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Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has numerous potential benefits, and its use as a treatment for pain is one that researchers are increasingly studying.
CBD is one of
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another well-known and well-researched compound in cannabis plants, CBD does not give the feeling of being “high.”
Rather, many studies have demonstrated links between CBD use and reduced symptoms of various ailments, including anxiety, nausea associated with chemotherapy, some forms of epilepsy, and pain. This means that CBD could also help with sciatica pain.
Keep reading to learn more about using CBD for easing pain. This article also provides information about a number of CBD products that may prove effective as a method for pain relief.
Using cannabis to treat pain is not a new phenomenon. Since around
However, the scientific proof backing many of these potential benefits remains unclear.
That said,
Another
- pain
- inflammation
- epilepsy
- sleep disorders
- symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- anorexia
- schizophrenia
- depression and anxiety disorders
Another
Again, more research is necessary before researchers can definitively say that CBD can help relieve pain. However, there is a lot of
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
Shopping for CBD can be confusing, as so many products are available, and people may not be familiar with a lot of the terminology around CBD.
For more information on CBD in general, read our buyers guide to CBD here.
Manufacturers tend to use three main types of CBD in their products. These are:
- Full spectrum CBD: This contains all cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including CBD and THC (0.3% maximum).
- Broad spectrum CBD: This contains a mixture of cannabinoids, usually without THC, but it may contain trace amounts.
- CBD isolate: This is pure, isolated CBD, without other cannabinoids and 0.0% THC.
Some research indicates that full spectrum CBD may work best due to its “entourage effect.” This is where the various other cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant work together with the CBD to heighten its beneficial effects.
However, this does not mean that full spectrum CBD is the best option for everyone. Each person needs to find what works best for them and their symptoms.
CBD products are available in many different forms, including:
- gummies
- tinctures
- oils, which a person takes orally
- balms, creams, and massage oils, which a person can apply topically
Each type of product has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, with gummies, a person does not have to worry about determining the dosage, as each gummy will contain a specific amount of CBD.
On the other hand, with topical products, it can be difficult to know exactly how much CBD a person is applying to the body.
As CBD products are not currently FDA-regulated, it can be difficult to know what a person is getting when they purchase a CBD product. All the products in this article have passed our screening process, meeting our requirements in the following areas:
- comes from a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory
- uses hemp grown in the United States
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- is free of pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
Please note that the writer of this article has not tested all of these products, and that all the information we present here is purely research-based.
Joy Organics CBD Gummies
These Joy Organics gummies are gluten-free and vegan, and the company website claims that they are also THC-free.
Available in green apple and strawberry lemonade flavors, these 10-milligram (mg) gummies have not undergone sweetening using corn syrup.
Joy Organics CBD Gummies are available for purchase online here.
Veritas Farms Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
This CBD oil tincture contains full spectrum hemp oil from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants that grow on Veritas Farms’s Colorado farm.
The manufacturers claim that their CBD is never from isolate, which they say makes their CBD more effective.
The 250-mg strength supplies 8.3 mg of full spectrum hemp oil per dropper, and a person can either place a drop under their tongue or mix it in with a hot or cold beverage.
Veritas Farms Full Spectrum CBD Tincture is available for purchase online here.
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
This high potency, full spectrum, unflavoured tincture could be an option for people who have already tried CBD, rather than those using it for the first time.
It is vegan and gluten-free, with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. This tincture comes in three sizes, though the strength remains the same, at 50 mg per milliliter (ml).
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture is available for purchase online here.
Veritas Farms CBD Massage Oil
This 500-mg full spectrum massage oil comes in an easy-to-use, pump-style bottle.
The bottle contains 100 ml of massage oil.
Massage oils have an added benefit in that people can apply them to specific areas, localizing the effect that CBD may have on pain.
Veritas Farms CBD Massage Oil is available for purchase online here.
Moon Mother Hemp Company Massage Oil
This full spectrum massage oil comes in a 2-ounce (oz) or 4-oz bottle with a handy pump.
Containing jojoba and lavender oils, this massage oil could help promote relaxation. It is gluten-free, corn-free, and soy-free, and it is certified organic.
Moon Mother Hemp Company Massage Oil is available for purchase online here.
Susan’s CBD Hemp CBD Massage Oil
This product is a highly concentrated massage oil containing 99.7% purified CBD isolate from hemp.
It uses chamomile-infused grapeseed oil and calendula-infused sweet almond oil for a calming, soothing massage.
It comes in a 2-oz bottle or an 8-oz bottle, both with easy-to-use pumps.
Susan’s CBD Hemp CBD Massage Oil is available for purchase online here.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Balm Stick
This balm stick from Charlotte’s Web can be useful if a person does not want to get their hands covered in oil but still wants to use a topical product.
It is formulated with menthol, peppermint oil, turmeric oil, and ginger oil. The company’s website says that it is ideal for larger areas of the body, such as the thighs.
The 1.75-oz balm stick contains 525 mg of full spectrum CBD.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Balm Stick is available for purchase online here.
Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm
This full spectrum CBD balm by Lazarus Naturals comes in an easy-to-transport tin.
It contains 50 mg of CBD per half teaspoon. It also contains capsaicin extract, which may help with pain.
It has a peppermint fragrance and comes in two sizes: 400 mg or 1,200 mg.
Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm is available for purchase online here.
Vertly Relief Lotion
Containing many ingredients that people commonly use to relieve pain, this lotion contains U.S.-grown, full spectrum hemp CBD and premium organic ingredients.
The peppermint hydrosol and aloe vera combine to provide a person with a natural cooling sensation to their body.
It also includes magnesium and arnica.
As with anything a person ingests, and especially anything they ingest for medicinal purposes, there can be side effects.
In studies, the most common side effects associated with CBD products include:
It is also very important for a person to ensure that they discuss the use of CBD products with a healthcare professional, as CBD can interact with several different medications.
If a person takes any medications or supplements that warn of interactions with grapefruit, they need to be careful using CBD. This is because they both interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes known as cytochrome P450.
The research to date, as well as anecdotal claims and historical evidence, suggests that CBD may ease the symptoms in a variety of health conditions, including pain.
A variety of oral and topical CBD products are available in numerous strengths.
Currently, the FDA do not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of any over-the-counter CBD products, so a person should be careful when selecting CBD products.
It can be helpful to look for products that have undergone third-party testing, meaning that an independent laboratory has verified the product’s purity and potency.
Anyone wishing to try CBD should discuss it with a healthcare professional first, as there may be interactions with certain medications.