Studies have found that CBD, often together with THC, is an effective pain reliever for a variety of chronic diseases. In clinical trials, Sativex, an aerosol with equal parts of CBD and THC, proved to be significantly successful as an analgesic for cancer-related pain. CBD is emerging as a promising pharmaceutical agent for treating pain, inflammation, seizures and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Our understanding of the role of CBD in pain management continues to evolve, and evidence from animal studies has shown that CBD exerts its analgesic effects through its diverse interactions and modulation of the endocannabinoid, inflammatory and nociceptive (pain detection) systems.
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that interact with our own natural cannabinoids. This system is involved in regulating many body functions, including metabolism and appetite, mood and anxiety, and pain perception. CBD can help reduce pain by acting on a variety of biological processes in the body. CBD has been shown to work as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain reliever.
CBD can also reduce the anxiety often experienced by people living with chronic pain. Nowadays, it seems like you can buy CBD almost anywhere, but if that's an option, you might want to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Most importantly, CBD can interact with other important medications, such as blood thinners, heart medications, and immunosuppressants (medicines given after organ transplantation), which can change the levels of these important drugs in the blood and lead to catastrophic results, including death. Having candid conversations with family members (including how to talk to your children about CBD and medical marijuana use) about the science and history of medical cannabis use is often a good starting point.
If you live in a state that has legalized marijuana, you can find non-hemp CBD products at a medical marijuana dispensary. While medical marijuana is legal in many states, it remains illegal at the federal level, placing CBD in a legal gray area in many areas.
