10 Best CBD Oils for Pain Relief (2018)
The endocannabinoid system produces something we call endocannabinoids – our inner cannabis. These endocannabinoids are released to regulate the above processes whenever things get out of controls.
Then, those endocannabinoids tap to two different kinds of receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors are mostly associated with THC, the intoxicating agent in cannabis, and the interaction between these two explains why we get high. CB1 receptor, on the other hand, interacts with CBD, which is where all the “magic” happens.
Let’s take a look at the current research on the use of CBD oil for pain.
How Does CBD Oil Relieve Pain?
Like we said, dealing with pain is about more than taking a magical pill and waiting for the effects to come. If you really want to alleviate your health concerns, you need to get to the roots of the problem, which is what CBD does best.
To answer the question, CBD relieves pain by:
Reducing inflammation
Providing immunomodulatory effects
Acting as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant.
The exact way in which CBD oil works for pain relief is still being studied around the world. Yet, what we do know thus far is, least to say, promising.
Using CBD Oil for Chronic Pain
At the very beginning of the article, we’ve mentioned a word about CBD being tested on animal models to prove its analgesic properties. As it has been demonstrated repeatedly in animal studies – the majority of them was performed on rats – that cannabidiol in its oil form can be useful for treating all forms of pain.
Even though more clinical trials on humans are needed to determine how CBD affects specific diseases, scientists believe that the success of CBD oil for treating chronic pain is related to the anti-inflammatory properties of the cannabinoid.
CBD Oil and Arthritis
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD oil can be one of the most effective choices for arthritis and other forms of localized pain caused by inflammation.
Researchers have found a clear link between the endocannabinoid system and the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease associated with inflammation. CBD stimulates the work of CB1 receptors, helping them bring the chemical balance in the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain as a result.
Can CBD Oil Help With Multiple Sclerosis?
According to the preclinical animal evidence – yes, it can. Since CBD works as a neuroprotectant because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be an effective form of treatment for multiple sclerosis, which afflicts 50-70% patients with a debilitating pain.
The animal study at Cajal Institute aimed at finding out if CBD provides reversed inflammatory responses on cell cultures; it took only 10 days for the mice to show improved pain management, superior motor skills, and general progression in their illness.
However, there’s plenty of other research papers suggesting that CBD has powerful analgesic properties. Actually, there have been over 20,000 scientific studies on cannabinoids and their therapeutic effects on different sorts of health concerns.
CBD Oil in Sports: Injuries & Muscle Endurance
Cannabidiol can be applied in two different ways when it comes to pain and physical activities. For example, when you administer CBD orally in the form of oil as a post-workout, it helps alleviate the muscle inflammation that troubles athletes once they go beyond the edge again.
If, however, you’re suffering from an injury, it’s best to apply CBD topically. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties allow the cannabinoid to relieve pain and improve regeneration capacities.
Are There Any Side Effects of CBD Oil?
The main reason why people are so crazy about CBD is that this cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and doesn’t come with any severe side effects. According to the scientific research, when applied in doses up to over a gram and one-half have no side effects on health whatsoever.
This makes CBD completely safe for both adults and children; more interestingly, some CBD companies offer pet care products in their assortment, because cannabidiol is safe for animals as well.
Last but not least, CBD doesn’t show any of the side effects associated with the use of conventional painkillers, such as heart attacks, addiction, strokes, ulcers, and liver failures. That being said, you can use CBD oil for pain on a daily basis with no risk to your health.
10 Best CBD Oils For Pain
Like we said, you can use CBD oil for pain in many different ways, but the easiest and one of the quickest ways to bring relief to your pain is to apply cannabidiol under your tongue. This will require you to purchase one of CBD oils available on the market.
However, as it is with any booming and loosely-regulated industry, there are outstanding CBD products and those that are a far cry from the good quality. There are plenty of factors which determine whether or not the CBD oil of your choice falls into the first category.
These factors will show up in each of the reviews below, so read on carefully and see if any of our 10 best CBD oils for pain lives up to your expectations.
So without further ado, let us proceed!
1. Pure Kana Natural CBD Oil
Noteworthy features:
Derived from 100% organic hemp
Does not contain GMO and chemical fertilizers
THC levels are below 0.03%
Lab tested or quality, safety, and potency
Potent
Extracted with CO2
Ships to all 50 states
Our take on PureKana Natural CBD Oil:
PureKana is famous for helping thousands of patients all across the U.S. with their CBD oil drops for pain. They were mentioned by high-authority websites in the industry, such as High Times and HERB where they were awarded as one of the best CBD oil manufacturers of 2017.
Like every reputable company, PureKana has mastered the CO2 extraction process to ensure the highest purity of their final product. Their natural oil is unflavored and can be used as a daily supplement to promote better health and vitality. Patients who use PureKana Pure CBD oil report significant improvements in chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia.
2. Green Roads CBD
Noteworthy features:
Manufactured by licensed pharmacists
Fully organic
Derived from non-GMO certified grade industrial hemp
Extremely potent
High concentrations of CBD per mL
Comes at competitive prices
3rd-party tested for safety, quality, and purity
Our take on Green Roads CBD:
Green Roads CBD has been around for a while and the company never ceases to impress us with the potency of their products. They have coined a name as an extremely successful manufacturer who delivers only top-notch quality CBD oils to the market.
If you’re looking for some potent CBD oil to bring relief to your pain-related concerns almost instantly, Green Roads CBD has you covered. Their products are infused with pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol that is extracted with the use of CO2 to remain pure and potent.
Speaking of potency, Green Roads CBD produces some of the most potent cannabidiol-infused oils on the market right now, and while it may not be a strong go-to for beginners, more demanding patients will find their products blissful.
3. CBD Essence Tinctures
Noteworthy features:
Sourced from 100% natural industrial hemp grown in Denmark
Safe for both humans and pets
Comes at competitive prices
Offers high potency
Full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes
Extracted with CO2
Lab tested
Our take on CBD Essence Tinctures:
According to many CBD users, CBD Essence’s tincture is the creme de la creme of CBD hemp oils when it comes to relieving pain and keeping anxiety at bay. The advanced and natural formula that involves a unique extraction process which has been mastered to perfection makes it perfectly understandable why the oil is so appreciated among CBD consumers.
CBD Essence offers the so-called full spectrum of cannabinoids, meaning that in addition to the main active ingredient – which is, of course, cannabidiol – the oil contains other cannabinoids as well as other terpenes and flavonoids to bolster the therapeutic effects of the tincture. Finally, CBD essence tinctures are THC-free, meaning they don’t make people high.
4. Elixinol CBD Tincture (Hemp Oil Drops, 3600mg CBD)
Noteworthy features:
Maximum potency
Available in two flavors: natural and cinnamint
Sourced from fully organic hemp, free of GMO, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides
Full spectrum of cannabinoids
Extracted with CO2
Tested by independent labs
Our take on Elixinol CBD Tinctures:
Elixinol is hands down one of the best CBD manufacturers in the industry at the moment. Although some people may find their products expensive, their quality totally makes up for the price tag.
The oil drops are extremely potent, with 1mg of the oil containing 10mg of CBD. This allows you to have full control of your CBD dosage, making sure the relief from pain comes as soon as possible.
While Elixinol has received several awards for their products, it’s the flavor profile that has made us impressed like never before. If you can’t stand the natural flavor of your CBD oil anymore, go ahead and buy the cinnamint variety – it will make your CBD supplementation not only efficient but also super tasty.
5. Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract
Noteworthy features:
Sourced from the world’s famous high-CBD strain, Charlotte’s Web
Full spectrum of cannabinoids, amino acids, and terpenes
Offers high potency,
Contains only the highest-quality hemp oil,
Lab tested for purity
Our take on Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract:
If you know the story of Charlotte Figi,a girl who suffered from Dravet syndrome and was experiencing a great number of seizure attacks until she was given one magical, CBD-rich strain bred by Stanley Brothers. As you may have already noticed, the strain was named after the girl.
Their famous strain has been transformed into a plethora of products, including their top-shelf CBD oil. This is a whole plant extract, meaning that it also contains other cannabinoids – including CBG, CBN, and CBC – as well as amino acids, phytonutrients, and terpenes.
6. CBD Pain Cream
Noteworthy features:
100% organic
No artificial additives
Super effective in relieving pain and fighting inflammation
Comes at competitive prices
Can be applied topically
Okay, this is not a CBD oil, but it’s so effective that it very well deserves the 6th place on our list. This product has conquered the hearts of medical patients and athletes thanks to its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Our take on CBD Pain Cream:
The product is truly revolutionary; even top chiropractic offices and holistic retailers use it to help people fight with pains, aches, arthritis, and sports injuries. Most importantly, you can draw from all those benefits for only $40, which is pretty amazing if you ask us.
Last but not least, using the CBD pain cream is easy like a walk in a park. All you need to do is to apply a small amount of the cream to any injured or aching area and rub it in so that it gets absorbed by your skin. Use it every 4 to 6 hours and you will be astonished by the results.
7. Koi CBD Isolate (0 % THC)
Noteworthy features:
Sourced from 100% organic hemp
Free of GMO, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers
0% THC
Perfect for pain and anxiety
Lab tested
If you’re looking for a CBD oil that has full traceability from the very sourcing to the finished product, Koi CBD will live up to your standards. The company offers one of the cleanest oils on the market, one that is THC-free, involves no use of hexane and any harsh solvents, and contains no GMO.
In addition to their outstanding transparency, Koi CBD offers a wide selection of products; the list includes CBD oils, vape liquids, pet treats, CBD topicals, and edibles
We have searched the Internet for user reviews and we’ve managed to find several common denominators for each case. In other words, each of the examined customers reported strong pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved stress management, better appetite control, and a clear mind. These, however, are only just a few examples of what the Koi CBD oil has done for patients. Some CBD users even claim that the product has helped them with the restless leg syndrome, while others stopped experiencing problems with memory loss.
8. CBD Pure Hemp Oil
Noteworthy features:
The oil is produced from organic hemp grown in Denmark
It contains no artificial additives
THC level is below 0.03%
Comes in 3 dosage options
Outstanding transparency in terms of 3rd-party lab tests
Extracted with CO2 and with the cold-press method
Our take on CBD Pure Hemp Oil:
Let’s be honest, CBD Pure may not be as popular among users as Pure Kana or CBD Koi, but don’t be fooled by their modesty as they manufacture some of the best CBD oils for pain; their tinctures were featured in numerous online publications.
Actually, their reputation is very well deserved, as the company is second-to-none when it comes to transparency. Their CBD oil has been tested by independent 3rd party labs and you can see the results on their website. In addition to the outstanding purity of the final product, the CBD oil by CBD Pure is fully organic, pesticide- and GMO-free, and it doesn’t contain any harmful pathogens or microorganisms.
9. NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil Tinctures
Noteworthy features:
Sourced from 100% organic hemp grown on licensed farms in Colorado
Contains full spectrum of cannabinoids
3rd-party verified for purity
GMO-free
Extracted with CO2
Our take on NuLeaf CBD Oil Tinctures:
NuLeaf is not as popular as other CBD brands, but it doesn’t mean they make inferior CBD products. On the contrary, their CBD oil is of exceptional quality, which is why we expect the company to start gaining popularity really soon.
As opposed to other brands listed in our article, the NuLeaf CBD oil is sourced from industrial hemp grown in Colorado, so it’s a 100% USA product. Moreover, the company provides 3rd party lab test results so that you know what’s inside before you even place your hands on the oil.
The CO2 extraction method ensures that there are no pesticides, no mycotoxins, and no heavy metals whatsoever. As a result, the NuLeaf CBD oil is over 99% pure; pair it with the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, and it turns out that a niche product can outperform some of the biggest players in the industry.
Most importantly, the oil is all-natural, meaning it is free of GMO, preservatives, artificial additives, flavorings, or emulsifiers.
10. CBDistillery CBD Oil
Noteworthy features:
Outstanding product quality
Made from 100% organic hemp
3rd party tested for purity
Full spectrum of cannabinoids
Ships to all 50 states
Last but not least, ladies and gentlemen, the CBD oil with maximum potency for pain management – CBDistillery CBD oil tinctures. If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to alleviate your health concerns, this 99% pure CBD supplement will help you from everything from stress to chronic pain and insomnia. Our take on CBDistillery CBD Oil:
On top of that, CBDistillery is a truly dedicated manufacturer. They really love what they do and most importantly, they are honest with their customers about the 3rd-party lab test results. Such a degree of transparency means that the company has nothing to hide and is proud of their CBD oil – and they have a good reason to feel this pride.
CBD Oil For Pain: A New Hope
Thankfully, gone are the times when doctors were prescribing traditional painkillers and anti-inflammatories like candies. Now, with a greater level of awareness in terms of the complexity of chronic issues – such as pain, for example – we know that there is no magic pill to solve the issue and we need to defeat the core of the problem in order to get back on track with our lives.
In the light of the growing body of both scientific and anecdotal evidence, there is much hope in CBD for the future treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative issues. Cannabidiol succeeds where pharmaceuticals fail, which is why it has managed to conquer hearts of patients from all over the world.
CBD is non-intoxicating, it comes with a plethora of potential therapeutic benefits, and above all, it has no side effects of traditional painkillers. That being said, you can use it both acutely and as a regular supplement to combat your health conditions on a long-term basis.
All in all, we cannot help but hope there will be more in-depth research into the relationship between CBD and pain management. Only then will cannabidiol become a globally acknowledged medicine.
Appetite control
Pain-sensation
Just as we mentioned before, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body by regulating a variety of vital processes; these include:
Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, followed by the cannabis revolution in the U.S. over the last decade, CBD and other phytocannabinoids have gained much of the spotlight in the world of contemporary medicine.
To cut the long story short, cannabis has long been a known medicine, but only recently scientists have managed to answer the question that bothered them most: why?
People have been using cannabis for a plethora of reasons. The earliest records of the medical use of the plant date back to ancient China, when the emperor Shen-Nung used cannabis for the first time and encouraged his advisors to place the plant among other therapeutic substances in the Chinese encyclopedia of medicine. The people of India, on the other hand, have been using cannabis as a mixture of the plant and milk; the mix is known as bhang.
CBD Oil For Pain: Cannabidiol And the Endocannabinoid System
There’s no other way than to experience the potential therapeutic effects of CBD first hand. But before we move on to our list of 10 best CBD oils for pain, let’s shed light on the analgesic mechanism of this cannabinoid.
Nonetheless, as the legal status of CBD is continuously heading towards the bright future, there is hope that we will soon be able to see more in-depth studies emerging from the scientific world. Plus, let us not forget that there are massive numbers of self-reports coming from patients using CBD as their go-to painkiller, so even in the light of relatively modest data about cannabidiol, we can’t deny that there has to be something about it.
The majority of science-backed evidence supporting the benefits of using CBD oil for pain comes from animal studies and preclinical human research, which is one of the major reasons why cannabidiol remains unapproved by FDA.
Most importantly, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning that it won’t take you high – unlike THC, its psychoactive ‘brother’. In addition to being a trusted source of pain relief, CBD has been proven by numerous studies to promote anti-anxiety effects and induce what the users commonly refer to as “tranquility and full alertness”. Finally, cannabidiol does not interact with the brain’s reward area, so in other words, it’s non-addictive.
The reason why scientists have become so CBD-optimistic these days lies in the very nature of cannabidiol. This natural chemical compound of cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, and therefore, helps them regulate a wide range of vital processes.
Thankfully, over the last couple of years, CBD oil has become extremely popular for treating pain-related issues. It can be found both online as well as local health stores. Actually, cannabidiol has proven so effective that more and more medical professionals are choosing it instead of traditional painkillers as the go-to treatment.
CBD Oil: Your Natural Painkiller
Back in the days, the range of possible treatments for chronic pain was limited to pharmaceutical painkillers; and while it’s true that they bring short-term relief, they fail to tackle the real reason behind constant pain, which is most commonly associated with inflammation.
Living with pain can be truly burdensome. When you suffer from acute pain, it’s much easier to deal with it, but when the pain turns chronic, things start getting much worse. Chronic pain, which is a common civilizational issue, can loom shadow over your general well-being, making it almost impossible for you to perform your daily tasks over time.