Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis. Along with THC and terpenes, it is one of the active components in a wide range of CBD products such as flowers, topicals, edibles, vapes, dabs, tinctures, and more. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems by binding with cannabinoid receptors to regulate or modify different body functions.
Since its legalization through the farm bill act in 2018, patients have been using medical marijuana to help treat or alleviate symptoms of conditions such as pain, seizures, ALS, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and more. When you buy instant freeze relief rubs for back pain, you might wonder how CBD works for pain. In this blog, we focus on how CBD treats pain, the ECS system, and the best CBD products for pain.
CBD, pain, and the Endocannabinoids system.
The body produces natural cannabinoids called endocannabinoids that carry signals between cannabinoid receptors. Endocannabinoids, receptors, and chemicals make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. When you ingest, smoke, or apply hemp topically, the cannabinoid molecules attach to cannabinoid receptors in the bloodstream or skin.
The ECS affects other systems in the body like the immune, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and muscular systems. It helps to maintain homeostasis- maintaining a balance between body functions. The ECS plays a major role in regulating functions such as:
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Metabolism
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Hunger
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Mood
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Appetite
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Pain sensation
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Memory and learning
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Stress responses
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Fertility
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Thirst
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Time perception, and a host of others.
CBD may work for pain by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 in the ECS. Scientists believe the interaction of the receptors with cannabis stimulates the body to release natural pain killers and anti-inflammatory compounds.
How do topicals work?
There are different ways your body absorbs cannabis. One of the most common ways is through the lungs to the bloodstream by smoking or vaping. Edibles take a different route. CBD from gummies or brownies goes through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Topicals work differently from other products in that it is absorbed in the skin. The CBD molecules penetrate the sebaceous glands found in the hair follicles and bind to cannabinoid receptors.
Other CBD skin products like patches work transdermally to deliver cannabinoids to the bloodstream.
Types of topicals.
Creams & lotions: Creams and lotions contain cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds in a stabilized emulsion of oils, and water. The difference between lotions and creams is lotions contain a higher amount of water.
Balms and rubs: Rubs and balms are similar to creams but have a thicker consistency. They may also contain other compounds like methol to help soothe and improve blood circulation in localized areas.
Ointments: Ointments contain a very high amount of oil compared to other topicals and have a greasier consistency.
Others: Other topicals include salves, gels, etc.
CBD spectrum.
When you buy 500mg instant freeze relief rubs or other topicals, you may see terms like full-spectrum, isolate, etc. These terms refer to the number of cannabinoids present in the product.
Full-spectrum: A full-spectrum CBD product contains all or most of the available CBD in cannabis. This includes THC’s CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. Full-spectrum products do not contain more than 0.3 % THC per dry weight ( as mandated by the law). Full-spectrum products may be more potent and effective in treating pain compared to others because of the entourage effect- a phenomenon where different cannabinoids work synergistically together to produce a stronger effect.
Broad-spectrum: Broad-spectrum also contains a wide range of cannabinoids. unlike the full-spectrum products, it doesn’t have any THC.
Isolates: Isolates contain a high concentration of only one form of cannabinoid. Isolates could be high-purity CBD, delta 8, or CBG products.
Conclusion.
CBD topicals are used to treat different forms of pain. They are easy to use and have benign side effects compared to opioids and NSAIDs. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help fight pain and reduce inflammation. When next you shop for pain relief topicals online and find instant freeze relief rub 500mg for sale, you can be sure you will be getting an effective treatment.