Nature hands you a lemon— in this case, a cannabis plant—but instead of making lemonade, we squeeze out cannabidiol (CBD). This compound is making quite the splash in the wellness pool because of its reported health benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep.
While there are many forms of CBD products, the most popular for beginners and experienced CBD users alike is CBD gummies. They come in a wide range of flavors, formulas, and CBD potencies, which can make choosing the right CBD gummies for pain a little tricky.
In this article, we’ll look into do CBD gummies work for pain and how you can make the most of taking CBD gummies for pain. Let's first list out the basic steps:
- Start with 10 to 20 mg of CBD (usually 1 gummy)
- Wait 30 minutes for the CBD to get through your digestive tract
- Take another gummy if you don’t feel any effects
- Repeat this process as necessary, up to 3 times per day
- Enjoy the results for 6-8 hours.
1. Verifying High-Quality CBD Gummies For Pain
When it comes to selecting CBD gummies for your pain management, quality is paramount.
So, what to look for?
Ensure your CBD gummies are derived from organically grown hemp, and check for third-party lab results.
Reputable brands test their products to verify CBD content and to ensure they're free of harmful contaminants. These lab tests will also ensure that the CBD content stated on the bottle matches what's in your gummies.
You wouldn't want a gummy claiming to have 25 mg of CBD only to deliver 10 mg, would you? Precise CBD content enables you to take charge of your dosage, ensuring that your journey to pain relief is as predictable and personalized as possible. Once you know what to look for in quality CBD gummies, make sure to buy from a reliable source of CBD gummies for pain.
2. Choosing the Best CBD Extract for Pain Relief
Another key protagonist in this narrative is the type of CBD extract used in your gummies.
There are three main types:
- Pure CBD isolate: contains up to 99.9% pure CBD and nothing else
- Broad spectrum CBD: includes CBD and other cannabinoids except THC
- Full spectrum CBD: encompasses all cannabinoids, including a trace amount of THC (up to 0.3%)
While each type has its benefits, the consensus among experts often leans toward full spectrum CBD gummies.
Why? Because full spectrum extract maintains all of the plant's natural compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids—creating a symphony of natural compound interactions, also known as the “entourage effect.” This is where all the compounds work together in harmony, enhancing the overall efficacy and potential benefits of the CBD product [1].
For those looking to steer clear of THC altogether, THC Free CBD gummies are the best option, as they still contain other cannabinoids and terpenes to support CBD minus any trace of THC.
So, it's not just about having CBD in your gummies — it's about the complete ensemble that makes the CBD gummy performance truly shine.
3. The “Less is More” Mantra: Start Small and Step Up Your Dosage
Finding the right CBD dosage can be tricky because of everyone's unique body chemistry and level of pain.
CBD gummies for pain relief typically range from 10 mg to 50 mg of CBD per piece—but they can go as high as 120 mg, like with Neurogan's CBD Gummies.
Initially, most people aim for a minimal dosage — usually between 10 to 25 mg of CBD per day. This is equivalent to taking 1 gummy (depending on the CBD product you're using).
As you figure out the right dosage for CBD gummies, remember that the best CBD oil for pain are also an option, especially for those who prefer taking a product sublingually.
When people take CBD gummies for acute pain, they may want to use them more frequently at first and scale back until they find a level that best matches their comfort. And while there have been studies that point to CBD supporting chronic and neuropathic pain, you should first consult with your healthcare professional, as they can provide you with tailored advice [2].
4. Start with a Single Gummy and Trust Your Body's Response
Watch your body's response to CBD-infused gummies.
This isn't just about watching out for side effects, but also about assessing how effectively it's addressing your pain. Is your discomfort softening, becoming more like a background noise rather than a loud, jarring siren?
Great! But if the pain's still cramping your style, don't rush to down a handful of gummies. Instead, wait for about an hour—this is typically how long it takes for a gummy to kick in fully.
When you take CBD edibles, they need to go through your digestive system before the CBD is released into your bloodstream. This process involves the gummies being broken down in your stomach, with the CBD then being absorbed into your body through the small intestine.
Because this absorption process is not instantaneous and is subject to variations based on individual metabolism, stomach contents, and the specific formulation of the gummy, it can take up to an hour or so for the effects to be fully felt.
Feel free to enjoy up to three CBD-infused gummies throughout the day, or as recommended by your healthcare professional, to maintain a consistent hold on your pain management.
Remember, this is a dance, not a race. There's no rush to increase your dosage drastically or immediately.
What Do CBD Gummies Feel Like?
The experience of using CBD gummies for pain management can vary widely from person to person. For some, it may feel like a gentle, gradual easing of discomfort. For others, it might present as an overall sense of calm or relaxation, both mentally and physically.
The sensation is generally subtle, not overpowering or immediate like some pharmaceutical pain relievers.
Unlike conventional pain medication that often numbs or blocks the pain, CBD works differently.
CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is tasked with regulating pain perception and inflammation (among many other physiological processes). So, instead of an abrupt “off-switch” for your pain, CBD nudges your body toward a state of natural balance, easing discomfort in a less intrusive, more harmonious way. CBD gummies offer a convenient and tasty way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine, whether you're using CBD for back pain, CBD Gummies for knee pain, or other types CBD for pain.
How Long Will Your CBD Gummy Keep Pain at Bay?
On average, the effects of CBD gummies for pain can last anywhere from 4-8 hours.
When it comes to the duration of CBD gummies' effects, there's a little more to chew on than meets the eye. As with any supplement, the exact timeline can vary depending on several individual factors.
This is because everyone's body metabolizes substances differently due to factors like age, weight, and overall health status. So, while one person might still be coasting on their CBD cloud after six hours, another might find the effects starting to wane around the four-hour mark.
Moreover, the potency of your gummies (i.e., the amount of CBD they contain) can also influence how long their effects last. Higher-potency gummies may provide a longer period of relief than their lower-potency counterparts.
Understanding the Side Effects of CBD Gummies
While CBD gummies are widely considered safe, they can have a few side effects, especially when taken in higher doses. Here are the potential side effects to keep in mind:
- Dry Mouth: CBD might decrease saliva production, causing a dry sensation in the mouth, often called "cottonmouth."
- Drowsiness or Fatigue: Depending on the dose, CBD can induce feelings of drowsiness or fatigue.
- Diarrhea: Higher doses of CBD might upset your stomach, potentially leading to diarrhea.
- Changes in Appetite: CBD could affect your appetite, causing either an increase or decrease in hunger.
- Medication Interactions: CBD can interact with other medications, affecting how your body processes them.
Remember, everyone's body reacts differently to CBD, so these side effects may vary from person to person.
Experiencing these effects can indicate you're taking more CBD than your body needs. If you run into any of these effects, scale back your CBD gummy intake.
Amplifying the Effect: Strategies for Effective CBD Gummy Use
When it comes to managing pain, CBD gummies can be your personal secret weapon. The same goes for when you take CBD gummies for anxiety. However, the goal isn't merely to find fleeting moments of relief—you're aiming for optimal, consistent alleviation of your discomfort.
This journey involves more than just munching down on a gummy; it's about cultivating effective strategies that maximize their potential.
Here are some techniques that may help to optimize your CBD gummy experience:
1. Consistency is Key
Think of CBD as a marathon runner, not a sprinter. Its effects build over time, so regular, consistent use can lead to more noticeable and lasting benefits.
Consistent and regular use of CBD gummies allows the cannabinoids to accumulate in your body, gradually interacting with your endocannabinoid system. This interaction helps regulate various bodily functions, including pain perception, inflammation, and mood.
By incorporating CBD gummies into your daily routine, you establish a steady supply of cannabinoids that work in harmony with your body's natural processes. This consistency is believed to enable a more predictable and sustained level of pain relief.
2. Experiment with Your Dosage
Experimenting with your CBD dosage is about striking a balance. Taking too little may not provide sufficient pain relief, while taking too much may be unnecessary and could potentially lead to diminishing returns.
Finding the right dosage is a personal journey that requires a bit of experimentation. While general dosage guidelines can provide a starting point, the ideal dosage varies from person to person.
The gradual approach we've outlined allows you to find the minimum effective dose—the lowest amount of CBD needed to alleviate your pain symptoms.
Starting with a sample pack can help, such as Neurogan's, which includes three 90 mg of CBD in each gummy. Begin with half a gummy to gauge how your body responds, and adjust from there before fully deciding which gummy potency from the market is best for you.
3. Take Your CBD Gummies with a Meal
When it comes to maximizing the absorption and effectiveness of your CBD gummies, timing matters. CBD is a fat-soluble compound, which means it dissolves more efficiently and is better absorbed when consumed with dietary fat. Taking your CBD gummies with a meal, especially one that contains higher amounts of healthy fats, can significantly enhance their absorption and overall effectiveness.
CBD, like other cannabinoids, undergoes a process called the "first-pass metabolism" in the liver, where it may be partially broken down before reaching the systemic circulation system. However, when CBD is consumed with dietary fat, it can bypass this process to some extent. The presence of fats in the meal aids in the absorption of CBD, allowing more of the compound to enter your bloodstream and exert its effects [3].
Consuming CBD gummies for back pain or for different sorts of pain with a meal may also contribute to a more sustained release of CBD in your body. The presence of dietary fats slows down the digestion and absorption process, leading to a gradual release of CBD over a longer period. In theory, this should result in a more prolonged and consistent pain-relieving effect compared to taking CBD gummies on an empty stomach.
4. Patience, Patience
CBD gummies need to be metabolized, so they don't work instantly.
By practicing patience and giving CBD gummies the time they need to work, you'll have a better understanding of their effectiveness and how they interact with your body. CBD is not a quick fix but can be a holistic approach to pain relief that requires a mindful and patient mindset.
Choosing the best CBD for pain is crucial in this process. High-quality CBD gummies may offer a more consistent and beneficial experience, reflecting their superior formulation and ingredient sourcing. Remember, everyone's experience with CBD gummies will be unique, so these strategies are starting points.
Listen to your body, observe how it reacts, and adjust your approach accordingly. And don't forget to consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about CBD to ensure that it's a safe and effective choice for your pain management needs.
References:
- Nahler, G., Jones, T. M., & Russo, E. B. (2019). Cannabidiol and contributions of major hemp phytocompounds to the “entourage effect”; possible mechanisms. J. Altern. Complementary Integr. Med, 5.
- Boyaji, S., Merkow, J., Elman, R. N. M., Kaye, A. D., Yong, R. J., & Urman, R. D. (2020). The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence. Current pain and headache reports, 24, 1-6.
- Stott, C. G., White, L., Wright, S., Wilbraham, D., & Guy, G. W. (2013). A phase I study to assess the effect of food on the single dose bioavailability of the THC/CBD oromucosal spray. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 69, 825-834.
