CBD is one of several cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant. There is a vast range of CBD products, including oils, tinctures, balms, and candy, all of which may help people experiencing physical pain. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS)Here we discuss how CBD products may help relieve chronic pain-
The different types of cannabis plants include the following:
Cannabis indica
Cannabis sativa
Hybrids
Cannabis Indica
Indica is one of the three major categories of cannabis (next to Sativa and hybrid). Indica CBD flower is considered to be a “nighttime” bud. Indica CBD strains can make it easy to shut out the chaos and sink into a deep sleep. In contrast, Sativa offers a heady and energetic experience, while hybrids can be more balanced or lean toward one side or the other. But like the strains contained in our indica-CBD list, which may include some hybrids, the overall effect is that of Indica.
Regarding pain management, participants reported a statistically significant effect when using Cannabis Indica for:
Non-migraine Headaches
Neuropathy
Spasticity
Joint pain
Cannabis sativa
Sativa CBD refers to a high CBD hemp strain that’s categorized as Sativa-dominant. Sativa is one of the major categories of cannabis, along with indica. While not a rule, Sativa flowers are often light green with orange hairs. Their long slender leaves and tall fluffy buds can be a telltale sign. The general umbrella term for the species of cannabis happens to be called Cannabis-Sativa.
Hybrids
Hybrid strains are made by crossing Sativa strains with indica strains. Most cannabis strains are hybrids, as there are very few pure Sativa or indica strains. hybrid varieties of cannabis were thought to have both energizing and relaxing effects, usually, one followed by the other. Still, there is some value in looking at what varieties have been used to create a hybrid and what traits breeders look for when creating them.
How does cannabis work for pain?
The components of cannabis that most studies focus on for pain relief are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC resembles the cannabinoid chemicals that occur naturally in the body. When people ingest or inhale THC, it stimulates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. This activates the brain’s reward system and reduces pain levels. THC is a psychoactive compound as it binds to cannabinoid receptors and produces an elevated state of mind, known as a high.
CBD does not cause a high, although it does interact with pain receptors in the brain to exert pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
CBD is effective in pain management
There are endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. Endogenous cannabinoids are naturally occurring lipids that the body produces. Two of the most well-known endogenous cannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.
The body does not produce exogenous cannabinoids — these compounds are part of the cannabis plant. Examples of exogenous cannabinoids include:
CBD
THC
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabinoids, both endogenous and exogenous, bind to endocannabinoid receptors attached to cells. These include cannabinoid 1 and cannabinoid 2 receptors. This binding action stimulates different cell responses that influence pain signaling pathways.
How to safely use CBD -
CBD comes in several different forms, including:
Oils and tinctures
Gummies
Oral capsules or pills
Creams, balms, and salves
Topical patches
CBD gummies and capsules are for oral ingestion. On the other hand, topical CBD products are for external use only. People can apply these products to specific areas of the body, such as sore muscles or aching joints. CBD has developed a scientific following, with researchers looking into the benefits of using CBD for severe pain and anxiety disorders. CBD is also an allosteric modulator of opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are important in the regulation of pain; this is why opioids are prescribed for chronic pain treatment. CBD binds to opioid receptors and alters how they respond to stimuli, ultimately reducing pain.
