Safe and non-addictive treatments for pain are in demand right now. CBD oil for pain has exploded as a natural alternative to traditional medical pain killers. However, many of our patients have questions about how CBD works, and how to take it. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear in our office about CBD products.
What is CBD?
CBD is a shortened version of the word “cannabidiol”. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 80 active chemical compounds (“cannabinoids”) found in the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is the second-most abundant cannabinoid, behind tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
CBD affects the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system has many different functions, including regulation of pain, immune function, metabolism, appetite, and memory. This is why CBD has been reported to improve so many conditions. Here, we will focus on how it reduces pain.
How does CBD decrease pain?
Chronic pain is a complicated condition. In simplified terms, chronic pain is what we feel when we have a combination of:
- Irritated or damaged nerves
- Inflammation, which is the body’s natural (and painful) reaction to tissue injury or breakdown.
At this moment, extensive research is being done to find out exactly how CBD reduces pain. What is known right now is that CBD seems to reduce pain by enhancing the body’s own natural pain killers, and by reducing inflammation.
For example, arthritis is a condition of inflamed joints that often worsens with age. CBD oil is thought to reduce this inflammation, and therefore, reduce the chronic pain associated with arthritis.
Will CBD oil get me high?
No, CBD will not get you high. As noted, CBD comes from the cannabis sativa plant. The intoxicating part of the plant that can make a person feel ‘high’ is THC. Some low-quality CBD products contain as much as 0.3% THC. At Monmouth Pain, our exceptionally pure CBD products contain 0.0% THC.
Do I need a prescription for CBD?
No, you do not need a prescription for CBD oil or products. Because CBD products do not contain intoxicating amounts of THC, they do not require a prescription from a medical doctor to be purchased or consumed.
How do I take CBD products?
CBD oil is the most popular product for treating pain. CBD oil is taken under the tongue, once per day. CBD salves and ointments can be applied directly to the region of pain, and can work together with the oil to further reduce pain. CBD oil can also be taken as gel capsules, which often contain other ingredients, such as melatonin, to improve sleep and turmeric, to further reduce inflammation.
Monmouth pain carries an exceptionally pure line of CBD products with 0.0% THC. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you have about CBD products.
Currently, due to the Covid-19 social distancing initiative, we are also offering curbside pickup for all of our CBD products. Check or Cash only. Credit cards not accepted.
References:
- Donvito, G. et al. The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain. Neuropsychopharmacology Reviews 2018; 43, 52-79
- Harrison, J. et al. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clin Proc. September 2019; 94(9): 1840-1851
