Most people know that cannabis is a powerful medicine, and there are many reasons why it’s used as medicine. It can help with pain relief, sleep disorders, nausea, depression, seizures, anxiety, and more. But some people don’t want to go through the process of getting marijuana legalized in their state because they feel like they’ll have to deal with the stigma attached to marijuana use or the fear that the government might find out about their use (which may result in them losing their job, losing custody rights over children, etc.). 

This is where CBD and its other products like CBD oil comes into play. Unlike most THC-containing products, CBD does not get you high or intoxicated; it contains cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoids are chemicals found in the cannabis plant, which interact with receptors throughout your body in a way to help you relieve pain or even help you calm down. In this article we will discuss what exactly CBD is, how it works, and whether it can be used for pain relief.  

What Is CBD? 

Cannabis sativa is native to Northern Africa and Western Asia, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. However, the chemical compounds within the plant itself have been studied vwry recently since the early 1970s, and now scientists understand much better than they did then, especially on exactly how these compounds affect our bodies. 

Cannabis sativa contains two major types of cannabinoid molecules: phytocannabinoids and terpenophenolic compounds. Phytocannabinoids include THC and CBD, while terpenophenolic compounds include the other hundreds of cannabinoids that are usually present in the cannabis weed. While both compounds contain cannabinoids, only CBD is nonpsychoactive unlike the others — meaning that it doesn’t produce an intoxicating effect that can make you feel high and get addicted to the feeling of it.

Because CBD does not get you “high” like THC does, it can be useful in treating conditions that cause you to experience chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and insomnia. CBD also helps protect your brain from damage caused by strokes. 

How Does CBD Work? 

It has been suggested that CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, but research hasn’t proven this to be true. However, there is evidence that CBD may act on another type of receptor called TRPV1, which is responsible for a wide variety of functions in the human body, including pain sensation, temperature regulation, and cell division. 

If you look at the scientific literature, you will see that CBD shows promise for treating several different kinds of pain. Many researchers believe that CBD can reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, and treat neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage). One study suggests that CBD may even be able to help prevent the formation of pain-related memory cells. 

CBD also appears to help regulate neurotransmitters that mediate the feelings of pleasure. This means that if you experience chronic pain, you could potentially benefit from CBD. This is especially important since the most common side effects associated with CBD are mild drowsiness and dry mouth. 

Finally, studies show that CBD may be effective for the treatment of epilepsy, schizophrenia, PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. For example, one study showed that CBD reduced the size of tumors in mice who were given prostate cancer tumors. Another study concluded that CBD had a tumor inhibitory effect on human breast cancer cells. Finally, another study found that CBD reduced the size of brain tumors in rats. 

As mentioned above, CBD does not get you high, so it’s great for those who suffer from pain-induced nausea and vomiting, which often leads to weight loss. Many patients suffering from chronic pain report significant improvement after taking CBD oil, making it an appealing option for those who struggle with debilitating conditions. 

Can CBD Be Used for Pain Relief? 

Yes! Research shows that CBD is safe enough to use for pain relief. There are no known negative side effects associated with its use. Most of the time, when using CBD for pain relief, patients take between 5 mg and 20 mg. Some people may need higher doses depending on what kind of pain they’re trying to manage. 

The best way to determine the optimal dose for you is to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage until you reach the level that gives you the maximum pain relief without causing any unwanted side effects. 

Side Effects Associated With CBD Use 

When using CBD for pain relief, it’s important to remember that it’s still a controlled substance under Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act, so it’s illegal to buy or sell CBD online or in stores without a prescription. If you are using CBD for medical purposes, you should consult with your doctor before taking it. Your physician or pharmacist will be able to tell you if CBD is right for you and what the correct dosage is. 

There are very few potential side effects associated with CBD use. Some people may notice increased heart rate, but this is usually temporary and resolves itself once you stop taking the medication. You should avoid using CBD with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, sleeping aids, and cough suppressants. 

Many patients are concerned about the possibility of developing a tolerance to CBD, which would mean needing to keep increasing the dosage to achieve the same pain relief. This isn’t possible, however, because CBD works differently from other drugs. When you take a drug, your body builds up a resistance to that particular medication. Because CBD does not build up a tolerance, it can be taken indefinitely. 

CBD can also interact with other medications. It’s recommended that you talk with your doctor before starting to take CBD, and keep him or her updated about all of your current medications. 

Should I Buy CBD Online? 

While CBD is legal in most states, purchasing it online can be risky. As noted above, buying CBD online without a prescription is against the law. Also, there are unscrupulous companies selling unlicensed CBD products online. If you decide to order CBD online, make sure that you purchase only from reputable companies (like those listed below) that are licensed to sell CBD products. 

You can also check out my list of the top 10 CBD brands to ensure that you’re getting the highest quality product possible. 

Is CBD Legal Where You Live? 

In short, yes. All 50 U.S. states allow for the sale of CBD, and nine of these states actually require a prescription to purchase CBD. These nine states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont. 

However, there are states that do not allow the sale of CBD. These are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming. 

This is why it’s always worth checking your local laws before ordering CBD. 

Do You Need A Prescription To Get CBD? 

No. Although CBD is classified as a Schedule 1 substance, this does not mean that it cannot be purchased legally. In fact, most states that allow the sale of CBD require only a prescription to obtain it. However, some states do require a prescription for CBD oils, tinctures, and edibles. 

For example, in Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Utah, you must obtain a prescription for CBD oils. On the other hand, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin require prescriptions for CBD pills, tinctures, and liquids. 

In addition, many pharmacies will not fill a prescription for CBD. Instead, you need to visit a dispensary where a knowledgeable staff member will be able to answer questions you may have regarding CBD and pain relief. 

Do I Have To Take CBD Every Day? 

No. Just like every other pharmaceutical drug, CBD will lose its effectiveness if you don’t take it regularly. If you’ve been taking CBD daily for a week and are experiencing no relief, try taking CBD twice per day instead. After three weeks, continue with the new schedule. 

You can expect to see improvements in your condition after approximately six months of regular use. At this point, you can stop taking CBD altogether if you wish. 

Does CBD Oil Work for Sleep Disorders? 

Yes. Studies suggest that CBD may help treat sleep disorders, including insomnia and restless leg syndrome. CBD can help relax muscles and ease tension, which makes it ideal for managing symptoms of insomnia. 

Some studies show that CBD may alleviate insomnia symptoms by reducing stress levels. Other studies suggest that CBD may block anandamide receptors in the brain, resulting in less anxiety and improved mood. 

However, the jury is still out on whether CBD is effective for treating insomnia. More research needs to be done, but it’s clear that CBD is a viable alternative to traditional sleep medications. 

Does CBD Help Treat Fibromyalgia? 

Yes. Studies have shown promising results for CBD use in treating fibromyalgia. Like many other diseases, fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue. 

Research shows that CBD reduces the perception of pain and increases the body’s natural painkillers, serotonin, and endorphins. As noted earlier, CBD does not get you “high.” Therefore, it can be helpful for those who experience sleep problems, as fibromyalgia affects sleep patterns. 

How Do CBD Benefit People Suffering From Schizophrenia? 

Studies show that CBD may help treat schizophrenia. In fact, some clinical trials have shown that CBD is effective in decreasing psychotic episodes and improving social functioning. 

One study looked at the effects of CBD on patients with schizophrenia who experienced hallucinations. Results revealed that patients receiving CBD reported significantly fewer auditory hallucinations compared to patients receiving a placebo. 

Another study, conducted by Israeli researchers, examined the effects of CBD on patients with psychosis. Patients who received CBD reported significantly decreased agitation