No one should have to live with chronic pain. There are pharmaceutical options to help give you some relief, but depending on your body, these might come with side effects and require varying dosages. Many people are turning to plant-based CBD oil as an alternative: several brands are all-natural, organic, and you cannot build a tolerance for it.
CBD — short for cannabidiol — comes from cannabis. Unlike marijuana, though, which contains the psychoactive THC that gets you high, CBD is derived from the hemp branch of cannabis. While further research is necessary, there is evidence suggesting that CBD products (such as oil and tinctures) can relieve pain symptoms, help with anxiety and depression, smooth the skin when applied topically, and provide other various benefits. Floyd’s of Leadville notes:
“Studies show that CBD interacts with both your immune system and your brain receptors. These receptors receive a bunch of chemical signals from stimuli and help the rest of your cells respond to those signals. When your receptors react with CBD, they form anti-inflammatory effects that reduce pain… CBD also helps treat conditions like anxiety depression, fibromyalgia, and stress.”
Your body has its own endocannabinoid system, so CBD products work in harmony with it. If you are experiencing pain, talk with your doctor before introducing CBD to your diet and ask if it could be an option for you. If your doctor approves, here are a few quality options to consider.
Verma Farms
Some CBD products are better than others. Some manufacturers attempt to cut corners and grow hemp with high amounts of pesticides (hemp is an absorbent plant that can also take in toxins and heavy metals from the soil, which can end up in products if not distilled properly). The most trustworthy CBD brands have their products tested by third-party labs to verify their purity and potency, like Verma Farms, and exercise sustainable and high-standard farming practices. All of Verma’s products — namely, drops titled Chill, Boost, and Focus, all starting at $74.99 — are completely organic, vegan, pesticide-free, non-GMO, and made with all-natural additional ingredients.
Green Roads
Something else you need to watch out for: synthetic CBD, which is incredibly dangerous. According to Green Roads:
“While they are advertised as being able to replicate the effects of hemp-derived cannabinoids, synthetic CBD molecules often have different properties and much stronger potency. As in the case with most synthetic drugs (i.e., bath salts) synthetic cannabinoids can have serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, paranoia, and seizures. There have also been several deaths linked to the use of synthetic cannabinoids.”
All of Green Roads’ products made with real, organic CBD. If you are experiencing pain, purity is essential. Green Roads offers a variety of oils, edibles, capsules, pain cream, and even syrups and more.
Healthy Hemp Oil
Healthy Hemp Oil products — specifically its Herbal Renewals: Blue and Gold Label High CBD Hemp Oil — contain higher concentrations of CBD thanks to a process known as “decarboxylation,” which uses teat to turn hemp’s cannabidiolic acid into powerful CBD. The Gold label is particularly potent, but Healthy Hemp Oil says that the Blue label is ideal for pain relief and relaxation and tastes raw and earthy.
Herbal Renewals products are easy to use, relaxing, suitable for vegan and kosher diets, boast great value, and come in adjustable serving sizes. If you are looking to alleviate some of your pain, Healthy Hemp Oil might be helpful to you.
Nature’s Script
Nature’s Script tinctures come in 300mg, 600, 1000, 2000, and 4,000mg concentrations, and taste like flavors including peppermint and watermelon. It also sells products in gummy, syrup, and vape juice forms, so you can enjoy the experience itself when you take CBD. Like Verma Farms, Nature’s Script products include absolutely no THC (some brands do because the legal allowance of THC in hemp products is .3 percent or less), which is ideal for people who are looking for pain relief but might need to pass employer-given drug tests.
Nature’s Script also offers CBD oil for pets. While you should never give your pet such products before consulting with your veterinarian, it might be worth inquiring if your animal family members are suffering from pain. Numerous other brands offer pet oils as well, so conduct some research with your vet to determine which is most appropriate.
Cannabidiol products are rising in popularity due to their ability to alleviate pain and treat other conditions like insomnia and anxiety. Not all CBD products are high-quality, though, so make sure whoever you purchase from is transparent about their growth and manufacturing processes and know the supporting science.
What is your favorite CBD product for pain relief?