What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of more than 120 compounds present in cannabis. These compounds are also known as cannabinoids, the most widely-studied compound of the cannabis plant.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another extract and its popularity comes only second to that of cannabidiol. The main difference between CBD and THC is how the two substances interact with the body.  While THC causes euphoria and intoxicating effects, CBD does not. That explains why CBD is mostly recommended for medicinal use, whereas THC is more popular for recreational use.

As you read on, you’ll learn that the psychotropic effects of THC aren’t entirely bad. In fact, you can use THC to boost CBD’s therapeutic effects.

A bottle of CBD oil and cannabis seeds

Uses of CBD

Cannabidiol is prescribed for a wide range of medical conditions. It mostly helps with diseases symptomized by pain, anxiety, and inflammation. The substance may also treat neurological disorders, such as seizures, as well as offset the hormonal imbalance. However, most of the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol associate back to its analgesic properties.

As a medicinal herb, cannabis has been used from time immemorial to relieve pain. According to a report published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research journal, the earliest evidence on cannabis use for pain-relief dates back to ancient China.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-20^th century that its popularity as a medicinal herb rose fast and furious. Today, nearly every research study conducted on the effectiveness of cannabis for chronic pain results with some positive findings. Almost all of those therapeutic properties are attributed to cannabidiol. Now, You can reap all the benefits of cannabidiol with products from CBD oil Toronto.

How CBD Works for Chronic Pain

Cannabidiol treats chronic pain by interacting with the user’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system refers to a system within the body that regulates normal homeostatic balance. Some of the roles that the ECS performs include pain relief, as well as treatment of anxiety, alleviation of inflammation, modulating the mood, regulating appetite, and maintaining circadian rhythms.

To perform all these functions, the ECS uses its system of endogenous cannabinoids and receptors, known as endocannabinoid receptors. The two most popular endocannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are near the brain and central nervous system, CB2 receptors are widespread throughout the peripheral regions of the body.

The endocannabinoid system registers pain as an abnormality. So, when you’re in pain , your endocannabinoid receptors pick up the pain signals and relay them to your brain. The body responds by unleashing its endogenous cannabinoids to the target tissues or muscles to try and relieve the painful sensations.

Depending on the severity of the condition, your endogenous cannabinoids may not help to treat the pain. That’s when cannabidiol comes in.

By consuming a CBD product, you’re introducing cannabinoids directly to your system. These cannabinoids (known as phytocannabinoids) impact the activity of your endogenous cannabinoids, resulting in a faster relief from pain.

Contrary to popular belief, CBD doesn’t relieve chronic pain by binding directly to your endocannabinoid receptors. Instead, the substance attaches itself to these receptors in a way that modifies their chemical structures, allowing your endogenous cannabinoids to bind more effectively to the receptors.

Also, CBD alleviates chronic pain by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that destroy your endogenous cannabinoids. An example of such enzymes is Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).

Another way CBD treats chronic pain is by preventing your body from absorbing anandamide. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid that’s associated with pain regulation. More anandamide in your bloodstream translates to reduced pain sensation.

Lastly, cannabidiol packs immense anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to prevent inflammation in your brain and nervous system. As a result, it lowers your risks of experiencing pain, inflammation, insomnia, and other adverse neurological responses.

What Chronic Pain Conditions can CBD Treat?

The following are some of the common types of chronic pain that CBD can help to manage:

• Cancer pain
• Headaches and Migraines
• Lower back pain
• Multiple Sclerosis pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Neuropathic pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)

In addition to these chronic pain conditions, CBD may also help to relieve pain symptoms in numerous other diseases and disorders, such as endometriosis and menopause.You can learn more about at Herbonaut.

Studies on CBD for Chronic Pain

Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of CBD for chronic pain, and the results have been mostly positive.

A study published in the European Journal of Pain proves that CBD might help to manage arthritis. In this study, researchers applied a topical CBD-infused gel to arthritic rats for four days. At the end of the study, researchers observed a significant reduction in inflammation and other markers of pain.

Cannabidiol has also been shown to help with Multiple Sclerosis. In this report, researchers observed that short-term application of CBD oil with multiple sclerosis patients could reduce spasticity, which is one of the most severe symptoms of the disease.

Cannabidiol may also be effective for certain Cancers. According to this 2019 review of in vivo and in vitro studies that focused on CBD for pancreatic cancer, CBD might help to manage pancreatic cancer in two major ways. The substance reduces tumor invasion while also inducing the death of malignant tumor cells.

Additionally, this 2016 study indicates that cannabis may lower the frequency of migraines. While the study was conducted on hash as a whole, it’s easy to attribute the findings to cannabidiol, seeing as CBD is the most therapeutic extract of the plant.

Brain inflammation

How to use CBD for Chronic Pain

There are numerous ways you can use CBD for chronic pain, including:

• Vaping CBD oil
• Dripping CBD oil tinctures beneath your tongue
• Swallowing CBD capsules and tablets
• Applying CBD-enriched ointment
• CBD edibles(such as gummies)

The method that you choose depends on the severity of the condition you’re treating, as well as your body chemistry. Generally, vaping CBD oil or administering cannabidiol sublingually delivers the highest bioavailability. For pain conditions that manifest in skin inflammation, you’re better off with a CBD-enriched ointment.

Lastly, there’s the option of choosing from CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD oil canada. For effective pain relief, your best bet is to choose a full-spectrum CBD product. That way, you can enjoy the synergistic benefits of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.