A GUIDE TO CBD PRODUCTS FOR PAIN…

It is often said that CBD can help with chronic pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. We explore the different types of CBD products that you might consider using for pain.

Why do people use CBD for pain?

Many people have found that CBD helps them to manage their pain, and research also backs up these experiences. A 2008 scientific article looked into using cannabinoids for managing difficult to treat pain and found that they had analgesic properties, meaning they were similar to drugs used to relieve pain.

More recently, a 2020 review article concluded that CBD ‘presents an opportunity for the treatment of intractable chronic pain for which primary treatments are insufficient or not possible’.

What are the different CBD product types?

You might be interested in giving CBD a try for pain, but which product should you use? We’ve put together a brief guide to the CBD product types and how you can use them for pain.

CBD oil

CBD oil is perhaps the most common. If you have not taken CBD before, it is advised that you start with a relatively low dosage. However, you might want to build this up to a stronger dosage if you are using CBD for pain. Most CBD brands offer oils in a variety of strengths, meaning there are options for beginners and more experienced people.

To take CBD oil drops, you simply place the required amount underneath your tongue and hold them there for around 30-90 seconds before swallowing. This allows the CBD oil to diffuse into the blood through the tissues under your tongue. You can also apply CBD oil topically to specific painful areas if you prefer.

CBD capsules

This can be a more appealing option to those who are used to taking other tablets or supplements. CBD capsules contain a measured amount of CBD in each tablet and you simply take it with water as you usually would with other tablets.

They can take longer to take effect because you must digest them first, and some believe the effects aren’t as strong as with CBD oil as they don’t have direct access to your bloodstream. These aren’t always recommended for pain for that reason, but they can be useful to have when you’re on the go or travelling.

CBD topicals

A big area of the CBD market for those who suffer from pain is CBD topicals. These are most commonly in the form of balms or muscle rubs, but can also come as creams or lotions. The idea of these products is to directly target the area that is causing pain, rather than diffusing CBD throughout the whole body.

They are usually combined with other natural and relaxing ingredients which creates a formula great for everyday use. You simply take some of the product on your hands and massage it into any painful areas.

CBD edibles and drinks

A final product type you may want to consider for pain is CBD edibles and drinks. These aren’t necessarily considered to be as strong as CBD oils or topicals, so might need to be combined with another option, but they are a fun and tasty way to get a dose of CBD!

CBD gummies, which are a type of edible, will also come in different strengths much like oils or capsules so make sure you check when you buy.

This article was written by James Storie-Pugh, the co-founder of mellow store, the UK’s curated CBD marketplace which stocks high-quality CBD brands, including a product selection specifically for pain.