Many people suffer various body pains, often called chronic pains due to a myriad of possible causes. Due to its prevalence, more treatments have been offered to aid such discomfort. Oftentimes, when you find yourself looking for treatments to relieve the pain, you would be prescribed with over-the-counter or OTC medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, and naproxen. All of which can have adverse effects depending on how your body reacts to such medications.
The fear brought by these synthetic medicines has opened people to consider alternative medicines like the use of Cannabis plant oil or CBD oils in treating chronic pain. Apparently, more people now have found refuge in CBD oils because of its usual fast-acting effect, not to mention that it is made of all-natural ingredients coming from a hemp plant already known for its vast range of health benefits.
Editor's Choice
- Wide array of product selection
- High-quality CBD at reasonable prices
- Organically full spectrum hemp
- Best CBD oil for pain relief
According to Health Canal, using CBD hemp oil being on the rise as a treatment for pain, more people are also now intrigued about its extent of effectiveness; and if there is any, its side effects especially when used frequently. In this article, we will cover the nitty-gritty pieces of information surrounding CBD use as well as the best CBD oil for pain.
Top 10 Best CBD Oil For Pain Reviews
- Penguin CBD – Editor's Choice
- Take Spruce - Most Potent
- Joy Organics - Most transparent
- CBD Pure - Most promising guarantee
- CBDfx - Top Choice
- Charlotte's Web - Best quality control
- CBDistillery - Best Customer Feature
- Royal CBD - Most sustainable
- Nuleaf Naturals - Most Natural
- American Shaman - Most charitable
Now, without further ado, let's get down to our list of the best CBD oils for pain management.
10 Best CBD Oil For Pain Relief 2020
1. Penguin CBD
Pros
- THC-free
- Zero preservatives
- Interesting flavors
Cons
- No oils with THC
What else can you ask for? Penguin CBD produces nothing but organic hemp from the US. Plus, their products are lab tested by an independent laboratory to ensure purity, safety, and potency. They also offer free shipping on all orders within the US. As a customer, you can also return your purchased product within 30 days if your desired results have not been met.
When it comes to their oils, there are sufficient variety of flavors and strength levels. You can choose from 250 milligrams, 600 milligrams, and 1,000 milligrams. Their flavors are also interesting. If you are someone who prefers natural flavors, then they have the old school natural oil flavor. If you don't prefer such, then you choose other flavors like citrus, strawberry, cookies & cream, and mint.
2. Take Spruce
Pros
- Organic and natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors
- Offers extra-strength products
Cons
- Products taste bitter
The hemp plants the company sources are from the farms of Kentucky and Colorado known for sustainable farming practices. In addition, Take Spruce also admits to producing only 100% natural, organic, vegan, and gluten-free CBD products. In fact, its most potent CBD oil has a bitter taste and the company doesn't bother covering its real taste because it believes that in CBD, the bitter oil is the real effective oil.
Unfortunately, they don't have many product options to choose from since they have only lab-grade oil, tincture, and topical cream.
3. Joy Organics
Pros
- Third-party lab tested
- THC-free
- Gluten-free
- Full spectrum CBD
Cons
- Expensive prices
Aside from being gluten-free and THC-free, the CBD products in Joy Organics are organic and free from any harsh chemicals. The company remains to be transparent, especially that one of its prides is being a family business run by almost everyone in the family circle. Along with such an image is also their consistent label of being a Farm bill compliant.
More so, the company makes sure that their products have high bioavailability by incorporating nanotechnology in their unique product approach. The CBD products they sell are oil tinctures, salves, energy drinks, softgels, gummies, and pet products.
4. CBD Pure
Pros
- CO2 extraction method
- Organic and non-GMO
- Third-party lab tested
Cons
- Limited product range
Like other CBD companies, CBD Pure's products are also free from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers making them truly organic. When it comes to quality, they are also top-notch despite being a smaller company compared to other CBD companies. They incorporate the use of CO2 extraction method while making sure that the extracts are cold pressed and unrefined, thus the company's been called CBD Pure.
The products they sell revolve around CBD tinctures, CBD softgels and capsules, CBD drops for pets, and CBD topical creams.
5. CBDfx
Pros
- Wide array of product selection
- High-quality CBD at reasonable prices
- Organically grown hemp
- Full spectrum CBD
Cons
- No vape juice with THC
What you will love about CBDfx is the fact that they also lowered their prices to ensure that everyone gets access to their premium products. Of course, their products are also tested by an independent laboratory to ensure their potency and usage safety. Not only that, their products are also solvent-free. The company is always making sure that each of their products is free from heavy metals and other contaminants dangerous to humans.
6. Charlotte's Web
Pros
- Top-quality
- High potency
- US hemp certified
- Full spectrum CBD
Cons
- Lesser product options
The CBD products you can find in Charlotte's Web are oils, gummies, capsules, topical creams, and pet products.
Apparently, their oils have different concentrations that also influence the names of their oil products. Highest concentration of their CBD oils is at 60 milligrams. Nevertheless, all their product categories come in different flavors albeit not as many compared to what other CBD companies have. Of course, it's also noteworthy that aside from these full-spectrum CBD products they offer, Charlotte's Web also sells CBD Isolates.
7. CBDistillery
Pros
- CO2 extraction process
- Wide range of products
- Third-party lab tested
Cons
- Expensive prices
As part of the most established CBD companies in the CBD industry these days, CBDistillery offers only full-spectrum CBD products that contain all active hemp-derived compounds making sure that each product you take has high potency. Some of the products they sell are oils, softgels, gummies, topical creams, and powders.
Even better, they also offer loyalty programs wherein everytime you purchase a CBD product, you will earn a certain number of points that you can eventually use to redeem exclusive discounts.
8. Royal CBD
Pros
- Third-party lab tested
- Certified Non-GMO hemp
- CO2 extraction
Cons
- Expensive prices
The Royal CBD oils are topnotch in a sense that they were manufactured ethically and mindfully. The oils are available in four different flavors. You can go for the natural flavor if you're used to the earthy taste of CBD. Otherwise, you can try their other flavors like berry, mint, and vanilla. The strengths are also available in 250 milligrams, 500 milligrams, 1,000 milligrams, and 2,500 milligrams. Since the CBD oils are also full-spectrum, then you can surely anticipate the entourage effect.
More so, their customer service is exceptional. They can entertain your questions accordingly and they have a very helpful blog and FAQ section that would clear out confusions right away. Lastly, they offer a 30-day guarantee, which is truly a wonderful feature for those who need to make sure that they are really getting what they are paying for.
9. Nuleaf Naturals
Pros
- No harsh chemicals
- Uses USDA-certified organic hemp seed oil
- Free shipping
Cons
- Expensive prices
Nuleaf Naturals offer only full-spectrum CBD products to ensure that every customer gets the most potent CBD concentration possible. Because they are also highly strict in making sure that their organic label remains consistent, the company also uses only USDA-organic certified hemp seed oil as carrier or base.
The products they sell are limited only to full-spectrum hemp CBD oil, capsules, and pet oils, a downside we must mention since more users now like companies that have a generous number of product choices. Nonetheless, you will still appreciate how well-thought-of Nuleaf Naturals products are, not to mention that they use only light defense glass for their containers.
10. American Shaman
Pros
- Different levels of potency per product
- Charitable causes
- Innovative methods
Cons
- Delayed customer service responses
You will be pleased to know that American Shaman offers various product lines like relief products, wellness products, beauty products, and pet products.
Furthermore, the company is guided by five tenets, namely quality, safety, mission, charity, and innovation. All of which are evident on how the company works. With their progressive culture, you will surely find meaning to your every purchase knowing that your money doesn't merely go to profit but also for charity-involved endeavors that American Shaman is known for.
What Types of Pain Can CBD Help?
Specifying which types of pain CBD oil can help with requires further and thorough research. However, the existing studies coupled with real user testimonies have shown common types of pain that CBD oil can aid. CBD is also an oil for pain. Check out below what these are.
Chronic Pain
It is a kind of chronic pain that can last for more than six months. It can even last for several years and the level of pain can range from being mild to severe at any given times. It is also a common type of chronic pain that has affected an estimated 50 million of people throughout the US.
If you are unable to manage your chronic pain, it can disparage the quality of your life due to the continuing discomfort it provides. Some examples of chronic pain are arthritis pain, low-back pain, fibromyalgia pain, nerve damage pain, and frequent headaches.
It's also quite appalling that experiencing chronic pain can come with symptoms like being out of energy, having tense muscles, and being limited in movements.
Neuropathic Pain
A dysfunction or damage of your nervous system can result in neuropathic pain as the dysfunction misfires pain signals. This is the kind of pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere and not simply a response to a particular injury. In fact, you may also feel such pain even from things that do not really cause pain like clothing against your skin or cold surfaces.
Examples of neuropathic pain are electric shocks, tingling, numbness, shooting, stabbing, freezing, and burning. A neuropathic pain is also considered to be among the pains CBD oil can deal with since it is related to inflammatory pains.
Overall, a simple abdominal cramps and muscle aches can potentially be resolved by the use of CBD oils. There are potential side effects, however, which we would touch on a bit later.
How to Use CBD Oil for Pain?
CBD oil can come in many product forms and below, we cover how these forms should be used so you can get the most out of your CBD experience. Take note as well that the form of CBD you are going to use has an impact on how it will be processed inside your body.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures contain the CBD oil mixed with alcohol, peppermint/cinnamon, and glycerin. Basically, a CBD tincture is the alcohol-form of CBD oil since it is also suspended under 60 to 70% of alcohol. Unlike the CBD oil, it does not have a carrier oil and it has a lower potency of CBD yet has higher bioavailability because of the alcohol content.
You can simply put the tincture under your tongue and hold it for a minute as the CBD oil gradually goes down and is being absorbed by the bloodstream. Primarily, it's an oral process called sublingual technique. You need just a few drops beneath your tongue then wait for around 10 to 15 seconds before swallowing it. It's also fast-acting so CBD oil users rave about CBD tinctures as a quick and awesome companion in times of relaxation and fun.
CBD Oil
CBD oils are basically the general term for the CBD oil used for these various forms of CBD oil products; and sometimes, the term is interchanged with CBD tinctures although these two are really different.
CBD oils, on the other hand, are constituted with a carrier oil or base oil, such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, and vegetable glycerin base. These carrier oils or base oils have to be used to dilute the CBD oils for fast absorption.
If you need a higher potency of CBD oil, then the CBD oil is the better choice than the CBD tinctures albeit the latter has a quicker effect. As to how you use CBD oils, the process is the same on how to use CBD tinctures.
CBD Dosage for Pain
Based on a 2017 study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information under Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, there is no universal dosage for everyone since each individual has different body responses to CBD intake. Other studies also show that typical dosage in humans range from around 20 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams.
Because there is no universal dosage, it's also important to tackle how to calculate your dosage and what factors you should consider when doing the calculations.
Factors in Calculating your CBD Dosage:
- Your body weight
- Your unique body chemistry
- The condition you're trying to treat
- The concentration of CBD in your chosen CBD product
Provided that the above-mentioned factors cannot easily be determined, it's crucial that you speak with your doctor about the right dosage and potential risks associated with CBD intake. Once your doctor prescribes you a specific dosage, then you must stick to it.
Otherwise, if your doctor does not recommend any CBD dosage for you, then you can start small dosages like around 20 to 40 milligrams per day and gradually increase it until you feel that the dosage is treating your condition or a particular symptom.
Furthermore, be reminded that not all forms of CBD products show how much CBD there is in a single serving. CBD edibles like gummies and candies, thankfully, indicate the CBD content per serving on their labels. CBD oils, on the other hand, do not provide a guide on the amount of CBD per dropper as the labels only show the total amount of CBD per bottle.
Finally, it's ultimately worth mentioning that given the 1,500-milligram utmost dosage for humans according to a 2011 study, one must not go beyond such maximum dosage recommendation because it can cause liver damage and may negatively interact with other medications, if you have one.
How long does CBD oil take to relieve pain?
The amount of time it takes for CBD to be absorbed by your body requires thorough discussion about the methods of consumption. In other words, an inhaled CBD gets into your system differently than an ingested CBD. Below, we will discuss how long it takes for CBD to get into your bloodstream according to the type of consumption.
Ingestion
CBD will begin to kick in for about one to two hours if you are ingesting CBD in the form of edibles. It does not go into your bloodstream directly since it goes down to your digestive system first and it eventually goes to your liver where the compounds are broken down before reaching the bloodstream.
Inhalation
This method of consumption is more fast-acting than ingestion because as soon as you inhale the vapor, it directly goes to your lungs and is then absorbed by the bloodstream for its circulation throughout the body.
Topical Application
The skin has a low CBD absorption rate that when you apply a CBD topical product onto your skin, the CBD is absorbed by your skin and it interacts with cannabinoid receptors inside your body. The effect will take around an hour and a half, a little faster than ingested CBD.
Sublingual
This is the process of consumption of CBD oils and tinctures. You put a few drops of CBD under your tongue before swallowing. Because of this process, the CBD easily gets into your mucous membranes found in your mouth and then it goes to your bloodstream, therefore much faster than the ingested CBD. In this method, the CBD no longer passes through the digestive tract and liver.
Side Effects of CBD Oil for Pain
Of course, with benefits come side effects, and CBD is no exception. Here are the potential side effects of CBD when you use it:
- Negative interaction with other medications (which can lead to more severe adverse effects)
- Diarrhea or loose bowel movement
- Fluctuating alertness
- Liver injury (when dosage goes beyond the maximum recommendation or if your body responds differently to a certain dosage)
- Decreased appetite (especially CBD products high in THC)
- Increased drowsiness (this occurs when CBD is used alongside medicines or alcohol beverage to treat anxiety, panic, stress, and sleep disorders)
All these possible side effects were noted by experts who studied the use of CBD, specifically the product called Epidiolex. In addition, we would like to reiterate the importance of consulting your doctor if you want to use CBD products to avoid worst case scenarios that would be prevented if proper precaution is done.
Nevertheless, doctors and other medical professionals continue to recommend CBD users to only patronize CBD companies whose CBD products have been tested by a third-party laboratory for potency, purity, and safety. Let's not miss the fact that other CBD products have contaminants and other harmful chemicals.
F.A.Q
Question: Why does third-party lab testing is necessary for CBD companies?
Answer: Simply because companies need to be transparent that their CBD products do not contain harmful chemicals, their potency levels are aligned with the labels, and none of the products cause harm to the customers or users.
Question: What is the moonshine extraction method?
Answer: It's a different extraction method not commonly employed by CBD companies, but one company called Take Spruce uses such a method since they found out that the best combinations of CBD, terpenes, and low levels of THC are produced by such a method.
Question: How do you know that a product is truly organic?
Answer: There should be a USDA certification proving that a product is indeed, organic.
Question: Why do most CBD products are expensive?
Answer: First and foremost, the ingredients in CBD products are expensive. Second, CBD-infused products contain more CBD oils, thus being more potent, so they are more expensive than CBD products that are merely sprayed, dusted, and coated with CBD.
Question: Is CBD really safe for humans?
Answer: Absolutely! There is currently no studies or reports of danger posed by CBD, except that there are certain minor side effects that also vary for each individual. However, as experts recommended, you should not go beyond 1,500 milligrams of CBD intake per day since it's the maximum dosage tolerable by humans.
Question: Are CBD products legal in all US states?
Answer: Indeed. As long as your CBD is derived from hemp and not marijuana and that, your THC consumption does not go above 0.3%, then you're good.
Question: Will CBD interact with my medications?
Answer: No, as long as you don't consume more than 150 milligrams of CBD per day, then drug-herb interaction is unlikely to happen.
Question: What impact does propylene glycol or PG have if a CBD vape contains it?
Answer: Unfortunately, propylene glycol when overheated produces a carcinogen called formaldehyde.