Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is becoming a major focus of scientific research for all its health benefits, slowly taking the spotlight from its psychoactive cannabinoid cousin, THC – at least on medical grounds.
This little single molecule is showing promise in treating an impressively wide-array of conditions, everything from cancer to arthritis to seizures, inflammatory bowel disorder, and even neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s.
One of the most intriguing and compelling of CBD Oil benefits, however, is in its ability to mitigate pain.
Green Solution to a Pharmaceutical Epidemic?
It’s no secret that we are in the midst of a major opioid epidemic. Opioid addiction has skyrocketed nearly 500% in the last seven years, and opioid deaths by 400%.
And the source of the addiction? Prescriptions for chronic pain.
With CBD’s ability to naturally, non-addictively manage chronic pain, it represents a safe, natural solution for a widespread and incredibly difficult nation-wide problem.
How Does CBD Oil Mitigate Pain?
While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated by researchers, there are two distinct pathways CBD contributes to pain management.
At the source of many types of chronic pain is chronic inflammation. CBD has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and acts directly on almost all immune cells to quench the inflammation, thus reducing the stimulation of pain at the source instead of at the perception of pain like most opioid drugs.
The second way is via the vanilloid receptors, which can turn off the enzymes that destroy your natural endocannabinoids your body makes for itself. By blocking these enzymes, your native endocannabinoids do the job of restoring balance to your system, stopping inflammation, and managing pain.
What Are My Options?
There’s a wide variety of CBD oil available, and new products are coming out all the time. You can inhale it, take it orally, or apply it topically for different effects.
Oral Intake Method
The easiest and most convenient way to regulate your dosage of CBD oil is to take it orally. There are blends of all types, ranging from whole plant extracts to various ratios of THC and CBD to pure CBD. Evidence suggests that a blend of CBD and THC is most effective, as it benefits from what is known as the “entourage effect” where the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes synergistically increases potency.
Topical Administration
Oils and lotions containing CBD are also available and may be more appropriate for pain localized to a specific part of the body. Aching joints, for example, or persistent lower back pain.
Inhalation Administration
And of course, there is always the tried and true method of inhalation. But with a booming marketplace, we’ve moved beyond the inconsistencies of cultivated flower with some cryptic strain name. You can buy specific CBD concentrate oils, with known concentrations to use in a vape pen and ensure you are getting just the right medicine.
What’s the Best Option for You?
We recommend you consult with a physician familiar with medical cannabis for more serious conditions. Project CBD is also a great resource regarding the use of cannabis to treat various conditions. And you can always come on in to consult with our knowledgeable budtenders who know more specifics about our wide variety of products and CBD oil benefits.
