Living with chronic pain is no way to live at all. It’s debilitating, tiring, and can completely change you as a person. It’s no wonder that those living with chronic pain might be willing to try anything to remedy it.

While over-the-counter and prescription medications have their place in pain management services st louis mo, they’re never a good long-term solution. And it’s no secret that the long-term use of opioid-based painkillers can lead to substance abuse and addiction.

This is where products containing a CBD additive come in to change the game. Want to learn more about CBD products for pain management? Just keep on reading.

What Is CBD and How Is It Effective?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is beneficial in the treatment of a plethora of conditions and ailments, not just pain management. And the best part is that it’s natural — derived from the cannabis plant. So there are very few, if any, long-term side effects of taking CBD for pain management.

But what exactly is CBD, anyway?

In short, it’s one of the hundreds of beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. Today, you can find CBD in a host of different products as an additive. Just some of these include CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, candy, balms, drinks, and more.

How Does CBD Help With Pain Management?

The human body hosts the complex endocannabinoid system, or, the ECS. This system includes thousands of different receptors that react to different compounds found in the bloodstream. Essentially, it’s an intricate signaling pathway between the central nervous system and the immune system.

CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids react with the ECS in a positive manner. When you consume cannabinoids, they bind with certain receptors within the ECS, which results in a number of different reactions. Just one of them being pain relief.

What’s important to note is that the body naturally produces endogenous cannabinoids. These are basically natural lipids that the body produces. On the other hand, the body is unable to make exogenous cannabinoids, which you can find in the cannabis plant.

Some of the most beneficial exogenous cannabinoids include:

  • CBD
  • Cannabigerol (CBG)
  • Cannabichromene (CBC)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

While CBD is beneficial to the human body in many ways, it’s actually not that great at stimulating a cell response within the ECS.

This is why CBD is not always the preferred cannabinoid for pain management, but it does help. It reacts with neurological receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce inflammation. Which, in itself, can help to reduce pain.

The most important (and potent) ingredient in CBD products for pain management is actually tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So when it comes to shopping for a CBD product for pain management, make sure it also includes the THC compound.

The Legality of THC Products

What you have to keep in mind is that THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel ”high”. This begs the question, are CBD products with THC in them legal?

If you’re purchasing a hemp-derived product, this is legal under many state laws. This is because hemp is naturally lower in THC content, containing less than 0.3 percent, or none at all.

However, if you’re purchasing a cannabis-derived CBD product, you might need a legal permit to do so. This might include a medical marijuana card, depending on your local state laws. In some states, cannabis CBD products are not illegal.

The Best CBD Additive Products for Pain

While there are a plethora of CBD products on the market today, not all of them are created equal. It’s also important to note that CBD products are not FDA-approved or regulated. So you must do your research on a CBD additive product and how it’s made before you purchase it.

Here are some of the best CBD additives to help with pain relief:

1. CBD Gummies

You want to look for gummies, which are like chewable sweets, infused with CBD and the legal amount of THC. Other beneficial ingredients also include ginger and turmeric to assist with reducing inflammation.

CBD gummies can not only assist with pain relief but help to support your joints and reduce swelling. If you’re new to CBD edibles, opt for gummies that contain no more than 5 mg of CBD each.

2. CBD-Infused Cooling Gel

There’s also the option of topical products if you prefer not to physically ingest CBD. If you struggle with persistent joint pain, then a cooling gel can do wonders. Look for a product that includes full-spectrum CBD, as well as ingredients such as arnica and menthol.

A good quality product shouldn’t contain anything less than 500 mg of CBD. You also want to avoid ingredients such as synthetic fragrance, allergens, and parabens which can only irritate the skin.

3. CBD Pain Relief Oil or Lotion

This is another topical product that assists with pain relief. And if you want to avoid THC, make sure you look for a pain relief oil that includes hemp-derived CBD only. As well as other soothing ingredients such as menthol, camphor, and other natural oils.

When searching for a good lotion or oil with THC, you want to opt for a product with full-spectrum CBD. These typically include the legal amount of 0.3 percent of this compound.

These soothing oils or lotions are great for muscle and joint pain, repairing the moisture barrier of the skin, and reducing inflammation. For one of the top pain relief creams on the market, check it out here.

5. CBD Transdermal Patches

These patches are great because you can wear them for up to four days, and during that time they can help to soothe your aches and pains. Look for transdermal patches that contain nothing less than 60 mg of a full-spectrum CBD product.

You can either place the patches over the sore/affected area or on your lower back or stomach.

Other Pain Relief Options

Aside from CBD topicals and gummies, there are a number of other options at your disposal. But this depends on your pain levels and the type of management you prefer. Some other CBD products to consider include:

  • CBD capsules which offer faster and longer-lasting results
  • CBD drinks
  • Vaping or smoking CBD flower
  • CBD oils and tinctures

Bear in mind, however, that full-spectrum CBD products that contain THC come with a few side effects when you ingest them. Some of these include lethargy or tiredness, dizziness, the inability to concentrate, nausea, and changes in appetite.

Stay on Top of Your Health, With Us

If you’re considering a CBD additive for pain management, always remember to do your research before purchasing a product. Make sure you’re well aware of the side effects of orally ingesting full-spectrum CBD before you do so! And remember, always start low and slow when it comes to your CBD dosing.

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