CBD
for Pain

Can CBD help with pain?

How CBD may help with pain

One of the most common reasons people use CBD is that they are looking for a sustainable option for pain management. Testimonials and medical studies shine a positive light on CBD as a useful supplement for people managing pain symptoms. It acts very differently from common pain killers - CBD influences the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors involved in the regulation of pain, inflammation and mood. Studies show that CBD works indirectly with these receptors, helping to reduce inflammatory responses and alter how pain signals are processed.

Two recent medical studies help to shed light on why CBD has become popular with pain sufferers:

What the science says about CBD for pain

Topical CBD May Help Relieve Arthritis Pain And Improve Joint Function

A 2022 randomised controlled trial published in Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online evaluated adults with thumb basal joint arthritis who used a topical CBD formulation twice daily for two weeks. Results included:

  • Significant reductions in pain scores compared with placebo.
  • Improved hand function and grip-related measures.
  • No adverse effects reported during the treatment period.

Read the full study on PubMed: Topical cannabidiol for thumb basal joint arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

A 2024 systematic review suggests CBD may support chronic pain management

A 2024 systematic review published in Pharmaceuticals examined forty studies evaluating CBD's effects on pain and inflammation. The review found that:

  • CBD offered analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits across multiple pain models.
  • Mechanisms behind CBD's pain-reducing effects may involve TRPV-1, serotonin, and CB1 pathways.
  • Strong potential was noted for managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.
  • Most studies found CBD to be well tolerated.

Read the full study in Pharmaceuticals: Cannabidiol for pain management: a systematic review.

Key takeaways from CBD pain RESEARCH

1

CBD may provide relief from discomfort and improve quality of life for people experiencing arthritis and chronic pain.

2

CBD works through several biological pathways, including the endocannabinoid system, providing an alternative route to traditional pain medications.

3

Clinical trials consistently report good tolerability and minimal side effects.

Recommended CBD products for Pain

FAQs

How does CBD help with pain?

Unlike mainstream painkillers, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, potentially reducing inflammation and how we process pain.

What types of pain can CBD be used for?

Medical studies and customer testimonials often say that CBD may be helpful for arthritis and chronic pain.

What dosage of CBD works for pain?

Dosage appears to vary by individual and product type. In the medical study above, 6.2mg of CBD cream was applied twice a day to treat a localised part of the body. Many users start with a low dose and increase gradually.

How quickly does CBD start working?

  • Vaping: 5–15 min
  • Oils: 20–40 min
  • Topicals: 30–60 min
  • Capsules/edibles: 1–2 hours

Is CBD safe to use daily?

Many medical studies have found that CBD has no side effects; it appears to be generally well-tolerated.

Can I use CBD with other pain medications?

Even though side effects seem rare, there are possible interactions that exist between CBD and some medicines. It is important to consult your doctor if you are on any prescription medications, especially those that are processed by the liver.

What’s better for pain — oil, capsules, topicals, or vapes?

This depends on your needs. Topical CBD, such as a CBD cream, is better for those looking to target a specific part of the body, CBD oils/capsules are better for whole-body, and CBD vapes for fast effects.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

As long as the CBD product is made using CBD isolate, it won’t show up on a drug test as all the THC has been removed. Full spectrum CBD products still contain trace levels of THC, and may show up on drugs tests.

Are there any side effects?

Most studies show that CBD has no side effects, although some users report dry mouth or drowsiness from higher doses.

Is there scientific research proving CBD can help with pain?

Several reputable studies have found success in treating pain with CBD, however more large-scale trials are needed.