will cbd gummies help with pain? Exploring the Science and Evidence

When you ask medical professionals what the most difficult ailment to treat is, they usually answer chronic pain. Chronic pain is an intricate, multifaceted sensation by definition. Our biology, our emotions, our social surroundings, and our past experiences all have an impact on how we perceive pain. You already understand the great burden that comes with having chronic pain, either yourself or a loved one.

People are searching for cutting-edge, non-addictive pain relief techniques

In light of the ongoing difficulties in managing chronic pain as well as the fallout from the opioid epidemic, patients and pain management professionals are looking for safer and more efficient ways to relieve pain than opioids. Cannabis has gained popularity as a treatment for a wide range of illnesses, including pain since it became legal in many jurisdictions and was subsequently accepted in society for both medical and recreational purposes.

Cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are the three main constituents of cannabis, which is mostly derived from the Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa plants. Although there are more than one hundred distinct types of cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the two main types. In the past, research on the medical application of CBD, a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, has received less attention than research on THC, the psychoactive (euphoric, “getting high”) component of the plant.

What rationale exists for the use of cannabis to treat chronic pain?

Without the intoxicating effects of THC, CBD is showing promise as a medicinal treatment for pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety. Evidence from animal research has demonstrated that CBD exerts its pain-relieving effects through its multiple interactions and modulation of the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain-sensing) systems. Our understanding of the role of CBD in pain management is still developing. Our own naturally occurring cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors inside the endocannabinoid system. Numerous bodily processes, such as metabolism and appetite, mood and anxiety, and pain perception, are regulated by this system. 

Relief from arthritic pain with CBD oil

With 58.5 million Americans affected, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the country.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most prevalent kinds of arthritis.

An autoimmune disease called rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints of the affected individual due to an attack by the immune system. It typically affects the hands and feet, resulting in tight, painful, and swollen joints.

A degenerative disorder called osteoarthritis damages the bones and cartilage in joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. It frequently impacts the thumb, knee, and hip joints.

Anecdotal data suggests that some arthritis sufferers who use CBD report significant pain reduction, better sleep, or decreased anxiety, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

It also notes that no thorough clinical research on arthritis in humans has been conducted to support this. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been pushed by the organization to investigate and control CBD products.

According to certain research on animals, CBD may be able to treat arthritis and reduce related inflammatory pain. As an illustration:

A 2017 investigation according to Trusted Source, CBD may be a helpful and safe treatment for osteoarthritis-related joint pain.

A 2016 investigation according to Trusted Source, using CBD topically may help reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation.

According to a 2014 review trusted Source examining studies conducted on animals, CBD may be a useful osteoarthritis treatment.

 A 2011 investigationTrusted Source discovered that by altering the way pain receptors react to stimuli, CBD helps lessen inflammatory pain in rats.

Nevertheless, there isn’t enough solid scientific data available at this time to support CBD’s efficacy as a human arthritis treatment. Research suggests that the mouth spray Sativex, which contains cannabis, may help reduce arthritic discomfort. However, the company’s cannabis plant extracts, which are used to manufacture the spray, have both THC and CBD in them.

More research is required to demonstrate that CBD oil is an effective treatment for arthritis pain, even if the results thus far have been encouraging. 

What studies have shown that CBD is effective in people?

CBD is a compelling option for pain relief due to its encouraging outcomes in animal models, relative safety, lack of euphoric effects, and limited potential for misuse. Unfortunately, not much research has been done on humans on CBD’s efficacy. But there are a ton of commercials touting the miraculous properties of CBD, and they usually portray it as a panacea that can treat anything from diabetes to depression to cancer to chronic pain to anxiety in your dog!

The FDA has only authorized pharmaceutical CBD as an adjuvant medication for the management of a unique and uncommon kind of epilepsy thus far. In the US, CBD by itself is not currently authorized for the treatment of pain. However, Health Canada has approved the prescription of a combination drug (which contains both THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio) for the treatment of cancer pain that is not responding to optimal opioid therapy, as well as central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis patients. As of right now, there isn’t a single, high-caliber study that backs up using CBD by itself to manage pain.

Given that CBD carries some danger, why is it marketed to the general population in this manner?

The promotion of cannabinoids in general and CBD in particular has gone crazy due to the quick change in cannabis law, the growing need for something new, and the unheard-of profit margins. The FDA has made it very apparent that selling CBD as a dietary supplement or mixing it into food is prohibited. Additionally, it cautions the public about any possible negative consequences because CBD is frequently marketed in a way that could mislead consumers into thinking that using it “can’t hurt.” Studies on experimental animals have shown that CBD can damage the liver and have an impact on the male reproductive system.

Above all, CBD has the potential to alter blood levels of vital medications such as immunosuppressants (drugs given after organ transplantation), blood thinners, and heart medications by interfering with their interactions. This could have fatal consequences. Furthermore, further data regarding its safety in particular populations—such as the elderly, kids, immunocompromised individuals, and expectant and nursing mothers—needs to be obtained.

A large number of CBD products are available without regulations

The FDA has sent warning letters to several businesses and individuals who are selling novel, unapproved medications that purport to contain CBD. When the FDA examined the cannabis content of various products, it discovered that many of them did not have the amounts of CBD that the producers had claimed.

Reference

Footprints to Recovery. (n.d.). Can CBD oil relieve arthritis pain? [URL]

Shafik Boyaji, MD. September 23, 2020.CBD for chronic pain: The science doesn’t match the marketing [URL]

Accessed,May. 15, 2024.