CBD and Pain

Chronic Pain

CBD has many uses, and one of the most popular uses of CBD is pain management, especially chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. Chronic pain is notoriously difficult to treat because there are so many factors involved in feeling pain. The experience of pain can be influenced by genetics, medications, medical conditions, age, and even factors like stress and mood.

Treatments for Pain

People often use over the counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief. If over the counter medications fail, individuals with chronic pain are often treated with exercise, physical therapy, prescription medication, or surgery. However, some patients find they do not like the side effects of their medication, as many can induce drowsiness. Other patients feel that their current treatments are not meeting their needs. Hempeutics Pharmacy offers CBD as an addition or alternative to chronic pain management.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the Hemp plant. Both Marijuana and Hemp are strains of the Cannabis plant but differ in their uses. Many skin and hair care products already contain Hemp seed oil.  CBD, which comes from the flower of the Hemp plant, has a history of medicinal use and is not psychoactive, meaning it does not create the “high” that is associated with the THC in Marijuana. CBD derived from Hemp that does not contain THC is federally legal.

The Endocannabinoid System and Pain

All humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a network of chemical signals and receptors that respond to the endocannabinoids our bodies produce. It plays a part in regulating many functions in our body such as learning, memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature, pain, inflammation, eating, and immune responses. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, act on the ECS system and mimic the endocannabinoids we naturally produce.

Can CBD Help with Pain?

In the limited amount of research done on CBD, it shows promise in reducing pain. Studies suggest that one reason CBD may help pain management is because it is an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation causes pain because it makes the inflamed areas more sensitive and lowers the threshold for pain. When inflammation continues over a long period of time it can cause negative side effects and even damage to the body. Inflammation can lead to unpleasant secondary symptoms such as nausea and tiredness. Researchers have also investigated other Cannabinoids for natural pain relief. One study found that THC was more effective than codeine at treating pain that is resistant to opioids. One study also showed that a combination of CBD and THC reduced pain more effectively than THC alone. CBD may also treat pain caused by neuropathy.

When using CBD for the first time, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it, if needed, to the recommended level. There are many ways to take CBD, but at Hempeutics Pharmacy, we recommend topical creams or oil for localized pain and tinctures for widespread pain.

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is often a safer alternative to prescription drugs as it has few side effects and no risk of addiction. Unlike some prescription medications, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, and it does not cause drowsiness. Like other medications, CBD may produce side effects. CBD might increase the risk of short-term memory loss, impaired attention, foggy thinking, dry mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. CBD has the potential to interact with other medications, the most common being blood thinners and seizure drugs. Patients should speak to their doctor before taking CBD or any other cannabinoid.

Some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC. Older patients and children should avoid CBD products that contain THC as they likely have lower tolerances to it. However, THC tolerance varies greatly from patient to patient. If an adult patient has used THC or Marijuana products previously, they may have a higher THC tolerance, and trace amounts in CBD products will not affect them. At Hempeutics Pharmacy, our board-certified pharmacist, Dr. Peggy, consults with patients to ensure all patients are receiving products that are optimal for them.

It is important to choose products you can trust. Patients should look for independently lab-tested CBD products. Sellers should provide a certificate of analysis for products that contain test results, reporting the quantity of each cannabinoid in the product, including CBD and THC. The certificate of analysis should also contain the contact information of the lab. Some patients may find the certificate of analysis difficult to interpret, which is why at Hempeutics pharmacy we meet with patients to answer any questions before starting treatment.

Is CBD Legal?

Although marijuana and CBD come from the same type of plant, they are classified as different drugs. CBD that contains 0.3% THC or less is federally legal due to the 2018 Farm Deal. However, some states have implemented their own laws that are stricter on CBD. All states are allowing CBD to some extent, but some restrict CBD purchases to those with medical cards. Here is an updated article with information on the legal status of CBD by state.

Some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC or other cannabinoids. If Marijuana is legal in your state, CBD is also legal. Patients who are concerned about having trace amounts of THC in their products can choose THC-free CBD products instead of full-spectrum products which can include up to 0.3% THC. Make sure to check your state’s policy on CBD and THC before ordering online.

Want to Give it a Try?

If you’ve decided you want to try CBD for pain relief, you may be asking, “Where can I find CBD for pain management near me?”.  Hempeutics Pharmacy, located in Huntington Beach, California, offers products that can be picked up in-store or shipped directly to you. Unlike dispensaries, Hempeutics is a CBD pharmacy, run by our board-certified pharmacist and founder, Dr. Peggy. Dr. Peggy is extremely knowledgeable about CBD, medications, and medical conditions. We provide CBD treatments for many different issues such as sleep, pain management, and relaxation. Hempeutics offers custom CBD treatments which we compound in our pharmacy to ensure each patient receives products that work for them. We provide both full-spectrum (including THC) and THC-free CBD products that have been independently lab tested and certified. Please contact us for more information!