CBD for Pain Relief: Best Types, Dosage, and Safety Tips
If you're dealing with ongoing pain - whether from arthritis, an old injury, or a condition like fibromyalgia - you're likely exploring safer, more natural alternatives to traditional painkillers. CBD is becoming a popular option, but is it effective? Can it actually help with pain, and if so, how should you take it?
In this guide, we’ll explain how CBD interacts with the body, what the research says, and how to choose the right type and dosage. You’ll also learn about possible side effects, benefits, safety tips, and how CBD compares to other pain relief options. Whether you're just curious or ready to try it, here's what you need to know about using CBD for pain.
Table of Contents:[hide]
Does CBD Help with Specific Types of Pain?
Research suggests CBD may help with various types of pain, though more human studies are needed. Here’s what we know so far:
-
Arthritis: Animal studies show that topical CBD can reduce joint swelling and inflammation [2].
-
Neuropathic pain: A 2017 review found that CBD may help with nerve pain linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
-
Multiple sclerosis (MS): A cannabis-based oral spray containing CBD (Sativex) has shown modest benefits in reducing muscle spasms [5].
-
Chronic pain: Reviews of cannabis studies suggest CBD may contribute to broader pain relief, though THC is often also present in these studies [4].
Overall, while promising, the evidence for CBD alone as a pain treatment is still emerging.
What Is CBD Oil and How Does It Work for Pain?
CBD oil is a plant-based supplement made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp and combining it with a carrier oil like MCT or hemp seed oil. It contains little or no THC and does not produce a high. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system - a network of receptors involved in regulating pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. By supporting this system, CBD may help reduce how the body processes and responds to pain signals. It may also affect other receptors linked to inflammation and discomfort, such as TRPV1 and serotonin receptors.
Which Form of CBD Is Best for Pain Relief?
CBD oils and tinctures are often used for general pain, while topicals like creams and gels may be better for targeting joint or muscle pain. Capsules and edibles offer a convenient option, though they take longer to work.
-
CBD Topicals can be helpful for arthritis or sore muscles and are applied directly to the skin.
-
Oils and tinctures are placed under the tongue and absorbed quickly.
-
Capsules or CBD gummies are useful for consistent dosing, though effects may take longer.
-
CBD Vape products deliver CBD rapidly but may not be suitable for everyone.
Choosing the right form depends on your pain type, lifestyle, and preferences.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work for Pain?
CBD's effects vary depending on the form used. Oils and tinctures may work within 15 to 45 minutes, while capsules or edibles can take 1 to 2 hours. Topicals typically begin working within 30 minutes in the area applied.
Relief may not be immediate. Some people experience subtle improvements over days or weeks, especially for chronic conditions.
Who Should Avoid CBD for Pain Relief?
CBD is generally well tolerated, but it can interact with certain medications or be unsuitable for some people. You should avoid or use caution with CBD if you:
-
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
-
Take medications that carry a grapefruit warning
-
Have liver issues
-
Are under 18, unless guided by a doctor
CBD can affect liver enzymes that metabolise medications, potentially altering how drugs work. Always consult a doctor if you are on prescribed medications.
Is CBD Safe and Effective for Older Adults with Chronic Pain?
CBD may offer a gentler alternative to traditional pain relief for older adults, particularly for conditions like arthritis or joint stiffness. Unlike some prescription options, CBD is non-intoxicating and less likely to cause dependency.
Key Considerations Before Trying CBD for Pain
Before you try CBD:
-
Check the product is from a reputable brand with third-party lab results
-
Start low and go slow, adjusting dose based on your response
-
Avoid combining CBD with medications unless advised by a healthcare professional
-
Do not rely on CBD as a replacement for prescribed treatments
CBD is not approved by regulators for pain relief, and quality can vary significantly between products.
If you’re thinking about trying CBD, make sure you choose a product that’s been properly tested. Orange County CBD products are lab-tested to check for quality, safety, and accurate CBD levels. You can see the results for yourself in a Certificate of Analysis, so you know exactly what you’re getting every time.
Looking for pain relief? Give our high quality CBD oil a try today!
Research
[1] - Study: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
Source: PMC6326553 – NCBI
Summary: In a clinical case series of 72 adults, CBD was associated with decreased anxiety scores in 79% of patients after the first month. Sleep scores also improved, though results varied over time.
[2] - Study: Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
Source: PMC4851925 – NCBI
Summary: In a preclinical trial using arthritic rats, topically applied CBD significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores, and pain-related behaviours. No adverse effects were observed, suggesting potential for safe anti-inflammatory use.
[3] - Study: Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome
Source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
Summary: CBD significantly reduced seizure frequency in children with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. This led to the development and FDA approval of Epidiolex.
Quote: “CBD resulted in a greater reduction in convulsive-seizure frequency than placebo.”
[4] - Study: Cannabidiol treatment in an adolescent with multiple substance abuse, social anxiety and depression
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052321/
Summary: 16.9-year-old with multiple substance use disorders, severe depression, social phobia, and narcissistic personality disorder showed significant improvement after 8 weeks of CBD treatment (100–600 mg/day), following failed antidepressant therapy. CBD was well tolerated and associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and dissociative symptoms. The patient also stopped using illegal drugs, including THC, without withdrawal. While this single case suggests promising effects, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm CBD’s therapeutic role in substance use disorders.
[5] - Study: Sativex in the management of multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: role of the corticospinal modulation
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25699191/
Summary: A study involving 30 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients found that Sativex, a cannabinoid-based oromucosal spray, reduced spasticity and related symptoms after one month of treatment. Neurophysiological tests showed increased intracortical inhibition and reduced spinal excitability, suggesting Sativex may ease spasticity by rebalancing sensory-motor circuit activity. These findings highlight potential benefits beyond standard clinical assessments.
[6] - Study: Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061872/
Summary: This study found that cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduces oil production and inflammation in human sebaceous glands. By activating TRPV4 ion channels, CBD blocked lipid production pathways and reduced cell growth. It also triggered anti-inflammatory responses via A2a adenosine receptors and suppressed NF-κB signalling. Together, these effects suggest CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for managing acne.
[7] - Study: A phase 1b randomised, placebo-controlled trial of nabiximols cannabinoid oromucosal spray with temozolomide in patients with recurrent glioblastoma
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8039032/
Summary: Nabiximols (a THC:CBD oromucosal spray) showed a manageable safety profile and potential survival benefit when added to chemotherapy in recurrent GBM. These promising findings justify larger, more robust trials to confirm clinical efficacy.
[8] - Study: Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28885454/
Summary: This preclinical study investigated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Researchers found that locally administered CBD reduced joint pain, inflammation, and nerve sensitivity in advanced OA. It also increased pain tolerance and weight-bearing ability. When given early (prophylactically), CBD prevented the development of OA-related pain and protected joint nerves from damage. These results suggest that CBD may offer both pain relief and neuroprotection in OA, highlighting its potential as a safe treatment for joint neuropathic pain.