate the immune system, sleep, and pain. One of the key elements of using CBD is that it decreases anandamide absorption in the body, which is used for regulating pain. CBD will increase levels of anandamide and therefore, work at reducing the pain a person feels.
Unfortunately, due to cannabis being a controlled substance, still not legal in many places, not a lot of research has been done to understand the various types of effects that it can cause for people experiencing pain. Although, a few pieces of research have concluded that CBD in conjunction with THC work for the best results; some other studies claim that THC less than 0.3 % in CBD gives the best results. Taking CBD alone or THC alone does not give the same analgesic effect as when the two compounds work together.
CBD oil has the capacity to reduce pain in chronic sufferers for arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and general chronic pain, amongst other types of chronic and acute pain. Although extensive research is yet to be done for CBD oils and its effects, it is fast becoming one of the most promising medications that are prescribed for many health problems and pain.