CBD Gummies For Pain And Inflammation: What You Should Know
CBD or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring active component found in cannabis (weed).
Unlike THC (the psychoactive compound of marijuana), CBD does not induce a euphoric state, nor is it addictive. However, it does interact with the endocannabinoid or pain regulation system of the body, which is why it is therapeutic in chronic inflammatory conditions.
To mitigate the potential adverse effects and possible addiction, CBD is isolated from the plant and sold as oils, gels, or gummies.
In this article, we discuss the role of CBD gummies in pain management, their benefits, and side effects.
What Are CBD Gummies?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is isolated from the hemp plant and infused into bite-sized edibles known as gummies.
While the CBD compound is also available as topical gels, oils, and vapes, a lot of people find them unappealing or difficult to use. CBD gummies are available in different forms, flavours, and doses, making them a popular alternative to traditional products.
These gummies are used for pain relief in inflammatory conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Muscle aches
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Insomnia (lack of sleep)
- Nausea
- Seizures
Can Using CBD Gummies For Pain Cause Addiction?
Marijuana plants have two main components: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
THC is the primary psychoactive part of hemp plant and is thereby responsible for the ‘high’ people feel after smoking weed.
On the other hand, CBD does not have euphoric effects at any concentration. CBD actually tends to decrease the intensity of the ‘high’ to balance THC’s effect.
When you consume marijuana, CBD only functions to reduce anxiety and pain, which explains why the compound holds a lot of pharmaceutical potential.
So, simply put, CBD gummies do not make you high. However, it is important to know that some gummies are packaged for recreational use and, thus, come with a small amount of THC.
CBD Gummies For Pain: How Do They Work?
When ingested, cannabidiol or CBD is metabolized and then absorbed directly into the blood. Afterwards, here’s how it acts to reduce pain and inflammation:
- Endocannabinoid Modulation
Endocannabinoid is a complex system found in the human body, responsible for regulating pain perception, mood, immune response, appetite, and sleep.
Normally, this intricate system interacts with compounds naturally produced in the body. However, endocannabinoids also directly respond to external cannabinoids, promoting pain relief by reducing inflammation and pain perception.
- Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines
Inflammation refers to the overactivation of the body’s immune response, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain.
CBD reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (molecules that signal the body’s inflammatory response), thereby helping with pain.
- Interaction With Pain Receptors
Our bodies have receptors that receive and perceive different sensations. When CBD comes in contact with nociceptors (pain receptors), it directly inhibits transmission of neuronal signals, i.e., essentially works as an analgesic and reduces pain.
When talking about CBD gummies for pain, bear in mind that they might take about 30 minutes to kick in, and about 2 hours to achieve maximum effect.
Side Effects Of Using CBD Gummies For Pain
So, years of studies and scientific evidence show CBD gummies are incredibly effective for pain relief. However, there are some adverse effects of the compound that you should know before consumption:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Reduced sperm count
It is important to mention that some may be allergic to hemp, and the likelihood, as well as the severity of CBD side effects, vary based on dosage and individual tolerance levels.
Other than these general effects, CBD can also cause drug interactions, especially with blood thinners. Therefore, before administering CBD, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are already taking any medications.
Is CBD Legal In Canada?
While CBD products are widely known for their therapeutic effects, the stigma associated with marijuana understandably bars CBD legalization and availability. To avoid running into any issues, it is essential to first check the legal status of the compound in your state /country.
Since 2018, CBD has been legal in Canada. In fact, recreational use of marijuana is also permitted in the country.
However, the production, sale, and use of cannabis products are strictly regulated. Additionally, the legal framework also dictates the age and dosage related to the possession of CBD gummies.
It is essential to always be aware of the cannabinoid rules and regulations in your province. You should also always purchase CBD products from licensed sellers like Taki Taki to ensure optimal quality and legal dealing.
How To Use CBD Gummies For Pain Management?
The culture of medical CBD use in Canada is rapidly evolving. A recent survey suggests that 16.2% of Canadians are currently using CBD products, primarily for chronic pain management.
While the pharmaceutical scope of CBD is promising, it still has significant side effects, which is why you should always use it cautiously. If you are considering consuming CBD gummies for pain relief, here are a couple of things you should know:
Consult A Doctor
CBD products are available over the counter. However, like any other medicinal drug, consulting a physician beforehand is a good practice to help mitigate any possible risk.
- Ask the doctor for the dose you need when using CBD gummies for inflammation. CBD is a drug, and administering the right dosage is crucial to have its medicinal benefits without adverse effects.
- CBD can cause harmful reactions after interacting with other drugs. If you are already using any medicines, make sure to ask your physician if it’s all right to take CBD along with it.
- If you have previously been allergic to CBD, and now want to use it for inflammation, talk to a doctor about how you can safely administer it.
- In case of any side effects, decrease the dose, discontinue CBD use, or consider immediately consulting a healthcare provider.
Don’t Use If Pregnant Or Nursing
The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids are unarguably helpful in a lot of medical conditions. However, in a fetus, CBD can cause harmful immune suppression, making it prone to a variety of infections.
The same goes for babies as they do not have a well-developed gut flora to resist pathogens.
Therefore, the FDA strictly advises against CBD use (even topically) in pregnant or nursing women.
How To Choose The Best CBD Gummies For Pain?
For quality assurance, here are some of the factors you should consider when buying CBD gummies for pain:
- Company’s Certification: To make sure you are complying with local and national regulations, always buy CBD gummies from a company licensed to produce and sell them.
- THC Concentration: Some CBD gummies are solely packaged for recreational use, and have a significant amount of THC. Some might have THC in low concentrations to give you a mild high (2.5 mg THC is the minimum for intoxicating effects), while others also exclusively contain CBD. Check the product description, and buy whatever aligns with your preference.
- CBD Dosage: If you are using CBD gummies for pain, bear in mind that they’ll only work when taken in the right dosage. Before you purchase it, check how many mg of CBD a gummy serves per serving.
- Ingredients: CBD gummies have added substances for flavour. Check the ingredient list to see if there’s anything you dislike or are allergic to.
- Customer Reviews: Reviews give you insight into the product’s potency and quality. Always check the feedback on a CBD company’s website before buying from them.
Our Best CBD Gummies For Pain
Considering the quality, potency, legal compliance, and safety, here are some of our top picks for CBD gummies for pain:
- Vitalita Full Spectrum CBD Gummies: Our sour fruit-flavoured Vitalita CBD gummies are popular among customers. Available in 25 mg and 50 mg per serving bottles, these gluten-free gummies are made with the best quality hemp and can be taken twice a day for pain relief.
- Tropical 1:1 THC/CBD Jellies: if you are looking for a gummy that alleviates pain while also giving a lasting euphoric effect, these flavoured jellies are for you. Each jelly contains 10 mg of both THC and CBD, and thus, keeps you medicated throughout the day.