CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a potential pharmaceutical agent for treating pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Our understanding of the role of CBD in managing pain is still evolving, and evidence from animal studies has demonstrated that CBD can exert its analgesic effects through its interactions and modulation of the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain detection) systems. The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that interact with our own natural cannabinoids, and it is involved in regulating many body functions such as metabolism, appetite, mood, anxiety, and pain perception. Although many studies have suggested that CBD oil may be beneficial for pain relief, more research is needed, particularly long-term studies with human subjects.
In this article, we will discuss what science has to say about the risks and benefits of using CBD for arthritis and what to consider when buying CBD products. We will also provide an overview of the pharmacodynamics and analgesic effects of CBD to give readers a better understanding of how it works and what future research perspectives may be. In a study involving a complete monoarthritic knee joint model induced by Freund's adjuvants in rats, transdermal CBD gel applied for four days reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores, synovial membrane thickening, and animal pain in a dose-dependent manner. For best results, CBD should be taken in pill or capsule form for slow, prolonged release or as an oral tincture (infused oil containing CBD) for a faster onset of effect.
CBD oil is especially promising due to its lack of intoxicating effects and its potential for fewer side effects than many other pain relievers. However, it is important to note that every person is unique and what works perfectly for one patient may not have any effect on another patient. The recent changes in the legality of cannabis coupled with the increased demand for something new and the push for unprecedented profit margins have led to an explosion in the advertising of cannabinoids in general and CBD in particular. A study looking at the effects of Δ9-THC compared to CBD on pain relief found ambiguous results in the serum levels of inflammation-related factors.
This suggests that Δ9-THC may be more effective than CBD in reducing pain. It is important to note that CBD itself does not produce the typical behavioral cannabimimetic effects and is not thought to be responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis. Currently available studies are based on in vitro and rodent models but suggest molecular pathways that can be used to improve clinical use of CBD or offer alternative approaches to increase efficacy. They noted that cannabinoids such as CBD could offer useful new treatments for people with chronic pain.
For example, CBD can increase levels of anandamide in the body, a compound associated with pain regulation which can reduce pain perception and improve mood. Additionally, CBD has shown similar results in the treatment of Dravet syndrome, a drug-resistant epilepsy that begins during the first year of life. In conclusion, more tests are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of CBD and to determine safe and effective doses for pain relief. This article provides readers with current knowledge about the action of CBD and future research perspectives.