CBD for Chronic Pain – The Potential

We are often asked about whether CBD can help chronic pain, and the answer we give is always the same, we simply don’t know yet. 

The research is still being carried out by clever scientists around the world, but it still has a way to go. 

Instead of focusing an article on the fact that we don’t know the answer to that question, however, we thought that, today, maybe we could discuss the potential reasons why CBD could help. 

Basically, the science is happening for a reason, there is no proof, and it is not guaranteed, not yet at least, but there is enough interest for the research to be carried out, and that’s what we’re here to discuss. 

The Endocannabinoid System

We’ve discussed the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors at length before, so we won’t fill up a whole article with it here, but it needs a mention. 

The fact that instead of binding with the receptors in the endocannabinoid receptors (as THC does), CBD regulates and potentially enhances them, this presents the first possible way in which CBD could help chronic pain. 

The endocannabinoid system aids in pain management in the body, partly through the binding of naturally occurring cannabinoids to receptors. If CBD can expand the number of cannabinoids in the body that can bind to these receptors, there is a chance that it could have a positive impact on the way the body handles pain. 

Terpenes and Folk Medicine 

Terpenes are the big new talking point in both the CBD and the cannabis world. In terms of cannabidiol, this conversation has occurred mainly as a result of the shift in general attention from CBD isolate to broad-spectrum CBD. 

Broad-spectrum CBD is the crunchy peanut butter of the CBD world or the marmalade with bits in. Basically, it means naturally occurring content such as essential oils and trace amounts of THC are left in when the CBD is harvested and treated. Also contained in broad-spectrum CBD are terpenes. 

Terpenes occur in loads of things, fruit, herbs, wood, and more. While the green world that we spend our time in is new to the terpene conversation for the most part, the world of traditional herbal medicines has been onto the terpene thing for generations. 

The likes of limonene and linalool have been used for centuries in folk medicine due to the belief they have anti-stress properties, and when it comes to the relief f pain and inflammation, limonene again gets a mention, alongside myrcene, and less frequently humulene and caryophyllene. 

The terpene profile of CBD changes depending on the strain you are dealing with, but certain terpenes in certain strains, according to traditional medicine, could potentially help with pain. 

Obviously, folk medicine as a concept has its believers and its doubters, we personally choose to stand somewhere in the middle. 

This isn’t definitive proof, but that’s not the point of this article. 

Is the Potential Worth Getting Excited About? 

That is pretty much up to you. The point of this article is not to say whether or not CBD will help with chronic pain, merely to discuss the potential reasons why it may, if science were to prove it does. 

We are always very careful to not state any benefits of CBD as fact unless they are proven (more on that here) but we thought the subject matter was interesting enough to warrant a conversation. 

As you know, we keep our ear close to the ground here at P&H HQ, and whenever there are updates in the scientific research that is being carried about, you’ll know as soon as we do. But until then, we feel like these discussions should happen, simply because we find them interesting, and we hope you do too. 

What are your thoughts on the potential of CBD for chronic pain? Do you want to see more articles like this one on our pages? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer:

The products we sell do not have proven health benefits. While research is being carried out, these products are not, and should not, be considered to be medical products. 

Any information we give in these articles is taken from scientific research, but should not be considered as a statement of fact. Links and information included in these articles do not reflect the opinion of Plant & Hemp. Any link to scientific studies is for information only, and not intended as a proof of any specific fact, or to validate any specific opinion. 

We are simply bringing you the information needed to make an informed decision on what you want to use CBD for, and what you are comfortable using our products for. 

CBD products should not be used as a replacement for any prescribed medication.