Consider CBD oil as a safe and effective alternative to opiates for natural pain relief.
Hemp-derived products like CBD oil were legalized under the 2024 Farm Bill. However, you are unlikely to be prescribed CBD by a doctor. Many doctors remain opposed to cannabis-derived medicine, despite scientific research which shows that CBD has powerful pain relieving properties, especially for sports injuries.
While there is certainly a place for opioids and other medically prescribed painkillers, you should be hesitant to take these before you consider alternatives.
CBD OIL: NON-ADDICTIVE, NATURAL PAIN RELIEF
In America, dozens of people die everyday from opioid overdose. This is an epidemic that we have so far failed to address. Millions of patients are entering hospitals in search of a solution to their pain, with no history of addiction. They are leaving with an addiction which can ruin or even end their lives.
Fortunately, those seeking treatment of painful sports-related injuries or conditions which cause chronic pain have an alternative. ‘Addiction’ is a loaded term and not always clearly defined. However, scientific studies suggest that those who take CBD as a pain reliever are less likely to become dependent. There is also some evidence that CBD alters the addictive pathways in the brain, potentially helping those with opioid dependency to overcome their addiction.
CBD IS NATURAL PAIN RELIEF WITH FEW SIDE EFFECTS
Opioids work by preventing the release of a chemical known as GABA, which controls the dopamine supply to the brain. Without GABA, a huge hit of dopamine is delivered, creating a high for the patient. CBD, when consumed without THC, provides no such rush. It simply removes the pain.
As a result, even if there were negative effects, people would stop using it. However, most people don’t experience any side effects from CBD at all and most people who take it report feeling fine. Opioids, conversely, can cause vomiting and nausea in the short-term. In the long-term, such painkillers increase the risk of heart attacks and are potentially deadly in an overdose.
HOW DOES CBD PROVIDE PAIN RELIEF?
One of the main ways CBD can help with chronic pain is due to its anti-inflammation properties. This reduces the swelling of cells, preventing much of the pain that would normally occur.
The brain also contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which contains some of the neural pathways that signal pain to the brain. CBD interacts with the ESC in order to decrease the body’s pain signals. Other painkillers likely do not affect the ECS in the same way, which may help explain why there are some types of pain that appear untreatable.
Science is in its early days when it comes to research on CBD on the brain, just as all neuroscience is in its infancy. However, there is clear evidence that CBD does have a pain relieving effect.
CBD may not work for everyone or for all conditions and there is a place for traditional pain medication.
However, research suggests that CBD can often effective with none of the side effects or addictive properties. If you are suffering from chronic pain, start with CBD and see what it can do for you.
DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS
The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.