Perhaps you are contending with a severe medical condition or an injury that results in discomfort. The idea of easing pain without intoxication might appear unattainable, however, CBD makes it achievable. Though using high-quality CBD oil for pain management doesn’t replace your standard medications or doctor appointments, its pain-relieving abilities can be advantageous.
The main reason using CBD oil stands out from the pharmaceutical interventions is because you can ingest it without any fear of adverse side effects. While some people might experience some discomfort and drowsiness, the symptoms are very mild and easy to overcome.
Using a high-quality CBD oil lets you seek pain and inflammation relief without feeling like you’re trading the pain for another kind of discomfort. To help you easily find the one that matches your needs, we have curated some information that includes the best CBD oils for pain management. So keep reading to find out.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, which is also called Cannabidiol, is one of the active ingredients in cannabis plants. It provides a wide range of benefits for the human body and is completely non-psychoactive.
On the other hand, CBD oil is a combination of CBD extract and a carrier oil that helps store and dissolve CBD products. Most CBD oil brands use carriers oils like hemp seed oil and MCT oil, combined with either a full spectrum hemp extract rich in CBD and other cannabinoids or a CBD isolate.
CBD oils have become a popular method of using CBD and other hemp extracts because of their extended shelf life and ease of use.
How Does CBD Work?
The CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is one of the critical neurochemical networks in the human body. The Endocannabinoid system is defined as a series of receptors and hormones that help in regulation over some processes in the human body.
The active compounds in cannabis plants are quite similar to the natural hormones involved in the endocannabinoid system. This interaction will help modulate some key processes like appetite, mood, sleep, stress, immune function, inflammation, nerve function, sensory perception, including pain, memory, and reproductive health.
Now that you have understood what CBD oil is and how it works let’s look at the five best CBD oils for pain management.
1. Royal CBD
The Royal CBD oil is not only cheaper than other premium CBD oils, but it also boasts a full range of potencies and also uses one of the best full-spectrum hemp extracts available. In addition, it is made from organic ingredients, including organic hemp plants and critical extraction of CBD products that results in pure and potent extracts.
The packing of this oil also stands out, especially for people who value ethical consumerism since it is processed in a sustainable way. Additionally, the oil is suspended in organic MCT oil for better absorption and other additional benefits of the brain and heart from the essential fatty acids.
This oil is available in four different strengths that include 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 2500 mg. You are also provided with a reliable option of choosing between citrus, mint, and natural flavors. It is a full-spectrum CBD oil which means you will get the whole range of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, trace levels of THC (below 0.3%), terpenes, as well as other common compounds from hemp.
Pros
- Extracted with a critical CO2
- Full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes
- Four different strengths are available
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Amazing natural flavors with no aftertaste
- Free shipping within the USA
- Sourced from organic hemp
Cons
- New brand in the market which only sells online
2. Gold Bee
Gold bee is a well-known company out there for making one of the best CBD products. This brand combines the premium Colorado-grown hemp with organic honey that is sourced from the Brazillian Rainforest. Like Royal CBD, the brand specializes in full-spectrum CBD oil gotten from organic ingredients.
As for the quality of ingredients, the formula is spot on and comes with a selection of oils ranging up to 1200mg of CBD per bottle. The Gold Bee CBD oil is a full spectrum product that allows you to get the effects of all terpenes and cannabinoids from the original plant.
The CBD is suspended to hemp seed to make it more available for the body in terms of easing physical discomfort. If you don’t like the natural CBD oils, Gold bee provides you with the Kiwi option that is flavored with honey.
Pros
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Has a delicious kiwi flavor
- Lab-tested for purity and potency
- Sweetened using organic honey
- Premium hemp oil
- Reliable extraction of CO2
Cons
- Limited flavor options
- Lacks high strength oils
3. CBDPure
The transparency of the CBDPure oil is unmatched since the company gives all the details about every stage of production while making the CBD oil. In addition, you can find all the third-party testing results of every batch on the product pages.
Another thing that stands out for this company is the satisfaction guarantee that extends to over three months, which is three times longer than other CBD oil products. In addition, the oil comes with a golden color which is a great indication of its quality.
Moreover, the oil comes with an earthy scent that is typically for full-spectrum hemp extracts but tastes great for one. However, it is not the most potent oil available as it only comes with three strengths, including 100 mg, 300 mg, as well as 600 mg. The lowest potency provides 3.3 mg of CBD per serving, which is a great option for very mild pain or for people using CBD for the first time.
Pros
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Reliable CO2 extraction
- Tested in third party lab
- Sourced from a Colorado-grown hemp
- Great taste
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Low potency
- Narrow product range
4. Nuleaf Naturals
Nuleaf Naturals is another one of the most known CBD companies in the US simply because of how long the company has been in the CBD industry. They were one of the first companies to enter the CBD market.
However, despite their great reputation, Nuleaf Naturals only sell one CBD oil. Although you may find a few different options when you browse through their website, it is crucial to note that they are the same full-spectrum extract, only that they come in different bottle sizes.
They offer five bottle sizes including 5 mL — 240 mg of CBD, 15 mL — 725 mg of CBD, 30 mL — 1450 mg of CBD, 50 mL — 2425 mg of CBD, and 100 mL — 4850 mg of CBD. The potency of oil doesn’t change with the bottle sizes. It is a great oil for people who are aware of its effective dosage but not for people who are looking for a wider product selection.
Pros
- Full-spectrum hemp extract
- Extracted by use of a supercritical CO2
- Sources from Colorado-grown organic hemp
- Transparent processing
- Comes in different bottle sizes
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Narrow product range
- Pricier than other brands
5. Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is another pioneering company in the American CBD industry. Formed by the Stanley Brothers, the company has gained a good reputation as a trustworthy manufacturer.
The oil comes in various potencies, including 200 mg, 500 mg, 1500 mg, and 1800 mg of CBD per bottle. The highest strength provides 60 mg of full-spectrum CBD per milliliter, and the company offers two bottle sizes to choose from, including 30 mL and 100 mL.
Charlotte’s Web CBD oil comes in different flavors, including Orange Blossom, Olive Oil, Lemon Twist, and Mint Chocolate. However, their method of extraction using ethanol is less efficient than using CO2. Furthermore, the suspension of olive oil gives it a bitter taste even for flavored options.
Pros
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Amazing flavored versions
- Comes in two bottle sizes
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- One of the reputable CBD brands in the market
Cons
- Ethanol extraction, which is less reliable
- Nonorganic hemp oil
How Does CBD Reduce Pain Transmission?
The answer to this is from the way the pain is transmitted to the brain. So, for example, when you injure yourself, the cells in the immediate vicinity will start releasing compounds that trigger inflammation and sensory activation that in turn triggers pain transmission.
This pain signal is sent to the spinal cord and is distributed all around the body through a network of nerves. When in the spine, this signal is sent through opioid and vanilloid receptors(gateways) that are designed to limit the signal that goes to the brain for processing.
However, if more pain signal passes, then the brain perceives more pain. The pain medications activate the opioid receptors that act as a ket gateway to the transmission of pain to the brain.
CBD oil has a similar effect, however, through a different receptor called the vanilloid receptor. These help in regulating a specific form of pain that is caused by either inflammation or heat. CBD modulates this receptor causes a reduction in the pain signals that are sent to the brain from inflammatory causes like muscle damage, arthritis, or an infection.
There are other ways that CBD can limit pain transmission, including;
- It relaxes the muscle fibers reducing the pain caused by muscle tightness and spasms.
- Reduces inflammation minimizing the initial cause of pain.
- CBD also acts as an antioxidant to help the body recover and resist damage.
CBD Oil Vs. CBD Cream: Which One Is Considered Better For Pain Management?
Experiencing pain on your leg, for example, will sometimes have you thinking that applying a CBD cream on the affected area yields better results instead of taking some CBD oil. Well, this isn’t always the case.
The CBD topicals are a great option for using on painful areas when the pain is shallow. However, the topical creams will only work on anatomical structures that are located up to 1 cm under the skin.
Sometimes when you struggle with muscle soreness or joint inflammation, the problem is probably far beyond that. The CBD may require a liberal splash on the affected areas. If you’re generous with creams, chances are, some of them may penetrate the skin down to the muscles.
However, this doesn’t mean that one should use the topicals at all. This is because they are a great addition to CBD oil since they approach the pain from a different angle.
What Do You Consider When Purchasing the Best Cbd Oil for Pain Relief?
1. CBD Type
Different forms of CBD products might not have the same effects. However, research has shown that you will get an entourage effect when you put THC and CBD together.
What this means is that when two cannabinoids are used together, they become more effective than using CBD or THC alone. This implies that CBD products which are full spectrum are sometimes more effective for pain relief than a CBD isolate that only has CBD.
2. Ingredients
CBD companies should always be transparent about the ingredients they use and where they grow or source them. If you’re trying to find the best CBD oil for pain relief, any good quality CBD product may help.
However, adding ingredients like essential oils and arnica will provide additional pain relief benefits. Furthermore, cooling and warming ingredients like menthol may give an additional sensation to help dull the pain.
3. Hemp Source
In terms of choosing the best CBD oil for pain, the source of hemp is vitally important. Hemp is considered a bio-accumulator that tends to absorb the compounds in the soil and then accumulate them in roots, stems, and leaves.
The roots of the hemp plant go far into the soil, pulling and storing the heavy metals and other things it finds in the soil. While this may show why hemp is very nutritious, it also indicates that those grown in contaminated soils will have contaminants that may otherwise be harmful to your health.
Poorly grown hemp plants normally have heavy metals and other contaminants like pesticide residues, mycotoxins, etc., that end up in the CBD oil after processing is done. This is why it is important to buy CBD oil from a reputable company.
4. Extraction Method
Extraction is the pulling of CBD and other compounds from the plants using a solvent. CO2 is a golden standard solvent used in CBD products since it changes from gas to liquid, penetrates and extracts cannabinoids from the plant. The CO2 will then dissipate, leaving behind a vicious and oily extract.
Other extraction methods include using alcohol or alcohol. Some CBD products are made with butane, but this solvent may leave a toxic residue when not handled well and is also quite difficult to work with.
5. Third-Party Lab Testing
Every CBD company is given the option of sending its products to either an independent lab or a third-party lab. The lab tests will check for the whole cannabinoid profile of the extract and can detect over 200 contaminants.
Before any CBD oil product is put up for sale, it should pass through laboratory tests for purity and potency. If any issues appear, the company is required to rework the product and send it for review again.
Companies that produce high-quality products will send every batch of their product to the independent lab or third-party lab(has no affiliation to the company. The results are then published on the website for the customers to view.
Some companies will even add batch numbers and databases on every bottle so that you can view the results of the specific bottle. It is crucial to buy from companies that have third-party lab results on their websites.
6. Potency
Ideally, the more potent a CBD, the more effective and efficient it will be. Most CBD oils indicate in milligrams how much CBD the dosage contains. You can always adjust the dosage as requires by simply taking less or more drops.
High potency CBD provides you with a bigger boost, while mid to low potency oils providing more flexibility to adjust the dose as required. Low to mid potency oils are preferred for new users because taking too much CBD may lead to some serious side effects.
7. Taste
When it comes to the overall experience of taking a CBD oil, the flavor and the aroma also play a part. The tastier a product is, the better the experience you will have because it is easier to take something consistently if you enjoy the taste.
However, in the CBD oil world, you may need to engage in some trial and error before you can find what you like. For example, strong flavors may cause headaches, but the mild-flavored oils will have a bitter hempy flavor that most people don’t like.
Fortunately, the different kinds of flavors that companies may use to make CBD oil more palatable. You can find a taste you enjoy, from dessert flavors to fruity flavors or something in between.
How Can You Use CBD Oil for Pain Relief?
Most CBD products are either topical or ingestible. To use the topical CBD products, you can rub them directly to the painful joint. However, it is important to patch tests to ensure there are no adverse reactions to the skin.
There are other oils that are meant to be ingested. This means that you can add them to your drinks and food or simply place the dose under your tongue then hold it in for a few seconds before you swallow.
Although the dosage is always personal, the recommended dosage information is on the packaging or bottle. A certain amount might be okay for someone, but too much or too little for another one. When in doubt, begin with the smallest dosage, then work your way up.
Here are some options you should consider;
a). Sublingual Concentrates
This method of consuming CBD involves the use of a spray or tincture applied under the tongue. The sublingual glands will absorb CBD directly into the bloodstream. Once you place the oil under your tongue, you need to hold it in there for about 90 seconds, then swallow it. Some people will gulp the oil while drinking some water. Some CBD content that remains in the liquid will be absorbed by the digestive system.
b). Oral Administration
Edibles and capsules are the most convenient ways to consume CBD oil. What stands out with them is that you don’t have to taste the CBD at all. Instead, sweet products like gummies can be infused with the oil for a flavorful experience in managing pain.
Some people add CBD to their daily smoothies and consume it. All such methods will work in absorbing the CBD into the bloodstream after it has been metabolized into the digestive system. However, oral administration means that the bioavailability is reduced, which in turn reduces the effectiveness.
c). Topical Products
There are different types of topical products that are available, including balms, patches, salves, and lotions. They are products that are directly applied to the skin surface in areas where there is pain and inflammation.
d). Inhalations
Some CBD products can also be vaped. However, this is one form of CBD that offers the highest bioavailabilities, which means it is not a safe option for everyone. In addition, people with lung or other issues need to avoid using vaporizers.
What Type of Pain Can CBD Oils Be Used to Relieve?
CBD Oil for Nerve and Chronic Pain
Cannabidiol boasts pain-killing properties that have been thoroughly studied in a handful of human clinical trials. For example, the meta-analysis study that was published in 2007 included 24 different clinical trials and 1,334 patients over several years. In the study, they used several forms of cannabis in treating chronic pain. The report indicated that there was a reduction in chronic pain by 50% and sometimes more.
Another clinical study checked on the effects of the combined CBD and THC in treating intractable cancer pain. The report showed that twice as many people in the group that was given the combination experienced a 30% or more reduction in the pain symptoms.
Although more clinical trials are required on humans to know how CBD affects pain and other conditions, scientists believe that it is efficient in treating chronic pain.
CBD Oil in Physical Activities: Muscle Endurance and Injuries
When it comes to physical activities and pain, cannabidiol can be applied in two main ways. For example, you can administer CBD orally as a post-workout as it helps reduce the muscle inflammation that may trouble the athletes when they go beyond the edge.
However, if you’re already suffering from an injury, then it may be best to apply the CBD topically. Its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties allow the cannabinoid to improve regeneration abilities and relieve pain.
CBD for Multiple Sclerosis Pain
CBD is a potent neuroprotective because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Experts believe that CBD is able to relieve some MS pain, which is common in 50% to 70% of patients who have been diagnosed with this condition.
A study by Cajan Institute was conducted on animals to test the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on mice. These researchers wanted to find out if CBD is able to provide a reversed inflammatory response to the cells. Ten days later, the researchers found a reduction in the inflammatory markers. A rodent encephalitis model was designed to show the impact MS has on their body.
However, research is required to determine how exactly CBD extract affects humans. Fortunately, about 23 clinical trials are underway currently, and some have been planned in the next 12 months to determine the effects of CBD oil on Multiple Sclerosis pain.
CBD Oil for Arthritis Pain
CBD has gone through lots of research as a potential alternative to medication used to alleviate arthritis pain. Researchers have found a link between the endocannabinoid system and the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease with chronic pain and inflammation).
CBD supports osteoarthritis specifically through the effects of an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase or 5-LOX. CBD inhibits this enzyme that converts the fatty acids to pro-inflammatory compounds.
The inflammatory messengers are a key component when it comes to the underlying inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. CBD is said to minimize the overall pain from arthritis over the long term by reducing the underlying cause of the condition.
Understanding the Different Types of CBD
When finding the best CBD oil for pain, you will come across four main types of CBD including;
- CBD Isolate
- Tinctures
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Broad Spectrum CBD oil
a). CBD Isolate
CBD isolates are pure CBD and do not contain other compounds like terpenes, cannabinoids, and fatty acids. Due to this, most companies tend to sell them in powder form.
b). Tinctures
CBD tinctures include CBD that is suspended in alcohol. As a result, they maintain their potency for longer, are easier to flavor, and can be combined with food.
c). Full Spectrum CBD Oil
A full-spectrum CBD oil has a full variety of fatty acids, terpenes, and cannabinoids, which occur naturally in the whole cannabis plant and the hemp extract. Spectrum refers to how much other compounds like THC appear in the product.
The full spectrum includes little amounts of THC (0.3 % or less of THC), and the compounds have great medicinal qualities, including anti-inflammatory properties.
d). Broad Spectrum CBD oil
A broad-spectrum CBD oil will limit the number of compounds from the cannabis plant hemp extract; however, this excludes THC. This means when the broad spectrum CBD oil is tested for marijuana, it won’t turn positive.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Safety is a top priority in CBD, and you should be able to understand the possible risks of consuming CBD oil. Luckily, CBD oil doesn’t have any serious side effects and has been acknowledged by the World Health Organization to be a safe product that won’t lead to dependency.
However, the most common side effect is the dryness of the mouth, and it is found in all cannabis products. You can avoid this by staying hydrated after using CBD oil. CBD users may also experience dizziness because of reduced blood pressure.
When taken in extremely high doses, the CBD can lead to nausea and diarrhea. This can only happen when you take more than your body can handle and it needs to flush out the excess oil out of the system. The CBD may also suppress your appetite, but this is temporary and doesn’t last. In addition, some medicines may negatively interact with CBD.
Other common side effects may include;
- Anxiety
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Mood changes
- Brain fog
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CBD Oils
1. Where Can You Buy CBD oil?
Nowadays, it has become easy to find CBD oils because the market is growing, and more CBD companies are being formed every year. You can either decide to buy the CBD product online or get it from a local dispensary in your country.
Food stores, head shops, and other brick-and-mortar stores have overpriced products and sometimes not the best quality. Buying CBD oil online provides you with a wider range of options, concerns by other customers, and attractive discounts.
2. Is CBD legal?
Most hemp-derived CBD products that have less than 0.3% THC are legal on the federal level, but they may be illegal under some state laws. On the other hand, marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but legal on some state laws.
For this reason, it is always to check the state laws of where you leave, and anywhere you travel to. However, it is important to note that non-prescription CBD products are not FDA approved and may sometimes be wrongly labeled.
3. How long do the CBD oils take to relieve pain?
The amount of time a CBD oil will take to work on the pain is dependent on a number of factors. First, the method of ingestion might affect how fast you will notice the results. For example, if you do an oral administration, you can expect to start noticing the results anywhere from fifteen minutes to some hours.
On the other hand, if you choose to ingest the CBD oil sublingually, then you should expect more rapid results from five to 15 minutes on average. With an oral supplement, your body will receive it as a factor. Your metabolism, weight, and the food in your stomach may also affect how fast the CBD oils will work. Additionally, the dose you’re taking will also affect the onset of relief.
