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Originally Posted On: https://www.dmagazine.com/sponsored/2022/05/best-cbd-oil-for-pain/
People from all walks of life deal with pain on a daily basis. In fact, the pain can be so debilitating that it prevents them from living a normal and fulfilling life. Chronic pain can prevent people from taking part in activities like swimming, hiking, spending time with family, or experiencing nature. The CDC stated that in 2019 over 20 percent of adults were living with chronic pain, while over seven percent of adults were suffering from high-impact chronic pain.
When people are dealing with either acute or chronic pain, they look towards over-the-counter methods or prescription painkillers.
These days, consumers are turning to natural methods, like CBD, to help them with their tough pain issues. For years, both scientists and researchers have been inquisitive about CBD. In fact, if you search for CBD studies on the internet, you’ll find a host of published studies that confirm or support the pain-relieving benefits of CBD. Additionally, verified customer reviews from trusted and respected brands inadvertently support the validity of these studies. Furthermore, articles from respected CBD journalists and niche experts in the cannabis field add further support to both studies and customer reviews.
Our detailed guide to the best CBD for pain, which was written in symphony with Smarter CBD, takes a deep look into the causes of pain and different ways that CBD oil can help to calm and control acute and chronic pain. We’ll also give our readers in-depth profiling of our top 15 brands so that they can easily choose the best CBD oil that will best meet and exceed their goals and needs in treating their pain naturally.
Top 15 CBD Oil Brands for Pain in 2022
In choosing our top 15 CBD oil brands for pain, we thoroughly looked at some of the most reputable and popular brands in the industry. Upon careful scrutiny, our final top 15 brands are as follows:
- FAB CBD — Best Overall
- NuLeaf Naturals — Green Extraction Methods
- Joy Organics — Certified Organic
- Green Roads — Mission-Oriented
- CBDistillery — Interesting Product Selection
- Lazarus Naturals — Effective and Accessible CBD Products
- cbdMD — Popular Among Athletes
- PlusCBD — Education-Oriented
- CBDPure — Organic Offerings
- Premium Jane — Strong Flavor Options
- Hemp Bombs — Vast Product Line
- Populum — Premium CBD Options
- Cheef Botanicals — High-Grade CBD Products
- MedTerra — Sustainably Made
- Batch CBD — Unique Blends
After weeding through an overwhelming list of brands, these 15 brands rose to the tops as having some of the best, most potent, and cleanest CBD oil for pain.
How We Came Up with Our Best CBD Oil for Pain Brands
Before our guide could be written, we found it necessary to take an extensive look into all of the CBD oil brands on today’s market. Since the market is currently flooded with a seemingly endless number of brands, our list grew to impossible lengths. In order to whittle this list down, we looked at customer reviews, each brand’s hemp sources, how the brands made their products, if an independent third-party lab was used, and if those lab reports were made easy for customers to find.
Thanks to this set of guidelines, we were able to cut our list down until we were only left with our top ten CBD oil brands that are presented to you in this important guide. As an added bonus, we also looked at articles from reputable CBD journalists and writings from niche experts. As we were narrowing down our list of CBD oil brands, we focused on:
- How effective each brand’s oil was at tackling chronic pain
- Source of hemp
- How the brand processes its hemp and if it follows the strict guidelines set forth by the FDA for CBD products
- Whether the brands sell full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate products
- Third-party lab reports
- If the brand’s products contain 0.3% or less THC
- If dosage and usage instructions were clearly written and given to customers
- If the brand clearly explained what CBD does, how CBD works, and what CBD’s benefits are
Only after measuring each brand up against these tough guidelines, were we able to find our top ten CBD oil brands that we present to you below.
Best CBD Oil for Pain and Inflammation in 2022
#1 FAB CBD — Best Overall
Since 2017, FAB CBD has been creating some of the strongest, most innovative CBD products on the market. To that end, the brand is also on a mission to make CBD accessible to everyone. In order for FAB CBD to bring its highly-rated, top-shelf products to everyone, the team knew that it had to have the highest and toughest standards in the industry. FAB CBD is also unique in that all of the staff has had experience in the health and wellness industries. Therefore, they know what it takes to put forth clean, potent products that benefit their customers’ health and wellness.
The brand has a stellar line of top-shelf products that include full-spectrum CBD oils, CBD+CBG Oil, “Nighttime” PM CBD Sleep Gummies, “Anytime” CBD Chews, Topical CBD Body Salve, CBD Topical Cream, a line of non-CBD Vegan Green Superfoods, and even Calm & Cool Crunchy CBD Dog Treats. FAB CBD sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The brand also obtains all of its pure and potent extracts through the industry preferred CO2 extraction process.
It’s because of FAB CBD’s high standards and clean and potent products that it was selected as our number one pick for the best CBD oil for pain.
Highlights
- Potent full-spectrum CBD oil
- Caring customer support
- Organic Colorado hemp
- CO2 extraction process
- Third-party lab testing
About FAB CBD’s Full-Spectrum CBD Oils
FAB CBD’s full-spectrum CBD oils are some of the best and most potent in the industry. The oils come in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg, and in smooth, bright, refreshing flavors of vanilla, citrus, berry, mint, and natural. The oils are clean because, as stated before, FAB CBD uses organic hemp from Colorado and the industry preferred CO2 extraction process.
Pros
- Seed to sale product involvement
- Products created from organic Colorado hemp
- Affordable prices
- High CBD concentrations
- Palate-pleasing, natural flavor options
Cons
- International shipping is not offered at this time
#2 NuLeaf Naturals — Green Extraction Methods
NuLeaf Naturals was founded in 2014 by a group of plant medicine lovers. The founders’ main goal was to craft the most potent and cleanest CBD products that were organic, natural, and that were routinely tested by an independent third-party lab. All of the brand’s hemp comes from licensed farms in Colorado. NuLeaf Naturals oversees the cultivation and growth of its hemp, product manufacturing, and product sale.
The brand uses only the best whole leaf extracts in its product creation. It does not use any synthetic ingredients. In order to obtain its potent and pure extracts, NuLeaf Naturals uses a CO2 extraction process. In order to maintain a high level of transparency, all third-party lab reports are posted on the brand’s website and are also given to customers upon request. Each report contains detailed information including cannabinoid and terpene profile and solvent, heavy metal, and pesticide lab test results.
Highlights
- Colorado Hemp Source
- Preservative-free products
- Third-party lab testing
- Helpful customer service
About the CBD Oil
NuLeaf Naturals’ full-spectrum CBD oils come in 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 3000mg strengths. All oils are lab tested and contain full-spectrum cannabinoids, 100 percent natural ingredients, and were extracted using the industry preferred CO2 extraction method. They are also free of additives and preservatives.
Pros
- Strongly believes in transparency
- An independent third-party lab regularly tests all products
- Uses CO2 extraction process
- Fast shipping
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only natural flavor option for CBG oil
- Expensive products
- Flavor variety lacking in the brand’s other products
#3 Joy Organics — Certified Organic
Joy Organics prides itself on compassion, integrity, and excellence. The brand has a clear initiative to create high-quality CBD products using innovation and a top level of service. The brand is dedicated to product quality. Its customer care department mirrors itself after CEO and Co-Founder Joy Smith’s personal experience with CBD products. Smith, who is also a mom, grandmother, and humanitarian, has a mission to bring comfort and compassion to anyone she can reach.
Smith struggled with sleep and other tough health issues throughout her life. Because of this, she started seeking out natural remedies for her body. At the urging of her son, she tried CBD products. Though she ended up trying many different brands, only a couple of them worked for her. Through this experience, she started Joy Organics. To date, the brand has become one of the leaders in the CBD industry because of its manufacturing, testing, and quality standards.
Highlights
- Hemp from USDA-Certified farms
- Products tested by third-party labs
- Organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free products
- Products free from harsh chemicals or metals
- Farm Bill compliant
About Joy Organics CBD Oils
Joy Organics’ oils come in interesting flavors including Tranquil Mint, Unflavored, Summer Lemon, Orange Bliss, Fresh Lime, and Tropical Sunrise, and in a range of potencies including 450mg, 900mg, 1350mg, and 2250mg. The brand offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oil varieties.
Pros
- Use of third-party labs
- 18-month product shelf life
- Hemp selection and extraction process are clearly written
- All products are made from hemp that’s been grown, processed, and manufactured in the United States
- Large product variety
Cons
- No international shipping
- Not all products are vegan
- Product prices are somewhat expensive
#4 Green Roads — Mission-Oriented
The mission at Green Roads is simple: to help every person become the healthiest version of themselves. The brand is unique in that it was founded by a pharmacist who created distinctively formulated products. All products are designed with each customer’s stressful, busy, and beautiful life in mind. All products are lab-certified and have won both awards as well as certified positive reviews from customers.
The brand currently has three full-time pharmacists on staff who oversee product development as well as manufacturing. This both makes Green Roads’ formulas unique and as well as ensures that each product is created to specifically help customers with their health and wellness goals. Every ingredient that goes into the products is of the highest quality, and all products are regularly tested by an ISO-certified external laboratory for quality, strength, and purity. Customers can access the lab reports by scanning the QR code on any product package.
Highlights
- Pharmacist-formulated products
- Diverse product selection
- Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate options
- Offers free shipping
- Reward and referral program
About the CBD Oil
Green Roads provides customers with a solid range of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. The brand’s oils come in concentrations of 25mg daily dose, 300mg, 750mg, and 1500mg, and in flavors of original, Mint Breeze, and Apple Kiwi. While the daily dose offers convenience, it is a bit on the expensive side. All of the brand’s CBD oils contain the usual CBD oil ingredients along with hemp, MCT oil, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, and sunflower lecithin. The brand’s CBD oil is created using a proprietary formula that is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Pros
- High-quality products
- Products that are formulated by licensed pharmacists
- Uses industry preferred CO2 extraction process to ensure potency and purity
- Large product variety
- Offers gifts and bundle options
Cons
- Oils are somewhat expensive
- The website is a little difficult to navigate
#5 CBDistillery — Interesting Product Selection
In 2016, a group of Colorado Natives created CBDistillery as a way to fight against subpar CBD brands that were flooding into the industry. According to the brand, CBDistillery is one of the most affordable, fastest-growing brands in the CBD industry today. To that end, the brand is on a mission to educate people throughout the world on CBD’s benefits by using its social media platform.
CBDistillery creates a variety of interesting products including full-spectrum oils, CBD Isolate Powder, CBD Softgels, topicals, gummies, and CBD pet products. The brand has certainly made its mark in the ever-shifting and constantly growing CBD industry.
Highlights
- Organic Colorado hemp
- Seed to sale product involvement
- US Hemp Authority Certified
- Independent lab tests all products
- Highly responsive customer service
About the CBD Oil
The brand offers several CBD tincture options in an array of sizes and strengths. Customers can purchase full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils. Oils come in strengths of 500mg, 1000mg, 2500mg, and a 5000mg strength that only comes in full-spectrum. From looking at the website, it appears that the oils only come in natural flavor, which is why some customers report that they do not like the oil’s earthy, hemp flavor.
Pros
- A wide array of products
- Affordable products
- Cost-saving programs offered for veterans, the disabled, and low-income individuals
- Third-party lab testing
- Free shipping on all orders
- 60-day, money-back guarantee
Cons
- The website is difficult to navigate
- Oils have a hempy flavor that some customers dislike
- Uses ethanol extraction process over CO2 extraction
- Oil bottles can be tricky to open
#6 Lazarus Naturals — Effective and Accessible CBD Products
Lazarus Naturals has been creating affordable and effective products since 2014. The brand, located in Portland, believes that everyone should have access to CBD products regardless of physical limitations or financial hardships. Lazarus Naturals makes sustainable, potent, and clean CBD products for everyone. The brand oversees all product creation from seed to sale. All of Lazarus Naturals’ hemp is herbicide-free, non-GMO, USDA Certified Organic, and is grown in Oregon. This ensures that all extracts are pure and effective. Lazarus Naturals also uses a third-party lab to routinely test all products for heavy metals, pesticides, and levels of potency.
The brand creates a wide array of unique products including a CBD balm, CBG oils, CBD tinctures, and CBD soft gels. It’s encouraging that Lazarus Naturals, like many of the other brands that we’ve profiled, also offers veterans, the disabled, and low-income individuals a 60 percent lifetime discount through a special assistance program. Lastly, Lazarus Naturals also owns a facility that’s current cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) certified and also holds USDA Organic certifications.
Highlights
- Organic Oregon hemp
- Certified non-GMO and USDA Organic hemp
- Belief in sustainability
- All products tested by a third-party lab
- Responsive customer service department
About the CBD Oil
Lazarus Naturals has many different offerings for its CBD oil. The brand crafts oils in flavors of Classic, Yuzu, French Vanilla Mocha, and Chocolate Mint in strengths of 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg. (Yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit.) Lazarus Naturals also offers CBD isolate oils in concentrations of 750mg, 1500mg, and 3000mg in Blood orange, Unflavored, Mango Pineapple, Yuzu, and Wintermint flavors.
Pros
- Affordable products
- Large product variety in CBD isolate and full-spectrum options
- Use only all-natural, non-GMO ingredients
- Third-party lab testing
- High-strength tinctures that go up to 6000mg
Cons
- Uses ethanol extraction
- No international shipping
#7 cbdMD — Popular Among Athletes
cbdMD has an extensive line of product options for customers. The brand’s products include bath bombs, sprays, topicals, CBD oil tinctures, gummies, CBD oil for pets, and much more. The cbdMD team feels it’s important to be extremely transparent with customers and about how its products are created. To that end, the brand cares deeply about the loyalty and trust of its customers. cbdMD believes that everyone should have access to CBD, and therefore keeps the prices of its products as affordable and competitive as possible.
Highlights
- Hemp from the United States
- Broad-spectrum oil in many strengths and flavors
- MCT oil, terpenes, and natural flavors
- Uses CO2 extraction method
- Products are tested by an independent lab
About the CBD Oil
- Broad spectrum oil in strengths of 300mg, 750mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, 3000mg, 5000mg, and 7500mg, and in flavors like natural, berry, orange, and mint
Pros
- Large product variety
Cons
- Large product variety can be overwhelming to new consumers
#8 PlusCBD — Education-Oriented
The crew at PlusCBD works diligently to help improve the health of its customers. Since 2012, the brand has been educating customers on the healing power of hemp and on the importance of transparency. PlusCBD makes effective and affordable CBD products because the brand’s founders believe that physical and mental health are important. To that end, the brand has been on a mission to craft top-quality CBD products that support the health and wellness of its customers. PlusCBD believes in integrity, trust, high-quality customer service, and in being an industry leader that creates products that are backed by both science and nature.
Highlights
- Hemp grown from EU-certified seeds
- Full-spectrum CBD oils in lots of flavors and strengths
- Additional ingredients are clean and natural
- CO2 extraction process
- Independent third-party lab testing
About the CBD Oil
The brand’s full-spectrum CBD Drops come in Dark Chocolate Mint, Lemon Ginger, unflavored, Peppermint, and Unsweetened Original flavors and in potencies of 250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1500mg, and 3000mg.
Pros
- Solid line of full-spectrum oils
- Large array of strengths and flavors
Cons
- No information listed on where the brand sources its hemp in Europe
#9 CBDPure — Organic Offerings
CBDPure has been in the CBD industry since 2016. The brand’s mission is to craft top-notch CBD products that are regularly tested by an independent lab and that come with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. The brand makes full-spectrum oils that are potent and clean. CBDPure’s hemp is regularly tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. Currently, the brand doesn’t have any flavor options for its oils, but it still has a strong choice of oil strengths for customers.
Highlights
- Organic hemp is grown in Colorado and Washington
- Full-Spectrum CBD oils with no flavor options
- Oils contain natural ingredients, terpenes, and cannabinoids
- CO2 extraction process
- All products tested by an independent lab
About the CBD Oil
- Unflavored full-spectrum CBD oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, and 1000mg
Pros
- Offers customers a host of different CBD oil strengths to select from
Cons
- CBD oils do not come in any flavor options
#10 Premium Jane — Strong Flavor Options
Premium Jane, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, has worked for years to educate customers about the benefits of CBD. The brand has a line of unique and affordable organic products that customers love. In order to put forth some of the best CBD products in the industry, everyone at Premium Jane employs passion, experience, knowledge, science, and the best materials to carefully craft all of its products. PlusCBD hires agricultural experts and farmers to make sure that all of its hemp is clean and potent, and biologists, chemists, and marketing developers to ensure that its product line is forever growing and evolving.
Highlights
- Kentucky-grown and regulated hemp
- Full-spectrum tinctures in many strengths and flavors
- Clean additional product ingredients
- CO2 extraction process
- Every product tested by an independent lab
About the CBD Oil
Premium Jane crafts full-spectrum CBD tinctures in delicious flavors like Natural, Mint Chocolate, Lemon Lime, and Peach Nectar in potencies of 300mg, 600mg, and 1000mg strengths.
Pros
- Interesting flavor options
- Clean hemp sources
Cons
- Limited variety of CBD oil strengths
#11 Hemp Bombs — Vast Product Line
Hemp Bombs is located in Tamps, Florida, and was founded in 2016. Its mission is to craft high-quality CBD products from premium industrial hemp. The brand makes broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products that include CBD oils, capsules, topicals, and gummies. When making its products, Hemp Bombs wanted to make sure that its customer base had a wealth of products to choose from.
Highlights
- Organic hemp from European farms
- Full-spectrum CBD oils in fun flavors and potencies
- Clean additional ingredients
- CO2 extraction process
- Each product is tested by a third-party lab
About the CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum CBD oils in 300mg, 750mg, 1500mg, 3000mg, and 5000mg potencies that come in Acai Berry, Chocolate Mint, Orange Creamsicle, Peppermint, Watermelon, and Natural Hemp flavors
Pros
- Oils come in many strengths and flavors.
Cons
- The brand does not have any full-spectrum CBD options.
#12 Populum — Premium CBD Options
Populum prides itself on crafting potent and pure CBD oil in a way that’s both ethical and honest. The brand makes all of its products in the United States. Moreover, the products are affordable, potent, and are crafted using a proprietary formulation of full-spectrum hemp extracts. All of Populum’s products are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. Since exploding onto the scene in 2016, the brand’s customers have valued and appreciated the quality of its products as well as its consistency and transparency.
Highlights
- Non-GMO Colorado-grown hemp
- Full-spectrum Hemp CBD Oil in many strengths
- Clean and potent products
- Ethanol extraction process
- Tests each product three times with a third-party lab
About the CBD Oil
- Full-spectrum Hemp CBD Oil in 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, and 2000mg strengths that come in a natural orange flavor
Pros
- The brand triple tests all of its products with a third-party lab
- Offers free shipping on all orders
Cons
- Only offers its oils in a natural orange flavor
#13 Cheef Botanicals — High-Grade CBD Products
Cheef Botanical was started by health-conscious cannabis aficionados with many years of experience in the organic food industry. The brand partners with Colorado hemp farms to create high-grade CBD products. Because the group had knowledge of the consumer market, they all came to the consensus that there was a definite lack of health-conscious, plant-based cannabis products in California. In light of that, they set out to fill that void.
The brand has a unique line of organic, plant-based CBD products that contain vegan ingredients. Cheef Botanicals’ products are cruelty-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. The brand also doesn’t use any artificial flavors or colors in the making of its CBD products. Cheef Botanicals offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
Highlights
- Hemp from organic Colorado farms
- Unique line of high-grade products
- Clean products
- In-depth third-party lab reports
- Affordably priced products
About the CBD Oil
Cheef Botanicals creates tinctures that are made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Products also do not contain any additives or preservatives. The brand offers four different potencies ranging from 300mg to 3000mg. All oils are full-spectrum.
Pros
- Large product variety
- Positive verified customer reviews
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Bundle & Save and Subscribe & Save options
- Nice CBD oil flavor options
Cons
- The third-party lab does not test for contaminants
- The brand doesn’t offer an assistance program
#14 MedTerra — Sustainably Made
The brand MedTerra is the brainchild of a group of CBD-loving enthusiasts. The brand’s founders started MedTerra out of their strong belief in the cannabis plant’s healing powers. To this day, the team at MedTerra works hard to ensure that everyone has access to CBD. One of the ways MedTerra ensures transparency is to be involved in the creation process of its products from seed to sale. In fact, the brand has a team of professionals with expertise in vegetable genetics, food-grade compound extraction, best hemp farming practices, and manufacturing quality control.
Highlights
- Non-GMO Kentucky hemp
- Full-spectrum CBD oils in a variety of strengths
- Very few additional ingredients
- CO2 extraction method
- All products tested by an independent lab
About the CBD Oil
MedTerra crafts full-spectrum CBD oil Hemp Drops in Citrus and Chocolate Mint flavors in 750mg, 1500mg, 3000mg, and 6000mg potencies.
Pros
- A large variety of CBD oil strengths
- The brand offers international shipping
Cons
- Limited flavor options.
#15 Batch CBD — Unique Blends
Batch CBD pairs its organic hemp extracts with functional botanical ingredients that help its customers to feel their very best. The brand’s founders were born and raised in Wisconsin, and have a strong conviction for transparency. Interestingly, the brand also offers tours of its lab if customers call ahead and request them. Batch CBD hand-crafts its products batch by batch, and its operations are all in one location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In creating its products, the brand likes to keep ingredients to a minimum while focusing on science and function. The team’s founders grew up together in Milwaukee and began cultivating their entrepreneurial desires while they were roommates in college. They have combined degrees in chemical engineering and business.
Highlights
- Organic Wisconsin hemp
- CBD oil in an array of strengths and natural flavors
- Uses organic ingredients
- Custom ethanol extraction process
- Products third-party lab tested
About the CBD Oil
- The brand makes full-spectrum CBD oil in a unique line of blends that include Dream CBD Oil Tincture, Calm CBD Oil Tincture, Gold Reserve Blend, Original CBD Oil Tincture, and Clarity CBD Oil Tincture. The Dream CBD Oil, Clarity CBD Oil, and Calm CBD Oil tinctures come in strengths of 1000mg and 3000mg, the Gold Reserve comes in 4000mg strength, and the brand’s Original CBD Oil Tincture comes in 500mg, 1000mg, 2000mg, and 3000mg potencies.
Pros
- The brand celebrates its Wisconsin roots
- Crafts a unique line of CBD oil tinctures in natural flavors and in an array of strengths
Cons
- It’s somewhat difficult to find third-party lab reports for the brand’s products.
CBD and Pain Research: What the Science Says
There are a great many ways that people can try to calm chronic pain. These days, more people are trying CBD oil over harmful prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments. For those who are new, CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the beneficial compounds found within the hemp and marijuana plants. It will not cause you to feel “high” like THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, another main cannabinoid, will.
Full-spectrum CBD oils contain both THC and CBD. However, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, by law they are required to have 0.3% or less THC. Thankfully, only hemp-derived CBD products are legally allowed, and it just so happens that the hemp plant is bred to contain very low levels of THC. Moreover, you cannot get “high” from any full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD products.
How CBD Interacts with the Body
The combination of THC and CBD, along with other phytonutrients, terpenes, and cannabinoids is beneficial to the body because they work in conjunction with each other to create an entourage effect. During the entourage effect, the cannabinoids boost each other’s positive properties while dampening their negative ones.
CBD oil is helpful in chronic pain management because it can reduce the inflammation, pain, and discomfort that are associated with some of the health issues we’ve listed below. Scientific studies show that CBD oil can be helpful in tackling tough pain that stems from:
How CBD Helps to Combat Different Kinds of Pain
What researchers have learned is that CBD oil is an effective treatment for both pain relief as well as pain management. When CBD oil is taken into the body, the terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors — specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors — to help regulate the pain response as well as other bodily functions and body systems. While doing this, the cannabinoids in the CBD oil also help raise serotonin levels to help people feel good while the pain is being lowered. This process will ultimately allow the body to return back to a state of homeostasis, or balance.
The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate body functions and systems such as:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Reproduction
- Fertility
- Metabolism
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Learning
- Stress
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are the body’s two main endocannabinoid receptors. While the CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system. Once the endocannabinoids have carried out their mission, enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase go to work to break the endocannabinoids down. This prevents the endocannabinoids from going above and beyond what they’re needed to do so that they won’t cause different unwanted issues to arise.
Different Types of Pain
There are two different types of pain: chronic pain and acute pain. Chronic pain is long-lasting pain that stays around long after the initial injury has taken place. Acute pain can linger for a little bit, but it tends to ease up over time. Acute pain is sometimes easier to deal with than chronic pain. Typically, chronic pain can last for up to 12 weeks or more. People who live with chronic pain sometimes say it can feel dull, sharp, burning, crampy, or achy across many areas of the body.
Some common examples of chronic pain are:
- Arthritis
- Trauma pain
- Surgery pain
- Low back pain
- Psychological pain
- Headaches
- Nerve pain
According to the U.S. Pain Foundation, 50 million Americans live with daily chronic pain. While there are no accurate tests that can measure chronic pain, clinicians can still rely on patient reporting to help determine the overall severity of the pain and where it’s coming from. Moreover, tests like bloodwork, nerve conduction tests, genetic testing, mobility and strength assessments, and others can also help doctors to diagnose pain and find the best method of treatment.
Various health issues can also cause chronic pain. Some of these conditions can include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Chronic bladder issues
Chronic pain does not discriminate about age. It can happen to anyone. Doctors are finding, however, that it’s much more common in older adults. People can also develop chronic pain if they’ve had surgery, are obese or overweight, or have been injured. Chronic pain is typically treated with physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, psychotherapy, yoga, nerve blocks, surgery, over-the-counter pain relievers, NSAIDs, prescription painkillers, and other methods.
CBD Oil for Chronic Back and Nerve Pain
CBD oil works on back and nerve pain in that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The receptors receive the signals from different stimuli — like endocannabinoids and cannabinoids — to help the cells respond. When the cells respond, it generates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that help the body to properly manage pain.
CBD Oil for Arthritis Pain
A 2016 study looked at arthritis in rats and found that CBD oil decreased both inflammation and pain levels in affected joint areas. The researchers did not see any obvious side effects in the rats from the CBD. The scientists concluded that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects could help people with arthritis. Further human studies, however, need to be performed.
CBD Oil and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Pain
Scientists studied the effects of CBD on MS and discovered that it helps to both reduce pain and spasticity along with symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and urinary issues. Most of the studies, however, used the prescription medication Sativex, which is an oral spray containing a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC that is currently unavailable in the United States due to it not being approved by the Federal Drug Administration.
CBD Oil in Sports: Injuries and Muscle Endurance
According to a recent study, CBD has been shown to have a number of psychological, biochemical, and psychological effects that can benefit athletes. Researchers found evidence to support that CBD’s anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and anti-anxiety actions may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with inflammation, and also promote healing in skeletal injuries. Even though the research is limited, CBD does show promise in treating many conditions linked to athletic performance like inflammation, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
CBD Oil or CBD Cream: Which Should You Use for Pain?
The answer to this question is fairly simple. CBD cream works great for muscle and joint pain in specific, targeted areas, while CBD oils are better for systemic or whole-body issues. For example, if you’ve been having joint or muscle pain, then massaging CBD cream on the area is a fast way to get immediate and lasting relief, as the effects of the CBD cream can be felt for up to six hours. CBD cream works well to help reduce inflammation and calm headaches, cramping, migraines, and other issues. The cream allows the CBD to go straight into the muscle or joint through the skin, which is the largest organ in the body. Keep in mind that the CBD in a topical cream will not enter your bloodstream like CBD oil will.
As we just stated, CBD oil is great for systemic issues related to pain like inflammation, anxiety, soreness, insomnia, depression, and others. When CBD oil is held under the tongue for about 60-seconds, it enters the bloodstream where it can then go to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help bring the body back into balance. Typically, it can take anywhere between 15-30 minutes to feel the effects of CBD oil, and those effects can last for up to six hours. Since everyone’s body is different, these times will vary from person to person. If you’re looking to get the most benefits out of CBD, then using a combination of CBD oil and CBD cream can be the best way to tackle tough chronic or acute pain.
CBD Dosage: How Much CBD to Take for Pain?
Those who are new to using CBD commonly ask this question. The answer is that there simply isn’t one set dose of CBD oil that works best for everyone. Since everybody is different, a dose that works best for one person might not work that great for someone else. It’s best to begin any CBD oil regimen by starting at the lowest dose and then gradually increasing over time. Additionally, while some people think that higher doses are best against pain, the fact of the matter is that mid-range doses work best over higher and lower doses.
How To Use CBD Oil for Pain
When using CBD oil for pain or any other reason, it’s best to start by taking the oil once a day and then gradually increasing it to twice a day. For example, if you’ve purchased a 600mg bottle of FAB CBD’s full-spectrum CBD oil, begin by taking half a dropper full once a day. This will roughly equal 5mg of CBD a day. Stay with this dose for about one week before checking in with yourself to see how your body is feeling. It might also be a good idea to keep a pain journal at this time. This way, you can document how your body is feeling, your pain levels, improvements, sleep issues, and anything else you think is important to keep track of while you’re finding your best dose.
If you feel like you want to increase your dose after one week, then go up to half a dropper full of CBD oil twice a day. This will come to 5mg of CBD twice a day, or 10mg of CBD a day. Stay with this dose for an additional 7-10 days before checking in with your body again. If you still need to increase your dose, simply follow this pattern until you’ve found the right dose for your body and your health and wellness needs. Keep in mind that you can also shift to a higher oil strength or even to a different oil type over time. So, if you aren’t achieving your desired results with your 600mg bottle of FAB CBD oil, then you can go up to a 1200mg bottle of FAB CBD full-spectrum oil. You can even try FAB CBD’s newest CBD+CBG Oil for an entirely new way of calming tough pain.
What You Should Know When Purchasing CBD Oil for Pain
Since CBD oil’s rise in popularity, there has been a wave of new brands on the market. And while it may seem great to have a ton of brands to choose from, you should remember that all brands are not created equal.
When you make the decision to purchase CBD oil for pain, you need to always keep in mind:
- Where the brand sources its hemp: Be aware that hemp coming from Europe or Asia is not held to the same regulations as hemp that’s grown in the United States.
- The amount of THC in full-spectrum products: Because of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products are legal throughout the United States. All of these products, however, must contain 0.3% or less THC. Unlike marijuana, hemp is bred to naturally contain this level of THC.
- Know the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate: Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products have the most benefits because they contain all or most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients in the hemp plant. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils also work better with the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD, which means that it is THC-free.
- Product ingredients: Sometimes, less reputable brands will cut corners and include unhealthy and unnatural additives, preservatives, colorings, flavors, and other chemicals in their CBD oils. Always purchase CBD oil from brands that use all-natural ingredients, and whose hemp extracts are free from herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals.
- If the brand uses an independent lab to test its products: All reputable brands will use a third-party lab to routinely test their products for purity and potency. These reports should also be published on the brand’s website where customers can easily find them. When brands use a third-party lab, they’re telling their customers that transparency is important to them.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work for Pain?
Since everyone’s body is different, there won’t be a quick and easy answer to this question. Typically, the effects of CBD oil can be felt in the body from anywhere between 15-30 minutes, and these effects can last for up to six hours. Having said that, consistency and patience are key to a successful CBD regimen for chronic and acute pain. CBD oil should be taken with a little bit of food in the stomach and at the same time(s) each and every day. This way, the levels of CBD in your body can remain steady over time.
Furthermore, it may take some people a little bit of time before they’re able to feel the full effects of CBD oil. Therefore, patience is imperative. It might take the CBD oil at least a month or two to build up in your body before you feel any lasting effects on your pain.
Other Benefits of CBD Oil
A host of studies prove that CBD oil is effective at quelling many tough health issues like:
CBD oil works great on issues like pain, insomnia, and anxiety because it positively interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. In doing this, the cannabinoids in the CBD oil help to regulate pain while increasing serotonin levels in the body. Even though it’s great to have low levels of pain, it’s also important to have proper levels of serotonin because this hormone is responsible for producing that “feel good” feeling. So not only can CBD oil help reduce pain, but it can also boost your mood.
What are the Potential Side Effects?
Some of the common side effects of CBD oil include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
When compared with prescription medication, researchers found that CBD had fewer and more mild side effects overall. Some other minor side effects that have been reported are drowsiness, mood changes, and low blood pressure. Many prescription painkillers can cause a host of dangerous side effects and can also be highly addictive. This is one of the top reasons why people with chronic pain are looking toward CBD as a natural and safe alternative to prescription pain medication.
Additionally, anyone on prescription medications containing a “Grapefruit Warning” should be mindful of starting a new CBD oil regimen. Prescription medications with a grapefruit warning interact with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and some other citrus fruits in such a way that they disrupt how the liver metabolizes medications. This causes too much medication to enter the body, which can lead to dangerous outcomes such as increased side effects or, in extreme cases, drug overdose. CBD oil acts in very much the same way as these medications. Therefore, if you’re on prescription medications, it’s best that you consult with your primary care doctor or prescribing physician before starting a CBD regimen.
FAQs: CBD Oil For Pain
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is made when all of the cannabis plant’s terpenes, cannabinoids, and phytonutrients are extracted from it and blended into a carrier oil. CBD oil can come in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate varieties, and in many different strengths and flavors.
Is CBD Legal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-based CBD oil is legal throughout the United States, providing it contains 0.3% or less THC. Each state, however, may have its own laws in effect regarding CBD, and medicinal and/or recreational marijuana.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the stems, flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant. Both the hemp and marijuana plant are varieties of the cannabis plant. While the hemp plant naturally contains low levels of THC, the marijuana plant is best known for its elevated levels of the popular cannabinoid that causes a euphoric “high” sensation when taken in large amounts.
What’s the Difference Between CBD Oil Products and Tinctures?
CBD oil products are made when CBD extract containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients are blended with an MCT oil such as coconut oil. CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extract. CBD that’s blended into alcohol-based liquids can contain around 60 to 70 percent alcohol and have a longer shelf life. The drawback to tinctures is that they can have an extremely bitter taste. Therefore, they’re often mixed with sweeteners, flavoring, or vegetable glycerine to help mask it. Typically, oils are more common than tinctures.
How Safe is CBD Oil?
Thanks to CBD oil’s rise in popularity, scientists have been able to perform a great number of meaningful studies on the hemp and marijuana plants’ cannabinoids. In these studies, they looked deeply at the safety and efficacy of CBD oil. In fact, a 2017 study on the safety and side effects of CBD found that not only is CBD safe, but it also contains very few relatively mild side effects.
Is CBD Oil Right for Me?
Only you can make that decision for yourself. In trying to figure out the answer to this question, you should take the time to do your own research into different brands and products. You can also read various scientific studies that have been published on the benefits of CBD oil for certain health conditions. If you are still unsure of whether CBD oil is right for you, then you can always consult with your primary care doctor or medical specialist.
What Types of CBD Oil are Available?
There are three main varieties of CBD oil: Full-spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils contain all of the terpenes, cannabinoids, and phytonutrients in the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum oils, however, do not contain any THC, as it’s filtered out of the final product. All hemp-based full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils made by trusted brands contain 0.3% or less THC. CBD isolate oils contain 99% pure CBD as the rest of the hemp plant’s components have been filtered out using a special process.
Full-Spectrum or Broad Spectrum: Which is Better for Pain?
If you want to get the most benefits from CBD, then you should go with a full-spectrum option. If, however, you have concerns about THC, then a broad spectrum option is the next best thing. Both varieties contain all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the hemp plant. As we stated before, in broad-spectrum oils, all of the THC has been removed.
Where can I Buy CBD Oil for Pain?
These days, you can buy CBD oil from just about anywhere. While it’s great to be able to travel to the nearest brick and mortar store, you’ll have more success buying CBD oil from an online retailer. Not only will buying CBD oil online from a reputable brand allow you the time you need to research brands and products, but it’ll also give you the time you need to make sure all of your questions are thoroughly answered through your research. You may not be able to do this while shopping for CBD at a physical location.
What Strength CBD Should I Use for Pain?
Typically, lower potencies like 300mg or 600mg are great for maintaining general health and wellness. However, if you have a tough health issue or are dealing with pain, then you’ll want to go with higher strengths like 1200mg or 2400mg. Additionally, you may need to adjust your dose and/or your oil strength over time.
Should CBD Oil Go Under the Tongue?
Yes. In order for your body to best absorb all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients in the CBD oil, holding it under your tongue for around 60-seconds will allow them to enter your bloodstream faster.
What is the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?
Depending on how it is stored, CBD oil can last anywhere from 14 months to two years. When the CBD oil is placed in direct sunlight and excessive heat then it can cause the oil to lose its potency or go bad before its expiration date.
Can I Take CBD With My Other Medications?
If you are on prescription medications or different types of supplements, then you’ll want to double-check with your pharmacist, primary care doctor, or prescribing physician before adding CBD into the mix. In some cases, CBD can negatively interact with certain prescription drugs and cause them to not be metabolized efficiently by the body. Before starting a CBD regimen, always consult with your doctor if you are on prescription medications.
Can I Pass a Drug Test After Consuming CBD Oil?
If you are subjected to regular drug testing, then it’s advised that you consume either broad-spectrum or CBD isolate oils. Even though full-spectrum oils are preferred because of all of the benefits associated with them, there is a chance that the small amount of THC (0.3% or less) in them will cause you to have a false positive on a drug test. If you want a CBD oil with the many of the same benefits as a full-spectrum oil, then you should opt for broad-spectrum varieties. Broad-spectrum oils are very much the same as full-spectrum oils except all of the THC has been filtered out of them.
Is CBD Oil the Same as Hemp Oil?
CBD oil is different from hemp seed oil. CBD oil is what you get when you extract the terpenes, cannabinoids, and phytonutrients from the cannabis plant and then blend them into a carrier oil such as MCT oil. Hemp seed oil is made from hemp seeds. It has a high nutritional value and contains Vitamin C, calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and much more. Hemp seed oil can be used in skincare products, and can also be used in cooking, in salad dressings, or taken straight. Hemp seed oil does not interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system as CBD oil does.
Can CBD Oil Cause Insomnia?
While it’s unlikely that CBD oil will cause insomnia, there are some instances where it can be used to help people stay awake. People mostly turn to CBD oil to help with sleep and insomnia issues because of its sedative properties. However, there are others who use CBD oil to help them stay awake. People who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness disorders have a hard time staying awake during the day. Studies show that CBD can help function as a wake-inducing natural alternative treatment. A 2017 study found that lower doses of CBD can be stimulating, while higher doses may be sedating. Lastly, further research shows that higher doses of CBD can help to increase sleep duration, while doses below 15mg can have stimulating effects that help keep people awake.
Our Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Pain
Chronic pain can take all of the enjoyment out of life. While many traditional treatment methods are available to help alleviate chronic pain, more chronic pain sufferers are looking at CBD oil as a safe and natural alternative treatment. Not only does CBD oil have just a few mild side effects, but it’s also non-addictive and one of the safest pain treatment options around. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils also contain a wealth of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients that work with the body’s own endocannabinoid system to bring bodily functions and systems back into a state of balance.
There are a great number of conditions that can be treated by using CBD oil. Some of these include nerve inflammation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and many others. Because of CBD’s documented health benefits, more chronic pain sufferers are now finding both hope and relief for their tough health issues. In fact, because CBD oil is so safe, an increasing number of people are taking CBD oil as part of their daily natural supplement regimen.
Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic pain, anyone can enjoy CBD’s many benefits. In our guide, we went to great lengths to find our readers some of the top brands that make the best CBD oils for pain. A host of verified customer reviews, articles from CBD journalists and industry experts, and other reasons we’ve presented above are why we’ve selected FAB CBD as our top brand for CBD oil for pain. Not surprisingly, Joy Organics (another strong contender), made it to the number two spot in our deeply researched list of CBD oil brands.
Even though it’s easy to find CBD oil brands online these days, it’s still important to take the time and do your own research before purchasing any CBD oils for pain. Some strong bullet points to focus on in your research are hemp sources, third-party lab testing, brand transparency, and product quality, among others. It’s also important to make sure that the brand’s CBD oil contains 0.3% or less THC, as any oils containing over that amount are both illegal and are most likely not derived from hemp. If you’ve been frustrated or confused as to where to begin your search for the best CBD oils for pain, then our simple guide is the perfect place to start.
Lastly, you should consult with your primary care doctor or prescribing physician before adding anything new to your daily holistic supplement regimen. He or she will be able to answer any questions or concerns you might have, as well as help you decide if CBD oil is the safest option for you. If you do decide that CBD oil is the best fit for your wellness needs, then choosing an oil from our top brands is a fantastic place to start.
