How To Use CBD For Pain

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural chemical found in Cannabis plants. There are more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are in Cannabis sativa, and CBD is one of them. CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and diluted with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. 

Cannabidiol is a natural remedy that can be used for many common ailments, however, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient that causes the feeling of being “high” when consumed. Hemp CBD products with less than .3% THC are legal on a federal level. There are three types of CBD products, each with different extraction processes and compounds: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD refers to cannabidiol compounds that are extracted from the plant that contain terpenes, the aromatic compound in cannabis that also has an impact on the endocannabinoid system, and other naturally occurring compounds. It is common for full-spectrum CBD to contain up to 0.3% THC.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD refers to cannabidiol compounds that undergo additional testing and more complicated extractions to maintain the presence of helpful compounds such as terpenes but to completely eradicate the presence of THC. 

CBD-Isolate

CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD containing no additional compounds including THC or terpenes. 

At a base level, CBD has adaptogen qualities which means that it literally stimulates the body’s ability to create what it needs to heal. CBD can be consumed as an extract, an oil-based capsule, an edible such as gummies or cookies, or a vaporized liquid. CBD has gained popularity in the health and wellness world for those looking for pain relief and to avoid other side effects related to pharmaceutical drugs.

How Does CBD Help With Pain

How the Endocannabinoid System works

Our body’s natural Endocannabinoid System (ECS) supports CBD. The function of ECS is to regulate homeostasis, a state of balance. When the body senses inflammation it will release endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors. ECS is made up of 3 primary components.

1. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the nerves attached along the spinal cord and around the brain. CB1 receptors are responsible for our perception of pain. CB2 receptors are in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune cells. PNS are the outer nerves found in your arms and legs.
2. Enzymes can promote the way the body breaks down and use cannabinoids.
3. Endogenous cannabinoids are the natural cannabinoids that the body produces.

CBD works by inducing components of the cannabinoid system and does not actually bind to receptors. Bioavailability is the amount of a substance, in this case, CBD, that effectively makes it in the bloodstream. The amount of CBD the body can absorb will depend on the form you take, your weight, and your habits including diet, sleep, and stress levels.

Benefits of CBD

CBD is hydrophobic and lipophilic which means it will dissolve in fats. This process allows CBD to be carried through the blood-brain barrier and affects your central nervous system. 

CBD impacts each individual differently, however, common benefits observed from CBD consumption include the following:

• Reducing Inflammation: research shows that CBD can decrease systemic inflammation and oxidative stress by acting as an antioxidant.
• Improving Mood and sleep: CBD may reduce pain and help you relax to promote a restorative night sleep.
• Reducing Pain Signals: CBD can stimulate the reuptake of the neurotransmitter adenosine which, in turn, has been known to inhibit the sensation of pain.
• Increasing Immune response: CBD can help to regulate the immune response by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Organic CBD products

Your personal body chemistry, how much you weigh, and underlying medical conditions will determine the dosage of CBD you use, as well as the time when you should take it. This will also affect how the CBD works. What works for you might not work for others. Selecting a CBD product depends on the type of pain you are experiencing, the effect you are seeking, such as how quickly it will take effect after you use/apply the CBD, and how long that effect lasts. Personal preference for the administration of CBD varies. It is a good thing it comes in different forms:

• Vaping
• Pill capsules
• Gummies
• Tinctures and oils

Vaping is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of CBD, but there are concerns that come with vaping such as the chemicals found in vaping liquid and the heating coils inside vape pens. 

An extremely popular way to take CBD is through candy. CBD gummies are available in an assortment of flavors and require some experimenting to find a dose that works. Fiddler’s Green 1500 mg CBD gummies are derived from plants grown using organic practices and come with convenient dosing instructions. Fiddler’s Green 1500 mg CBD gummies are sourced from CBD-rich hemp varieties from clones with stable genetics, so you can be confident every time you experience CBD with Fiddler’s Green, you will get a consistent result with each use.

CBD side effects

Studies have concluded that using CBD is relatively safe and side effects are relatively uncommon. Some of the possible minor side effects include fatigue, changes in weight or appetite, and diarrhea. It is important to be cautious if you are taking other medications or substances, like alcohol as CBD can increase the depressant effects of alcohol when taken in conjunction. 

CBD use for pain-related symptoms is not an exact science, so you may need to experiment with more than one method before feeling relief. CBD is not considered to be physically addictive, and there is no history of anyone overdosing on it, however, overconsumption may produce uncomfortable side effects. Trial and error will not hurt as long as you are sourcing safely. Fiddler’s Green CBD offers the highest quality products at direct-from-the-farm prices. All products are Third-party tested for exceptional quality and consistency. To help you find the right solution for your personal need, all products are offered in Full Spectrum and THC-Free variants, as well as in multiple concentrations.