Using CBD gummies for pain relief is quickly becoming one of the most common ways that Canadians like to use their CBD.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant that has been shown to have many health benefits, but many questions remain.
They’re often advertised as the “all-natural” way to control chronic pain, and they come in all shapes and sizes; however, whether they work to relieve chronic and acute pain is the real question.
There is some evidence that suggests CBD’s ability to manage both pain and inflammation in the body, but there’s more to it than just the benefits that have been researched.
Things like accurate dosing, what form of CBD you’re taking (oils, gummies, capsules, etc.), and your own personal health concerns all affect how well your CBD products work.
This article will provide information about what CBD gummies are and how they work for pain, how to dose them properly, and some common questions people ask when using them.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD can be found in various forms: oils, capsules, and topicals, to name just a few. It is usually taken orally through drops or by eating something like CBD gummies.
CBD is one of many cannabinoids that come from cannabis – this can be either the marijuana or the hemp plant; the majority of CBD products in Canada come strictly from the industrial hemp plant.
This is because it is very low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you high or stoned. Hemp is also very high in CBD, making it ideal for CBD products; most people who use CBD aren’t looking to get a buzz off of them.
CBD gummies are CBD-infused gummy candies. They are made with organic ingredients, and they contain CBD extract that has been infused into the ingredients during manufacturing. The gummies can be made with either Full Spectrum CBD extract or CBD Isolate.
Full Spectrum contains additional cannabinoids and terpenes and greatly contributes to the Entourage Effect, while Isolate contains only the CBD compound.
CBD gummies come in different strengths and concentrations; some people find this easier as they know how much CBD each gummy contains rather than measuring everything out themselves (like with CBD oils).
How does CBD work for pain?
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System in the body and may help regulate inflammation and pain, consequently leading to it becoming a rapidly popular remedy for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis.
The Endocannabinoid System is a series of receptors and neurotransmitters that are found throughout your body and brain. CBD and other cannabinoids (CBG and CBN, for example) are called phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) and work to stimulate these receptors when you ingest them.
The body, however, is also capable of producing its own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids); this means that the Endocannabinoid System doesn’t always rely on external input for it to function.
This series of receptors and neurotransmitters help to regulate many bodily processes, like appetite, sleep cycles, memory, and mood. It may also help to regulate pain by affecting inflammation in the body.
This interaction is very complex, but CBD has been shown through research to reduce inflammatory responses and block certain pain receptors.
What are the best CBD gummies for pain relief?
Full Spectrum CBD products are a popular choice for those who want to control their chronic pain levels by not only potentially relieving pain but regulating many different functions in your body as well.
Full Spectrum CBD is thought to manage chronic and acute pain in various ways: through the regulation of specific bodily systems and by providing more helpful nutrients than CBD Isolate.
This is because Full Spectrum products contain both CBD and terpenes and many other cannabinoids, which contribute to the effectiveness and benefits of using them.
This is known as the Entourage Effect
CBD and the Entourage Effect
The Entourage Effect is the ability of compounds within cannabis to have different effects on the body. It is often discussed concerning CBD and refers to cannabinoids performing at higher levels when they are consumed alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes.
To realize the full effects of their products, many people will opt for CBD products that contain a variety of natural cannabinoids (e.g., CBC, CBN, CBG) and terpenes (e.g., myrcene, caryophyllene) rather than products made with CBD Isolate, which is just CBD, and nothing more.
This way, they are treating the specific ailments that CBD can be used to treat, as well as experiencing the potential benefits of the other cannabinoids contained within.
Pros and cons of taking CBD gummies for pain
Just like any other pain treatment or method, CBD gummies come with both pros and cons. Here are the top things to think about before purchasing CBD gummies for pain relief.
Pros
- One of the easiest and tastiest forms of consuming CBD.
- Does not require preparation or any specific device, no bottles or dropper caps to deal with.
- Easily found in stores and online at various price points.
- Preset amounts of CBD in each gummy make dosing very easy.
Cons
- CBD gummies have a lower bioavailability rate than CBD oils.
- Price per mg is often higher than oils or tinctures.
- Gummies may contain added sugars, which can be an issue for some people.
CBD gummies or CBD oil for pain?
One of the biggest downsides of using CBD gummies versus CBD oils for pain is the bioavailability rate. Bioavailability rates are essentially how much of the substance reaches your bloodstream when you consume it.
For example, if you’re consuming CBD orally and take 2 mg but only receive 1 mg in your bloodstream because of digestion and absorption rates, then the bioavailability rate would be 50%.
Many factors affect the bioavailability rate of CBD; the form in which you take it (oils, gummies, capsules, vaping), whether it is consumed with food or drink, your metabolism, etc.
The bioavailability of CBD gummies is lower than that of CBD oils because it has to pass through the digestive system first; still, many people prefer to use CBD gummies over CBD oils simply due to their convenience, taste, and ease of use.
How many CBD gummies should you take?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about CBD, and it’s important to know that it is virtually impossible to overdose on it. CBD is well tolerated in humans, even in doses up to 1500mg a day!
The side effects of ingesting too much CBD usually include symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and other stomach-related issues, and headache.
CBD gummies come in many different concentrations, from 5mg up to 50mg per gummy.
If you are new to CBD, starting with a low dose is best; not only does this help you figure out your ideal dose without wasting any product, but it will also minimize any negative side effects you may experience by taking too much at a time.
Just because a gummy has a set dose in it doesn’t mean that you have to take it all at once. If you have a higher mg of gummy (50mg, for example), it is perfectly fine to cut it in half and split up your dose into two 25mg doses.
We’ve written a complete guide to dosing CBD gummies that you can check out for more information on how to accurately use this form of CBD.
How to use CBD gummies for pain
When taking CBD for pain, it’s important to know that not everyone will need the same dose to be effective.
The appropriate dosage for any given person depends on their weight and health status, metabolism, and other factors, making dosing difficult.
For example, someone who weighs 200lbs will need a higher dosage than 120lbs simply because their body mass is more.
Keep in mind that more serious conditions and high levels of pain may require more CBD to be effective.
There are no standard guidelines that have been set out for dosing CBD as of yet. Going with a low and slow approach is recommended until you reach your desired dose and results.
In general, it is recommended to start with 5-10mg twice daily and increase slowly until desired effects are met.
The results can vary from person to person depending on the type of CBD product consumed and how one responds to the compounds or cannabinoids within them.
As with all CBD products, it is important to read the labelling of whichever product you buy and to follow their instructions for use. Different companies may have different instructions; follow the guidance on the labels if you are unsure.
So do CBD gummies actually work for pain?
Some people use CBD gummies for relief when they have chronic pain, others to manage minor pain symptoms.
The effectiveness of CBD for pain is heavily based on the concentration level, how it’s used (e.g., as a tincture, capsule or edible), and your own personal health concerns.
Final thoughts on using CBD gummies for pain relief
If you’re looking for a quick, convenient way to take CBD for pain relief, there’s no better option than gummies!
Not only are they easy and tasty, but as we’ve shown in this article, they also have some unique benefits and advantages that make them worth considering over other options.
The lower bioavailability rate may be an issue for some, but this isn’t something you should worry about with proper dosing.
Ready to try CBD gummies? Check out the shop where you’ll find them in three delicious flavours!
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