People often ask me whether they should try CBD oil for fibromyalgia pain or chronic pain in general. I suppose it would depend on the person, but I have heard many promising things from those that have used it for the purposes of pain management. There is also research that demonstrates how CBD oil can be helpful in treating many health conditions. In this short article, I would like to explain what CBD oil is, how it differs from THC and hemp seed oil and why it may help reduce your pain, sleeplessness and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
What is CBD and THC?
You have likely heard of CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). They are two of the most well-known cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. While there is evidence that these oils contain health promoting benefits, THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is what produces the ‘high’ sensation in the body. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce this effect and is therefor better tolerated by most individuals.
Unlike THC, it is legal to sell and purchase products containing CBD oil in most regular stores and online. Products containing THC are much more regulated. Cannabis products are only sold through retailers authorized by our provincial or territorial government in Canada and you must be of legal age (18-21, depending on the province) to purchase them. Legal cannabis products with no THC or less than 0.3% have an excise stamp on the package and each province and territory has a differently colored excise stamp.
Hemp Seed Vs CBD Oil
Both Hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from the cannabis plant. The major difference between the two is that CBD oil comes from the leaves, flowers and stems, while hemp seed oil uses extract from the seeds of the plant. As with products containing CBD oils, Hemp seed does not typically cause any psychotropic effects because the levels of THC, if any, tend to be very low.
Hemp is high in antioxidants, vitamin D, B vitamins and omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Therefore, hemp also has health benefits from relieving constipation and other gastrointestinal issues to treating various skin conditions. Hemp seed has been used in products for quite some time, you may have seen hemp used as an ingredient in food, moisturizing lotions and other cosmetics. Note: hemp does not necessarily contain CBD Oil.
CBD Oil for Pain
Everyone knows prescription and over the counter drugs may help ease pain, inflammation and stiffness, but more and more people these days are in search of a more natural remedy. Fortunately, for many, CBD oil has provided much-needed natural pain relief. One of the major benefits of CBD oil is its ability to prevent or lessen inflammation in the body, which is especially beneficial for those who suffer from fibromyalgia and arthritis. Studies also show CBD oil to help with chronic pain, including muscle and joint pain.
Other Benefits of CBD Oil
Of course, there are many other benefits to using CBD oil and while more research needs to be done, studies have shown CBD oil may help greatly improve the following conditions:
- anxiety disorders
- sleep disorders
- depression
- migraine
- cluster headaches and migraines
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- nausea
- cancer
- allergies
- asthma
- epilepsy
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Is CBD Oil Right for Me?
First, only you can decide whether CBD oil is right for you. The best advice I can give you, is first, to think about what it is you want to achieve. If you simply want a great health supplement to add to your diet, perhaps go with a hemp seed product. If you want a natural alternative to painkillers, you may want to try a CBD product. On the other hand, if you want to experience the pain and inflammation reducing effects of CBD as well as achieve a bit of a ‘high’, there are also CBD/THC products available.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?
There is a wide variety of CBD oil products on the market today; many companies produce it, and it is available in retail outlets and online in many forms including oil, gummies and other edibles. You can also purchase creams and lotions that contain CBD. The quality and quantity also vary greatly. For this reason, it may feel a little confusing at first and a bit difficult to know where to start. Because of lack of regulation with CBD, it’s important to know whether you’re getting a good quality product without unnecessary fillers and at a reasonable price.
You must do your own research. cbdcentral.com provides a great CBD 5 step buying guide that may help you and is a good place to start. You should also consider visiting your government web page for more information on CBD and how it is regulated in your area. Also, visit your local pot shop to learn more about CBD as well as all cannabis products. Click here for more information on the health benefits of marijuana.
The Take-Away
The remarkable health benefits of a good quality CBD oil are becoming more and more clear. It can help with insomnia, inflammation, fibromyalgia, chronic pain as well as for a myriad of other health conditions, so it may be worth a try. It is still important, however, to speak with your doctor first and start slowly, especially if the product contains THC. I hope you have enjoyed this article, please leave me some of your comments below, and take care!