Chronic pain affects over 50 million people, making it the most common reason adults seek medical care. While medications like opioids were once the go-to treatment, there are major concerns about side effects and addiction potential with long-term use. This has prompted many people to look for safer alternatives that can provide pain relief without risky side effects. One option that has been gaining popularity recently is CBD. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, pure CBD products do not cause intoxication or a “high” feeling, making it appealing for pain management. 

The most convenient way to take CBD is through gummy edibles. CBD gummies have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering an easy, tasty way to get a precise dose of CBD anytime. As CBD gummies have become more mainstream and moved into major retail chains, the options on the market have exploded. When searching for a quality CBD gummy for pain management, there are a few key factors to consider:

Full-spectrum vs. CBD isolate 

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in hemp, including a tiny amount of THC (less than 0.3%). This creates an “entourage effect” where all components work together, ultimately being more effective than CBD alone. CBD isolate strips away everything but pure CBD, which still offers health benefits but may be less potent. For managing pain, full-spectrum CBD is typically the best option.

Dosage/strength  

cbd gummies are available in different doses or strengths, usually ranging from 5mg to 50mg of CBD each. Those new to CBD should start on the low end, while those using CBD for pain management may prefer a higher-potency gummy. It’s best to follow the recommended dosage on the package.

High quality and third-party testing

Since the CBD industry isn’t well regulated yet, it’s important to choose products made by reputable companies that adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Checking for up-to-date independent third-party lab tests gives you confidence that the gummies contain the listed amount of CBD and are free from potentially dangerous chemicals or contaminants. 

How do CBD gummies help relieve pain?

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for CBD gummies, how exactly may they help relieve chronic pain? Here’s an overview of the evidence on using CBD for pain:

• Reducing inflammation – Chronic inflammatory conditions are a major cause of persistent pain. The antioxidants in CBD may be able to reduce inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and cytokines. This ultimately minimizes pain symptoms.
• Activating Serotonin Receptors CBD is thought to activate serotonin receptors, which improve mood while dulling the perception of pain signals in the brain. This may explain CBD’s ability to alleviate severe forms of pain.
• Interacting with the endocannabinoid system – The endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates functions like immune response, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation. CBD supplements the ECS by preventing endocannabinoid deficiencies that lead to chronic pain or autoimmunity. 

While more clinical research is still needed, these mechanisms help shed light on how ingesting CBD gummies could dampen pain flares in chronic pain conditions. Patients generally report successful outcomes using them for arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathic pain, MS pain, and more.