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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) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.

Back pain can affect people of all ages and genders, but treatment for back pain can be limited. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular alternative option for pain management. However, scientists need to conduct more research into how effective CBD is for improving back pain.

Globally, low back pain causes more disability than any other condition.

Medical treatment for low back pain is limited, and doctors may recommend a person waits to see if their back pain clears up on its own before suggesting alternative treatments. However, some people with back pain might have thought about trying CBD to treat it.

While the FDA has not approved the use of CBD oil to treat pain, some research suggests that applying topical CBD may reduce some types of pain and inflammation.

This article explains what CBD is, how it may help treat back pain, and lists some products a person may wish to try. It also covers when to see a doctor about back pain.

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids (compounds) derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis and hemp plants in the cannabis family.

CBD usually derives from hemp.

Although cannabis has associations with producing a “high,” CBD does not lead to any mind-altering effects. This is because CBD does not contain the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient in cannabis that causes euphoria.

Learn about the difference between cannabis and hemp CBD here.

Legality

The laws and regulations concerning CBD are complicated and the subject of a lot of debate.

CBD products made from non-hemp cannabis plants are illegal at the federal level but are legal in some states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

In contrast, CBD products made from hemp that contain minimal amounts of THC are legal at the federal level but are illegal in certain states.

According to the FDA, it is currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement.

The FDA has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, an antiseizure drug available on prescription. The FDA has not approved more products because there is limited data available on the safety of CBD and the risks associated with taking it.

Before using CBD, always check whether it is legal where they live.

Learn more about Epidiolex here.

Types of CBD product

Although the FDA has only approved one CBD antiseizure drug, many companies still add CBD to their products. These products can include:

  • cosmetics
  • skincare products
  • dietary supplements
  • foods
  • drinks

Manufacturers of these products may make claims that the CBD content provides therapeutic benefits. However, the FDA has not evaluated or approved them.

There are different types of CBD that contain various compounds from the cannabis plant.

Different types of CBD include:

According to a 2020 primer on CBD for healthcare professionals, full-spectrum CBD products contain all parts of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and less than 0.3% THC.

Broad-spectrum products contain the majority of cannabis plant compounds and trace amounts of THC.

Isolate CBD products only contain CBD and do not contain any other cannabinoids.

A person can experience clinical responses to full- and broad-spectrum CBD.

The authors suggest that these responses may be due to a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect,” where several compounds work together to create the desired clinical effects.

People often describe back pain according to its location and cause. This can help a person work with a doctor to find the correct treatment and identify underlying conditions that could be causing or contributing to their back pain.

A person’s back pain can be acute or chronic.

Acute back pain generally lasts for a few days and will resolve itself.

Chronic back pain can last for weeks or months.

Several health conditions can cause pain in the lower back. Some common causes of lower back pain include:

More and events can also cause upper and lower back pain, such as:

  • age-related changes to the spine
  • underlying medical conditions
  • accidents
  • posture
  • heavy lifting

Learn more about pain and how to manage it here.

Some evidence indicates that CBD oil may help with pain relief. However, in a 2020 review of studies, researchers noted that few clinical trials exist that support the use of CBD for the treatment of chronic pain.

The authors also wrote that previous studies suggested that there was a strong possibility that a person could reduce their back pain by using CBD oil for 7 days. However, the review noted that most studies involved animals, such as rats, or in vitro tests.

The review also noted that there is a lack of long-term studies on safety. The authors also expressed concern over the lack of regulations on commercial CBD products.

The Arthritis Foundation states that anecdotal evidence shows that some people who use CBD for arthritis saw improved pain levels. However, CBD may not improve arthritis pain for everyone.

The Arthritis Foundation also states that scientists do not currently know if topical CBD products actually reach the site of a person’s pain.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel

Charlotte’s Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel uses natural ingredients and CBD to create a lotion that people can use anywhere on their bodies.

Charlotte’s Web states that all of its topical products contain 300 mg CBD per ounce.

The company also claims that this hemp-infused cooling gel is free of 8 major allergens and includes menthol, arnica, and full-spectrum hemp extract.

The company states that the ingredients create a cooling and soothing effect when applied to the skin.

CBDistillery Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

CBDistillery’s Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture is a liquid that a person drops under the tongue.

According to the company, all of its CBD products come from non-GMO hemp that grows naturally.

The company offers CBD oil tinctures in a range of strengths.

Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream

Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream is a topical cream that the company recommends a person uses on their back, shoulders, and neck.

Aspen Green claims that the 60-milliliter bottle contains 650 mg CBD. The company also claims that all of its products are free from toxins, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates.

Aspen list the results from third-party lab tests on its website.

The company warns that this product may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

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Vertly Relief Lotion

Vertly Relief Lotion is a topical lotion that a person applies to their skin.

The product includes various plant extracts and essential oils, such as arnica, shea butter, aloe vera, and magnesium.

Vertly claims that this CBD lotion is good for hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and treating muscle pain.

Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm

The Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm is a topical lotion that includes CBD and other natural ingredients, such as peppermint, mango butter, and beeswax.

The company claims that 1/2 a teaspoon of their product contains 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD for topical use.

Lazarus Natural states that the lotion will help to soothe aches and help moisturize the skin.

A person may wish to contact a doctor if they have unexplained back pain. They can then work with a doctor who can run tests and determine the cause of their back pain and find the correct treatment.

A person should stop using any CBD products if they develop an allergic reaction or side effects. They may also wish to contact a doctor to discuss any problems they have with their CBD product.

It may not always be safe for a person to use CBD products in place of contacting a health professional to find treatment for back pain or other health conditions.

Before using supplements, a person can consider contacting a doctor to ensure it will not interact with medications they are taking or make any existing health conditions worse.

CBD oil may help provide back pain relief for some people. Some studies show that CBD can improve back pain and arthritis, but scientists need to conduct more research in this area.

The FDA does not regulate CBD oil products, and CBD may not be legal in all U.S. states.

A person may wish to contact a doctor before using CBD products and check that any products they use have come from reputable sources.