CBD Gummies are simply gummy bears that are infused with CBD. Cannabidiol, also commonly known as
CBD, is an organic compound that’s found naturally in cannabis plants. It has a wide range of health benefits
due to its numerous properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, anti-tumor, and neuroprotectant
among others.
CBD compound can be found in many forms and gummy edibles are among some of the most commonly used forms. But how do they help people deal with pain?
How Does CBD Compare to Other Medications?
CBD gummies contain CBD as its major ingredient. According to several scientific studies, CBD has a high
potential for treating pain. Its effectiveness is made even better due to the fact that it has fewer side effects
compared to clinical pain relievers.
Lab reports indicate that those who use pain medications such as fentanyl and oxycodone not only end up depending on these drugs but they also end up experiencing unwanted side effects such as headaches, withdrawal symptoms, change in sleep patterns, vomiting and nausea.
How Do CBD Gummies Work to Treat Pain?
CBD gummies work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. It should be noted that the ECS normally regulates homeostasis by managing functions and processes such as:
- Metabolism
- Pain sensation
- Immune function
- Mood and stress
- Pain and reproductive function among others
The ECS is made up of receptors found in the immune system as well as the brain. But how does CBD help
with the functionality of this system? Well, when you consume CBD gummies, the cannabinol compounds
bind to these receptors i.e. the chemical signals that respond to change in stimuli.
If you are dealing with pain and inflammation, the receptor response will be pain-relieving effects as well as
anti-inflammatory effects. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties in boosting the immune
function, treating inflammation, and easing pain enhance the functionality of these receptors, leading to
quick and natural recovery.
Generally, CBD works as a natural recovery enhancer. It doesn’t interfere or adds new chemicals to the
body. However, it enhances the body naturally heals and responds to pain and inflammation.
Lab studies conducted in the past decade indicates that CBD itself is a potent pain remedy and doesn’t have negative side effects. This statement is supported by a study that was done by the Journal of Experimental Medicine that highlighted CBD doesn’t lead to a buildup of tolerance as much as users take it for prolonged periods continually.
CBD Gummies and Migraine Pain
Even though research studies regarding the effectiveness of CBD and migraine pain is limited, current reports indicate that the organic compound can help to ease migraines. But these reports highlight the
effectiveness of CBD is enhanced by the availability of THC.
The combination of THC and CBD produces a synergistic entourage effect that makes it possible to ease the symptoms of migraines. Consumer reviews indicate that those who have used these two compounds to treat migraines normally end yup experiencing less intense pain.
CBD Gummies and Cancer Pain
Until now, cancer has no cure. The available treatment options are not 100% effective and in most instances, treatment sessions end up causing more pain to the patient. In addition to that, cancer treatment can lead to harsh unwanted side effects.
Even though it’s possible to manage cancer pain with clinical medications, taking CBD gummies can be
highly beneficial. These edibles are not only tasty and delicious but they provide a fun and enjoyable way of
dealing with cancer pain.
The anti-tumor and anti-emetic properties of CBD found in the gummies make them ideal for managing
various forms of cancer. This normally leads to reduced pain symptoms, improved appetite, reduced
symptoms of nausea, and vomiting among others.
Note: before using CBD gummies to ease the symptoms of cancer pain, make sure that you consult with the doctor first. This is because CBD can interact with certain medications and result in a serious health decline.
CBD Gummies and Arthritic Pain
Lab studies conducted on rats indicate that cannabidiol can be effective in treating arthritis. Arthritis is a painful and progressive condition that normally affects the joints, especially among the elderly. It causes symptoms such as:
- Pain, stiffness, and swelling in multiple joints
- Reduced range in motion
- Pain that worsens with inactivity
- Joint stiffness in the morning or after prolonged periods of anxiety
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of CBD Gummies?
Well, there are several factors that may influence this. For instance, the severity of the pain in addition to
what you have in your digestive tract. However, it’s clear that these edibles for oral intake usually take
longer for their effects to kickstart.
This happens because the gummies have to pass through the digestive tract. The process may take hours
before the CBD compound gets fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Generally, it’s estimated that it takes
around 90 minutes for the effects of CBD gummies to kickstart.
But we need to understand that every person is different. So, in some people, it can take up to two hours.
Note: even though it takes longer (unlike other methods of CBD consumption) to feel the effects of CBD gummies for pain, the compound ends up lasting longer in the body as well. This is due to the slow release of the CBD from the lining of the digestive tract into the bloodstream. So, in some instances, you may feel the effects of up to 8 hours. This is great if you are dealing with chronic pain because it means you will end up experiencing pain relief longer.
CBD Gummies Dosage for Pain
There is no precise dosage of CBD for pain. It should be understood that the CBD market is widely unregulated. Due to the lack of a specific regulatory body, CBD products such as gummies are still considered as supplements and there are no universal recommendations for the right dosage.
But still, you need to find the right dosage in order to deal with your pain. The best thing about CBD gummies is that they are already pre-dosed so you don’t need to make estimates when it comes to finding the precise dose. To pick the right dose, here is how you can go about it:
Start gradually
If you are just starting out to use CBD gummies, ensure that you start with a smaller dose. This could be 5 mg per serving daily. from there, you can gradually increase the amount to 10 mg per serving daily until you find what works for you in the coming few weeks.
Understand the level of your pain
Are you dealing with moderate every day painful conditions such as headaches or chronic and progressive conditions such as arthritis? Well, in case you are suffering from acute pain, then you need to start with a lower dose. On the other hand, chronic pain conditions usually need higher and powerful doses to manage them.
Work with an Expert
Sometimes you just can’t do this math alone. A lot of factors such as age, gender, weight, and other health
conditions may make it difficult to estimate the right dosage for you. However, this shouldn’t deter you from
using CBD gummies for pain because you can work with an expert.
They will consider all the factors at hand including your health history and the current medications you are taking and how they can influence your CBD intake. You can consider seeking the services of your physician or primary care provider before using these edibles for pain.
Lower the Dose If You Experience Side Effects
Common side effects of CBD gummies are usually caused by higher doses. Although taking high amounts
of cannabidiol doesn’t have fatal effects, the symptoms can be severe. The trial and error technique can
result in negative triggers that can be managed by lowering the dose. In some instances, users may end up
with severe pain symptoms if they are not careful.
Note: if you are taking CBD gummies for pain, pay attention to how your body feels from the onset. Take note of changes and if they are significant negative effects, discontinue the use of these cannabis edibles and seek immediate medical advice.
How to Choose the Best CBD Gummies for Pain
There are several types of CBD gummies in the market for pain. So, choosing one can be quite challenging. This is due to the wide range of products in addition to the availability of cheap, low-quality CBD gummies. To choose the best CBD gummies for pain, here are the factors to consider:
The Source of Hemp
Hemp plants (the source of CBD extract) is a bio-accumulator. It has the ability to absorb elements from its
surroundings. To ensure that the edibles you are buying are safe and pure, make sure that they come from
hemp sources that are organically cultivated.
It’s worth noting that hemp plants from regulated farmlands don’t have harmful contaminants, heavy metals, chemicals, and high THC content. In fact, they usually have rich plant minerals and beneficial omega fatty acids.
Type of Ingredients
CBD gummies are edibles hence they are designed for oral consumption. Apart from CBD, these products usually contain other ingredients such as pectin and taste enhancers for flavor. To minimize the chances of suffering from digestive discomfort and other side effects, check the ingredient list, and ensure that the available products are all organics.
3rd Party Lab Tests
Like it’s stated above, the medical cannabis industry is widely unregulated. This means that your chances of
buying low-quality and toxic CBD gummies are high. New brands are always coming up and there isn’t a
specific regulatory body to check the quality of their CBD products.
To be on the safe side, ensure that the edibles you are choosing come from a company that normally conducts independent 3rd-party lab tests. This is important in determining the quality and amount of CBD used in addition to other ingredients.
Type of Extract
There are three types of CBD extracts: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. CBD isolate extract only
contains the cannabidiol compound, approximately more than 99%.
Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol, other cannabinoids in addition to THC content. Meanwhile, broadspectrum CBD contains all the compounds found in full-spectrum CBD but minus the THC content.
While you have the sole choice of choosing the type of extract that you want, isolate isn’t generally good for
pain. The other two provide an effective way of dealing with pain because they provide the body with the
entourage effect.
Note: even though most CBD gummies for pain usually contain THC content, the amount is just trace i.e. less than 0.3%. This is a significantly low amount that doesn’t alter the way the mind functions but simply heightens the effectiveness of CBD. So, you won’t end getting high from consuming such edibles.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Gummies
CBD, as a sole compound, has a good safety profile. One of the main factors that have propelled its popularity is low side effects. However, this doesn’t eliminate the fact that taking such edibles can still cause unwanted side effects, even if you are dealing with pain. Some of the potential downsides of using CBD gummies include:
- Dry mouth or the cottonmouth effect
- Diarrhea
- Digestive discomfort
- Change in sleep patterns
- Change in weight
- Fatigue
don’t have to deal with the expensive and intoxicating prescription and OTC drugs that cause dependence if
you have these gummies. They are cost-effective, efficient, and normally produce lasting effects without
causing addition.
