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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. Marijuana-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) has 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 over 100 chemical compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant. It has gained popularity following the 2018 federal bill legalizing the growing and sale of hemp products on a national level.

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 2900 BC, many groups have noted their use of cannabis for a variety of conditions — from joint pain and muscle spasms to conditions such as gout and malaria.

However, the scientific proof backing many of these potential benefits remains unclear.

That said, studies have found a link between CBD and pain relief in rats. This is something that could also apply to humans, but more research is necessary to confirm this.

Another study has suggested that CBD could be beneficial for a range of clinical conditions, including:

Another study, this time in rats, found that topical application of CBD may help soothe the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Again, more research is necessary before researchers can definitively say that CBD can help relieve pain. However, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that it might.

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.

Vertly Relief Lotion is available for purchase online here.

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.

One study in mice suggests that, in large quantities, CBD may cause liver toxicity. However, it is important to note that the researchers fed some mice very large quantities of CBD-rich cannabis extracts.

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.