CBD can ease pain in various ways. When taken orally in tincture form, CBD enters the bloodstream quickly for rapid absorption into your system.
CBD has proven itself effective against pain-inducing mice models when combined with morphine. This combination produced synergistic effects in acetic acid-stimulated stretching tests and hot plate thermal nociceptive tests; further reducing neuropathic pain from HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
Tinctures
Tinctures offer a discreet and convenient method for dosing cannabinoids. Available in various concentrations and even with other herbs for custom experiences, tinctures feature dropper bottles that allow precise dosing – perfect for medical patients as well as recreational enthusiasts alike.
Tinctures offer fast-acting relief that’s an ideal option for acute pain relief, stress/anxiety reduction, inflammation treatment, PMS symptoms and insomnia symptoms. Tinctures take effect within minutes and last 4-6 hours of application – making them the go-to remedy in these circumstances.
Make a tincture by mixing your chosen herb or combination with alcohol, then allow the mixture to steep for one or two days before straining through cheesecloth – this process, known as maceration, preserves vital compounds found within plants for later use.
Oils
Applying CBD-infused lotion or oil directly to an area with inflammation or muscle spasms may reduce inflammation and soothe muscle spasms. When looking for products containing CBD, make sure they don’t contain additional ingredients that might aggravate pain such as menthol or capsaicin.
Studies on CBD topical products for pain have yielded mixed results, although their anti-inflammatory properties appear promising. Peppermint oil provides soothing relief by cooling sore muscles while helichrysum relaxes tense, painful muscles while marjoram soothes aching joints.
CBD can also be inhaled as a vapor through an electronic cigarette (also known as “vape”) pen. While research into its efficacy as a pain relief method remains early, animal studies indicate it reduces both inflammatory and neuropathic pain while simultaneously decreasing anxiety levels.
Lotions
CBD creams and lotions may provide relief in specific parts of the body. When applied directly to the skin, these products may provide instantaneous musculoskeletal pain relief such as arthritis. Furthermore, CBD may be useful in relieving nerve-damage-induced neuropathies as well.
A small 2021 study discovered that people with fibromyalgia who used topical CBD experienced decreased pain and stiffness; however, additional research needs to support these findings.
An RCT on CBD for chronic musculoskeletal pain has yet to be conducted; however, various studies of its efficacy in managing neuropathic pain have already been completed and published. Before beginning CBD use yourself it is wise to consult with a healthcare professional first.
Edibles
cannabis’s pain-relieving effects can last for weeks and often replace opiate painkillers altogether. However, high doses of THC may cause drowsiness or anxiety; to ensure safe usage it’s important to start small.
Sativa-dominant edibles are widely recommended to soothe nerve pain, migraines and stress-induced tension. Their focussed relief offers instantaneous comfort – making them the ideal choice for daytime use.
Indica-dominant edibles offer deep relaxation and sleepiness as well as pain-relieving properties, thanks to their higher CBD content than THC content, providing more balanced relief for pain, inflammation and muscle spasms. Many patients find that mixing THC and CBD produces the optimal pain management results; clinical trials with nabiximols or edibles often use this ratio.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers (commonly referred to as e-cigarettes) are portable devices used for inhaling CBD vapor through an electronic heater chamber and into your lungs through an inhaler or mouthpiece for maximum effectiveness. Compared with swallowing pills or topical treatments, inhalation may provide greater results than either.
Consider including CBD into comprehensive pain management protocols that offer other health benefits beyond analgesia. For instance, its anti-inflammatory properties could improve physical therapy outcomes by reducing exercise-induced inflammation while its nervous system modulation capabilities can decrease pain sensitivity during and between sessions.
Use standard pain scales to objectively monitor progress and recognize patterns that will assist with future protocol adjustments and optimization strategies. Keep track of individual response patterns such as onset time, peak relief levels and duration to develop an in-depth knowledge of minimum effective doses for maximum success.