By What effects does CBD (cannabidiol) have on chronic pain?
This naturally occurring molecule derived from the Cannabis sativa plant will not get you high because it does not create the same euphoric effects as its cannabinoid sibling, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but many people are discovering that it can complement their pain management strategy. Studies show that the majority of 62% of people who use CBD for a medical condition do so to address anxiety, chronic pain, arthritic pain, and joint discomfort.
Furthermore, CBD has a minimal risk, a non-addiction profile, and few adverse effects. But read on before you swallow an oil or a gummy.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CBD, THEN?
Cannabis serves as the source of cannabidiol (CBD). To be clear for those in the back, though, no, it does not make you feel high. Hemp, a variety of the marijuana plant Sativa, is the primary source of legal CBD products in the United States. One notable difference is that hemp has 0.3% or fewer THC cannabinoids.
CBD is legal in most states, but not all, and at the federal level kind of. When we refer to CBD, we typically refer to the ingestible oils and topical lotions that are created by removing the CBD element from marijuana plants. However, as we will see, some CBD products do include traces of THC.
Properties of CBD:
- Because CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce joint pain brought on by arthritic conditions.
- Because CBD has antioxidant properties, it may reduce systemic inflammation by preventing oxidative stress and lessening the symptoms of autoimmune illnesses like lupus.
- Because CBD has anti-emetic properties, it can lessen nausea and vomiting brought on by cancer treatments.
- Since CBD has antipsychotic properties, it can ease the symptoms of PTSD and anxiety (PTSD)
- Because CBD is neuroprotective, it may help to slow the progression of neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
HOW CBD WORKS FOR PAIN AND PAIN-RELATED SYMPTOMS: CBD’S SCIENCE
Your body’s endocannabinoid system supports CBD.
Our bodies’ endocannabinoid system consists of three main parts:
- CB1 and CB2 are two cannabinoid receptors in particular. The majority of CB1 receptors are present in the central nervous system (CNS, the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the brain), and they play a significant role in the cognitive, emotional, and pain-related effects of marijuana. Although these receptors can also be found in our central nervous system (CNS), CB2 receptors are more prevalent in our immune cells and peripheral nervous system (PNS, the outside nerves that extend beyond the spinal cord and brain, such as those in your limbs and legs).
- Cannabinoids (CBD) that are naturally occurring (the cannabinoids that your body produces)
- Enzymes that support the usage and degradation of cannabinoids(CBD)
Our body releases endocannabinoids that interact with cannabinoid (CBD) receptors when it detects inflammation or needs to return to homeostasis or constant balance. As a result, our natural endocannabinoids function on demand.
It is believed that CBD works by stimulating other cannabinoid system components because it does not bind to receptors.
In actuality, CBD has a variety of impacts on the immune system and peripheral and central nervous systems. It functions as an antioxidant, lowers inflammation, and serves as an analgesic or pain reliever by working with our endocannabinoid system. Preliminary studies suggest that CBD may potentially slow the onset of osteoarthritis and guard against nerve damage.
