The reason that mainstream scientific research on CBD and pain relief is still so sketchy is pretty much because of the politics involved — at least in the United States, where all Cannabis derivatives are still considered to be Schedule One drugs; a Schedule One drug is considered a narcotic and is closely controlled by the FDA and other federal agencies. That’s always made it hard to obtain even enough CBD to conduct double-blind medical trials until very recently. But medical schools across the country are now taking a much greater interest in Cannabis-based products like CBD and their ability to reduce pain and stress. The anecdotal evidence that CBD can help reduce pain and stress is huge, according to researchers at the Michigan Medicine Chronic Pain and Fatigue Center for Research.
CBD oil is currently approved by the FDA, under the brand name Epidiolex, to help treat childhood epilepsy. As such, the FDA has certified that CBD is not addictive and does not appear to have any significant side effects when used as prescribed.
The opioid crisis of the last few years has made doctors and other medical practitioners like pharmacists very cautious when it comes to prescribing anything of a narcotic nature for pain management. And yet there is growing proof that CBD can be used safely and effectively in the management of pain issues, according to the experts at Jason D. Mills & Associates.
A recent medical survey showed that in a group of 2600 arthritis patients about 29% said they were currently using CBD to help treat the symptoms of arthritis, mostly for pain.
People with chronic pain issues should first seek medical counseling before using CBD, informs sgklawyers.com. Doctors say that before using CBD patients should:
Never smoke it or vape it. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the inhalants used for CBD are extremely detrimental to the lungs.
Always purchase it from a reputable manufacturer — many doctors have resource lists for CBD.
And make sure that CBD is legal in your state — some states still ban it or keep it strictly controlled.