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Research into CBD for pain is ongoing, but there are promising results. See our hands-on reviews for the best CBD gummies for pain based on potency, taste, and type.
Few natural substances have garnered as much attention as cannabidiol (CBD). People are turning to it for pain relief, among other things. But can it really help?
Keep reading for a look at the research, plus our top picks for the best CBD gummies for pain.
Third-party lab testing takes out much of the guesswork in selecting high quality CBD gummies, says Dominique Fontaine, an integrative nurse specialist and medical cannabis consultant.
“Cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants are some specific labs that are tested for safety,” she explains. Before you purchase CBD gummies, check and see if they have a certificate of analysis or certifications like Good Manufacture Practices (GMP).
It’s also a good idea to find a manufacturer that includes dosage amounts and instructions for use, so you know how many CBD gummies to take for pain relief. “Look for the contents of the weight and other ways to appropriately measure the amount you need such as drops, ounces, and grams,” says Fontaine.
Any kind of cannabis-derived edibles — including CBD gummies — should include nutritional information somewhere on the packaging, says Fontaine. Look for information including:
You may find it helpful to look for brands that include information on how to store the CBD gummies, usually found on the website or the packaging. “Knowing when a product was made or when it expires is helpful to know, especially if it’s susceptible to spoilage,” she explains.
CBD’s potential to ease inflammation, anxiety, stress, and more has catapulted this compound into the limelight. But despite ongoing research, the degree to which it relieves pain remains a question mark.
Studies are often limited by factors such as small sample sizes, the involvement of diverse pain conditions, or the inclusion of THC, adding layers of complexity to the findings.
For example, a 2021 survey of people attending pain management clinics found that about 60% of respondents said CBD provided some pain relief, but more than 60% of the products they used contained THC.
In an 8-week study of 97 people with chronic pain who had been using opioids for at least a year, CBD softgels showed promise, allowing more than half the participants to reduce or completely stop their opioid use. And 9 in 10 participants reported reduced pain and better sleep.
Although the CBD capsules used in the 8-week study contained 0.5 mg of THC, this level falls well below the 1- to 2.5-mg threshold for a microdose, so it’s unlikely to have had a significant impact.
While CBD gummies and tinctures have gained popularity as a pain remedy, their effectiveness lacks a clear scientific consensus. Nevertheless, if you’re curious about trying CBD, high potency gummies might offer a more noticeable effect.
It’s advisable to introduce CBD gradually, either by starting with lower-dose products or by dividing higher-dose products into halves or quarters so that you can gauge your reaction.
Our testers found that CBD gummies took anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.
When you ingest CBD orally, it enters the gastrointestinal tract and travels to the liver to break down the substance into the bloodstream, explains Fontaine. The rate of absorption depends on many factors, including:
your overall health
digestion cycle
rate of metabolism
volume of substance
presence of other pharmaceuticals
type of CBD
Consumers should consider how soon they need the product to take effect for pain relief, says Fontaine. “Depending on the route you take — whether gummies, capsules, tinctures, or other routes — CBD can take effect in timeframe ranges as little as5 minutes to 1 hour or longer.”
It’s also best to start with a low dose and work up to your therapeutic “sweet spot” for optimal effects. “Always consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional when considering other medications, supplements, and nutrition to integrate into your health and wellness routine,” she says.
Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD product is prescription Epidiolex, an epilepsy medication. Over-the-counter CBD products are not FDA approved, and the quality of these products can vary.
Even though CBD offers numerous potential benefits, research is still evolving. If you want to try CBD gummies, it’s essential to choose a high quality product and be aware of possible side effects. Individual reactions may vary, particularly at higher doses.
Furthermore, CBD can interact with medications and supplements, so it’s best to consult a doctor before adding it to your daily routine for pain relief or other benefits.
Determining the right CBD dosage for pain management can be challenging, as it varies from person to person. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
Start low and go slow: Begin with a low dose of around 20 mg of CBD per day. This allows you to see how your body responds without overwhelming your system.
Consider your metabolism’s time frame: If you have slower digestion, an ingestible CBD may not run its course through your system when you need it to, unless you plan ahead. On the other hand, a very fast metabolism will kick in on the quicker end of the spectrum.
Gradually increase the dose: If you don’t experience the desired pain relief, gradually increase the dose by 5 to 10 mg every few days. Pay close attention to how you feel, as the optimal dose varies depending on factors like body weight, metabolism, and pain severity.
Consider your body weight: A common recommendation is to take 1 to 6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you might start with 15 to 25 mg of CBD per day.
Consult a healthcare professional: It’s always a good idea to discuss CBD use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Monitor and adjust: Keep track of your dosage and how it affects your pain. You may need to adjust the amount over time to find what works best for you.
Bear in mind that individual responses to CBD vary, so discovering the best dosage for your pain relief may require some trial and error.
You and your body are unique, so you may find the type of CBD you choose makes a difference in pain relief. There are three main types of CBD:
Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC. This type may provide the most comprehensive pain relief due to the “entourage effect,” where these compounds work together to enhance each other. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a holistic approach and don’t mind the presence of a small amount of THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD: This also includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has all the THC removed. It’s a good option if you want some of the benefits of the entourage effect without any THC. This type is ideal for those who want to avoid THC due to personal preference, sensitivity, or concerns about drug testing.
CBD isolate: This is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It’s ideal if you want to avoid THC and other compounds entirely or need high doses of CBD. It can be great for those who prefer a straightforward approach or have a sensitivity to other cannabinoids.
Ultimately, the best type of CBD for pain relief depends on your specific needs and how your body responds to CBD. You may need to experiment to find the most effective option for you and your specific health needs.
There’s no concrete evidence that CBD can definitively ease pain, but various studies have highlighted its potential.
If you’re living with chronic pain, it might be worth asking your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional whether CBD gummies or other products could be a beneficial addition to your pain management approach.
You can keep in mind that when purchasing CBD, it’s essential to choose reputable brands that offer high quality products. The ones we’ve featured here are an excellent starting point.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with a healthcare professional.
Last medically reviewed on June 18, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
