CBD for Pain.

CBDa & CBD For Pain

Cannabidiol (CBD) and it’s acidic precursor CBDa both have reported pain relieving properties, but what does the current science say about CBDa and CBD for pain and how do I know which products or combination of products are right for me?


In this blog post we explore the relationship between CBDa and CBD for pain relief, how they are different and how they may be used together as well as different types of CBD products for pain, and the potential benefits you can expect from using CBDa and CBD products for pain relief. 


Let’s start with the current scientific literature on the subject of CBDa and CBD for pain.


The Science 


CBD 


Although no clinical trials have yet been conducted on humans for CBD and pain, animal studies suggest that CBD, especially at higher doses (50-150mg/day), is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis and others. Although success in animal studies doesn’t guarantee success in humans, CBD has potential to be a very effective analgesic medication especially when combined with other cannabinoids like THC and CBDa.


CBDa


CBDa is the acidic precursor to CBD found in raw (unheated) cannabis and hemp flowers. CBDa converts to CBD with heat, oxidation or prolonged uv light exposure. CBDa has been found to be vastly more potent and effective than CBD. A few studies have shown CBDa to be:



Because CBDa is more potent than CBD lower doses can be used to achieve the same results. CBDa is a cox 2 inhibitor and a highly selective 5-HT1A antagonist (serotonin receptor). The powerful potential of CBDA for pain is only beginning to be explored, but so far the research coupled with our own anecdotal experience suggests that CBDa is one of the most powerful phytocannabinoids for a variety of pain related conditions. 



CBDa CBD trichomes

Terpenophenolic compounds known as phytocannabinoids like CBD and CBDA may hold the key to the future of pain management


Products


A wide variety of hemp derived CBDa and CBD products are currently available on the market, especially online. You will see everything from serums to salves being advertised for a vast array of uses and health related claims. The FDA does not regulate CBD products as dietary supplements or food additives, so consumers beware of exaggerated marketing claims and products that claim to have CBD but in fact do not. 


As always we suggest buying your CBDa and CBD products from reputable brands with third party lab tests results available on their website. You should be able to contact these companies via their website and get answers to any questions you may have. If you can’t find contact information or they don’t respond in a timely manner to your inquiry you might want to move on to a more trustworthy source. 


Topicals


CBDa and CBD topical products for pain include:


  • Balms
  • Lotions
  • Creams
  • Body Oils

 

These products work by targeting CB2 and other receptors in the skin and reducing inflammation and pain locally. Topicals like our Raw Hemp Balm should be your first choice for single or isolated pain management like a sore foot or shoulder, but if deeper or more systemic pain relief is desired topicas can be used in conjunction with ingestibles like sublingual tinctures or gummies for an inside-out approach to natural pain relief. 



Tinctures


Traditional tinctures are made by soaking a healing herb, flower, or root in either alcohol or an oil base and then straining the mixture to remove the solids from the liquids. The filtered liquid is then poured into tincture bottles with droppers for precision dosing. 


Tinctures typically come in a base of either:


  • Alcohol
  • Oil (Olive Oil, MCT, Hempseed Oil, etc.)
  • Vinegar
  • Vegetable Glycerine

Sublingual tinctures like our Raw Hemp Sublingual are by far the most popular CBD tinctures on the market. The lipids found in the oil act as a carrier for the cannabinoids and enhance the products overall bioavailability, flavor and effect. 


Awakened Raw Cannabis Sublingual Lizzy Jeff


Edibles 


The most popular CBD edibles on the market right now are:


  • CBD Gummies
  • CBD Chocolates
  • CBD Beverages

You will also find CBD infused honey, hard candies and just about anything else you can think of. Edibles are a fun and effective way to get your phytocannabinoids. CBDa and CBD edibles pass through the digestive system and can take up to an hour or more to have any effect. Many people prefer the discrete approach to consumption that edibles provide or perhaps you are  trying to cut down on smoking or just want tasty treats. No matter what your reason, CBD edibles may be just the sweet relief you are looking for. 


Flower


CBD flower like our Raw Hemp Flower has come a long way in the last few years. Oregon has perhaps become the best known supplier of high quality low THC hemp flowers. With names like Sweet Wife, Bubba Kush and Special Sauce. CBD flower is a pure way to receive the benefits of whole flower hemp. Some customers enjoy making their own topicals, tinctures and edibles from CBD-rich flowers while others enjoy smoking the flowers in a pipe, bong or joint for rapid relief through the lungs. CBDa found in raw hemp flowers mostly converts to CBD when heated.


Conclusion


CBDa and CBD may play a key role in the future of pain relief. Although clinical trials are needed, the current research is very promising in terms of CBDa and CBD for pain, especially that of CBDa due to its increased potency and effectiveness. Topicals, tinctures, edibles, and flowers are the four primary ways people consume CBDa and CBD for pain relief. Choosing the right product and formula for you is important to your long term health and wellness, so make sure and buy from trusted brands with transparent business practices.


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