Research on CBD and Pain
Hemp and Cannabis: Industrial Uses and Research Background
People have used hemp and cannabis for industrial purposes for centuries. CBD is one of the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant. Some prescription medicines include cannabis-derived or cannabinoid ingredients, but that does not mean over-the-counter CBD products are approved to treat medical conditions.
Pain research uses more than one outcome
When comparing results, look for the condition, formulation, comparison group and follow-up period. Some studies report pain intensity; others also measure function or adverse effects. Write those outcomes down separately before drawing a conclusion about a particular preparation.
Hemp contains many naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid most associated with intoxicating effects, while CBD (cannabidiol) is another common cannabinoid and is not intoxicating. Historical records describe cannabis use in traditional medicine, but historical use is not proof that today’s CBD products can be used as medical treatments. Source here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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CBD and Pain: What Research Says So Far
Research into CBD and pain is ongoing, but the evidence is not strong enough to make definitive medical claims about CBD oil. In the U.S., CBD products sold as supplements or wellness products should not be described as products that diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Talk with a healthcare professional about pain or any medical condition.
Below is a plain-language summary of a 2016 study. Read the full article from the National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
Older CDC data estimated that nearly 50 million U.S. adults had been diagnosed with arthritis during 2007–2009, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis among the most common forms. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, treatment decisions should be made with a licensed healthcare professional. The studies discussed below looked at whether CBD may affect inflammation and pain-related pathways, but they do not show that CBD products diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent arthritis.
One 2016 animal study evaluated transdermal CBD gel in a rat knee-arthritis model and monitored potential side effects. Researchers applied CBD gel for 4 consecutive days at 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, or 62.3 mg/day after arthritis was induced. Results from animal studies are early-stage and do not prove that CBD products manage inflammation or pain in people. Source here.
Research on CBD and CBD oil is still developing, and results are not yet definitive. In the United States, over-the-counter CBD products are not approved as medical treatments. This article is for general education only and should not be used as medical advice. Ask a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a medical condition.
