CBD Oil: A Glimmer of Hope in the Quest for Non-Opioid Pain Relief?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has gained attention for its potential pain-relieving properties, leading many in the chronic pain community to wonder if it could be the long-awaited “wonder drug.” However, before deeming it completely safe, the link between CBD and pain needs further exploration. No drug can be considered entirely safe, as evidenced by the extensive list of side effects mentioned in fast-paced television drug advertisements.
It’s important to note that certain drugs are safer than others. In the case of chronic pain sufferers, many are willing to take the risk of using CBD products, such as gummies, as a means of pain relief and as a rebellion against the perceived profit-driven motives of pharmaceutical companies. These individuals believe that cures for their conditions are intentionally withheld to maintain the profitability of ongoing treatments.
When it comes to classifying pain, the medical community recognizes three categories. Neuropathic pain stems from defects in the nervous system caused by injury, illness, or external factors. Sciatica serves as a common example of this type of pain. Opioid painkillers have proven highly effective in treating neuropathic pain, which has contributed to the opioid crisis. Some unscrupulous individuals deliberately get patients addicted to opioids, while certain doctors prescribe these medications for non-neuropathic pain under the guise of treating the former.
Nociceptive pain, also known as acute pain, arises from injuries or conditions affecting the body’s systems other than the nervous system. Rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by bone-on-bone friction, exemplifies nociceptive pain. Opioids are often the go-to medication for this type of pain as well.
The third kind of pain is categorized as nociplastic, which lacks a discernible source. Conditions like fibromyalgia, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and debilitating soft-tissue pain fall into this category. Unfortunately, individuals suffering from nociplastic pain often face accusations of malingering or not realizing that their pain is psychological. Pain is a serious matter for those enduring it daily, and they deserve both relief and respect.
Many chronic pain sufferers swear by CBD oil. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD oil has provided relief for pain that even potent opioids like Fentanyl couldn’t touch. However, due to the federal illegality of marijuana and its derivatives until recently, scientific research on CBD oil’s pain-relieving effects is scarce.
Until recently, all parts of the cannabis plant were considered controlled substances at the federal level, making long-term clinical studies on illegal substances nearly impossible. Consequently, scientific research on CBD oil remains limited. Existing studies mostly focus on the combination of CBD oil and THC in pain management, with findings indicating comparable effectiveness to opioids in many cases. However, THC’s psychotropic effects make it less desirable in most scenarios, while CBD oil does not produce such a high.
The contradictory nature of research into CBD painkillers poses another challenge. Reputable research firms have released contradictory results, highlighting the need for further investigation. Despite the conflicting findings, there is hope for chronic pain sufferers, as all studies acknowledge their limited scope.
One area where studies provide more conclusive results is the relationship between CBD and opioids. Data suggests that the combination of CBD and opioids provides stronger pain relief compared to opioids alone. Even if future data suggests that CBD oil alone cannot alleviate pain, using it alongside opioids could lead to lower doses achieving the same results, potentially reducing opioid dependence. However, consensus remains that more research is necessary to fully understand the effects of CBD oil on pain relief and its interaction with opioids.
The pain-controlling properties of cannabis have been recognized for thousands of years. Recent successful tests involving multiple sclerosis patients revealed a significant reduction in pain when they took a combination of THC and CBD.
Apart from pain control, CBD has shown potential benefits in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even certain cancer-related symptoms. Initial studies involving animals have demonstrated promising results for CBD’s antidepressant effects. Additionally, CBD has exhibited a positive impact on insomnia, especially in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Cancer treatments often cause severe nausea, pain, and vomiting, which can be more distressing than the disease itself. CBD, particularly when combined with THC, has shown efficacy in reducing pain to a greater extent than either substance alone. Furthermore, in laboratory cultures, CBD has exhibited the ability to destroy certain breast cancer cells. However, further research is required to draw conclusive findings.
Though acne is less severe than other diseases, it affects around 9 percent of the population and can leave disfiguring scars. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its potential as a powerful pain reliever, also aid in acne control. In cases where acne is painful, CBD’s dual effect provides relief.
CBD oil has also been proven to reduce pain and related symptoms in children with diseases like harlequin ichthyosis and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (a particularly debilitating form of epilepsy). Astonishingly, CBD oil has shown the ability to inhibit prion diseases, such as scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, in animals. Although no high-correlation conclusions can be drawn from these results, they offer hope in otherwise incurable and fatal prion diseases.
Unfortunately, the relationship between CBD and medical doctors has been contentious. While some doctors remain skeptical of CBD oil, others vouch for its efficacy. The emergence of solid data on CBD’s effectiveness may help bridge the gap and resolve disagreements between both sides. Safety concerns and FDA approval pose challenges for CBD. In the United States, most CBD products are marketed and sold as dietary supplements, falling outside the FDA’s jurisdiction. Moreover, CBD’s interaction with drugs like Coumadin, similar to grapefruit juice, can limit its use for certain patients with renal disease who need to carefully monitor potassium and phosphorous levels. CBD may also have mild and infrequent side effects, such as fatigue and irritability.
The FDA’s actions regarding CBD in the future, potentially classifying it as a medication rather than a supplement, remain uncertain. Ongoing research will determine if initial data and claims regarding CBD are reinforced. Hopefully, the FDA will avoid past mistakes and refrain from limiting the potential of this highly promising medicine in favor of pharmaceutical interests.
In conclusion, as with any treatment for any condition or disease, it is crucial to consult with your doctor or doctors before starting any CBD treatment. Despite encouraging data on CBD’s potential, it may pose risks for various reasons. Similar to the interaction checks conducted for all medications, prescription or otherwise, approaching CBD with caution and pragmatism is prudent until definitive information becomes available.
