What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is a non-psychoactive oil derived from a cannabis plant, called Cannabis Sativa. There are two major varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant, commonly known as Marijuana and Hemp. Both of these varieties naturally contain two important biochemicals used in pain management: Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta 9-tretrahydrocannabinol (THC). While the hemp plant has very little THC compared to the marijuana variety, both plant varieties can be used to make CBD oil.
The term ‘CBD oil’ is used to describe oil that has high amounts of CBD and minimal THC. Note that THC is the biochemical responsible for the ‘high’ feeling someone experiences when consuming cannabis. CBD itself is relatively safe for consumption and you cannot experience this ‘high’ feeling from consuming CBD oil alone.
How does CBD oil work?
Interestingly, CBD interacts with four unique receptors in our body called Serotonin 1, Gamma-aminobutyric acid-A, Adenosine and Transient receptor potential channels. Scientists have discovered that when CBD interacts with these channels, a complex chemical process takes place that ultimately leads to the lowering of the feeling of pain and inflammation in our body.
Often CBD oils contain small amounts of THC. This is because combining THC with CBD is believed to activate even more receptors in our body that produce pain-relieving effects. These receptors being activated by the addition of THC are called Cannabinoids. However, high concentrations of THC can have side effects such as impaired decision-making, nausea, confusion or hallucinations.
Does CBD oil have side effects?
Using CBD oil does have some side effects, and the risks of side effects are higher when consuming CBD oils with large THC concentrations. The below table indicates the side effects and risks associated with the two biochemicals.
| CBD dominant products | THC dominant products |
– May affect the metabolism of particular drugs E.g. warfarin, voltaren – Dry mouth – Decreased appetite – Drowsiness – Fatigue
Risk: Low | – May impair coordination – Alter perception – Rapid heart rate – Nausea – Hallucinations – Confusion – Feeling high
Risk: Medium-High |
Can CBD oil help with chronic pain?
Extensive research has been conducted into the use of CBD oil for the treatment and management of pain and inflammation. Most of these studies focused on individuals suffering from Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Nerve pain, chronic back pain and Endometriosis. The results were mixed and there was no definite indication that CBD oil can help reduce their chronic pain.
Despite this, a small group of people involved in scientific trials did report health benefits from using CBD oil. These people were not just chronic pain sufferers but also reported to suffer from insomnia, depression, anxiety or high levels of stress. This anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oil may work better for chronic pain sufferers that also have emotional burdens or sleep disturbances.
Ultimately, the scientific evidence for the use of CBD oil for managing chronic pain is quite poor.
Are you considering CBD oil for your pain?
To learn more how CBD oils can help with chronic pain:
– Speak to your doctor
– Understand its potential benefits and side effects
– Be aware that CBD oils are prescription-only drugs
– See if there are other alternative therapies that can provide better results first
If you want to understand what alternative therapies are available that can help you with your chronic pain, contact us for our expert health advice. Our in-home physiotherapists service the Lower and Upper North Shore, and Northern Beaches in Sydney. We also offer online consultations for interstate and international clients.
References:
Walitt, B, et al. (2016). Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011694.pub2
