Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide. While prescription medications are commonly used to manage pain, they cause dependence and negative side effects. This has led many people to seek out natural alternatives like CBD. CBD gummies offer a tasty and convenient way to get the potential pain-relieving benefits of CBD.
How CBD gummies help with pain?
There is growing evidence from studies suggesting CBD may be effective for relieving different types of pain when used topically or orally.
- Reducing inflammation – CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce pain from inflammatory conditions like arthritis. CBD may block inflammatory pain signals to the brain.
- Interacting with serotonin receptors – Research indicates CBD may interact with serotonin receptors in the brain which help regulate pain perception.
- Activating TRPV1 receptors – CBD may activate TRPV1 receptors in the body involved with regulating pain, inflammation, and body temperature. Activating these receptors may help ease painful symptoms.
- Relieving neuropathic pain – Studies indicate CBD may help relieve difficult-to-treat nerve-related (neuropathic) pain by altering pain signal processing between neurons.
- Providing overall stress relief – Chronic stress makes pain symptoms worse. By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, CBD gummies may indirectly help reduce pain.
So while more research is still needed, there are several ways CBD may potentially help provide pain relief based on its influence on various receptor pathways and neurotransmitters related to pain regulation.
Factors to consider when choosing cbd gummies for pain
If you’re considering cbd gummies for pain relief, there are several factors to take into account:
- CBD source – Hemp-derived CBD contains 0.3% THC or less. CBD from marijuana may contain higher levels of THC that could cause impairment.
- Type of CBD – Full or broad-spectrum CBD provides additional compounds from the hemp plant like terpenes. CBD isolate is pure CBD only.
- Potency – The dose of CBD per gummy ranges from 5-25mg typically. Higher potencies provide stronger effects.
- Ingredients – Look for natural flavorings and real fruit juices. Avoid artificial ingredients.
- Third-party testing – Reputable brands test for purity, potency, and safety through an independent lab.
- Company reputation – Select companies with good transparency and reviews. Beware of cheap gummies which may use inferior ingredients or contain contaminants.
What strength of CBD gummies should you use?
There is no universal dosage of CBD for pain relief. The optimal dosage varies substantially depending on factors like the severity of your pain, your body weight, and tolerance. For managing chronic pain, most people start with a CBD dose of 5-25mg taken twice daily. From there you gradually increase the dosage every 3-4 weeks by another 5-10mg until you find the most effective dose with minimal side effects. If you’re taking CBD gummies for acute pain like muscle soreness or headaches, usually a lower dose of 10-25mg taken as needed will be sufficient. Take 1-2 gummies at the onset of pain or discomfort. It’s always smart to start on the lower end around 10-15mg and increase slowly over time for maximum pain relief. Discuss optimal CBD dosing with your doctor as cannabidiol interacts with some medications.