CBDs became a new trend and a popular product to sell among many retailers and markets. The industry is booming – racking up to a whopping $2.8 billion market size back in 2020! It is even believed that it would continue to rise to a $13.4 billion market size (read more) by the year 2028. Today, manufacturers continue to produce and innovate more CBD-based products for the public to enjoy.
Many have claimed that CBD products have positive effects on our bodies. They are said to help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, remedy inflammation, and manage pain. Because of these claims, people started turning their heads towards these products and tested them out themselves. As a result, many have found them satisfactory and would buy again – some even considered them an alternative to over-the-counter medicine.
Pain relief is one of the best features of CBD products, but how exactly does it work? Well, in this article, we will talk about CBD’s link to pain management and how it works.
All About Pain
Many consider pain as a sixth sense – on top of smell, taste, touch, see, and hear. It can be emotional or physical, but we will only discuss the physical aspect in this topic. In a nutshell, pain is the discomfort we feel when something has harmed our bodies. We can sense it in numerous ways like stabbing, throbbing, crushing, pinching, and aching.
Pain differs from person to person- what is hurtful to you might not be significantly painful to others. It is subjective – one could not tell exactly how severe the pain of another person is. However, we can identify if someone is experiencing discomfort when they show signs like excessive sweating, touching where the uncomfortable part is, and grimacing.
How Pain Works
I know this may sound like a drag, but trust me, it is relevant! To know how it works in our body, here is the summary of the Gate control theory of pain (link: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gate-control-theory-2795208) by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall. It starts when our sensory receptors are disturbed. The receptors then send a message to the brain via nerve fibers through the spinal cord and brainstem.
After the brain receives the message, it starts to process it, and then pain is perceived. In the gate theory, when the message passes through the spinal cord and central nervous system before reaching the brain, it could amplify or completely stop the message. This explains why many injured athletes do not feel pain from an injury right away, or the feeling of discomfort was delayed.
Now, on to our main topic of the day.
Understanding CBD Or Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is one of 113 known cannabinoids in cannabis plants. It was first discovered in 1940, but back then, it was not as popular and thus, not as thoroughly studied back then. CBD is abundant and account for up to 40% of hemp – another well-known cannabis plant variety apart from marijuana. Various CBD Products are available in many forms and contain different levels of CBD. Such types are isolates, broad-spectrum, and full spectrum!
Cannabidiol does not possess any addictive properties and euphoric side effects its famous sister compound, THC has. However, the two work in similar ways, and it was believed that they amplify their effects when introduced together. Such a phenomenon is called the entourage effect, but recent studies disproved these claims. On the contrary, cannabidiols counteract the intoxicating effects of THC!
Gold Bee also sells Cannabidiol products.
How It Works In Our Body
Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). They bind with the two receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. It signals the brain to signal organs and produce different hormones. As a result, it brings our body into homeostasis or a state of balance.
How It Relieves Pain
Using the concept from the theory above. After the cannabidiol binds with the receptors and sends the signal to the brain. The message from pain receptors is intercepted before reaching the brain. However, the effects can wear off. For continued relief, you need to take another dose. The medicine can be used for your pets as well. Such a dose help relieve your cat’s anxiety.
Best CBD Products For Pain
- Vape Cartridges
The juices from vape cartridges are infused with CBD, so you can enjoy them while having your puffing sessions! It is easy to use since it is already prepackaged and ready to use for you. It is also one of the fast-acting products- that means you experience the effects almost immediately!
- Hemp Flowers Or Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls or hemp flowers are potent products. While pre-rolls are used easily by igniting and starting puffing, hemp flowers have many options to consume. You can smoke them through a bong, pipe, or even roll them by yourself, whichever you prefer! They also have a fast onset of effects because they are directly absorbed in the lungs.
- CBD Rosin
Rosins are one of the latest products in the CBD market. They are a concentrated form of CBD that does not undergo more processes than other products. That actively demonstrates that they are uncontaminated with other chemicals from the process. It is used through a dab rig, which heats concentrates. You then inhaled the smoke, and just like hemp flowers and pre-rolls, the onset is fast.
- Edibles
Examples of CBD edibles are gummies and brownies. Although they are not as fast as the other three products, they make up for it with long-lasting effects. Additionally, the flavors can help distract your brain temporarily.
- Tinctures
Examples of CBD tinctures are oils and paste. The paste is more viscous than the oil because it mixes with wax, butter, and other oils. Their uses are similar- you can combine them with food and drinks or directly drink them. However, oils work faster by absorbing them sublingually (under the tongue) where pastes could not be easily absorbed.