Pain is more than a sensation; it's a complex and multifaceted experience that varies widely from person to person. From the sharpness of acute pain that alerts us to injury to the persistent throb of chronic pain like arthritis pain and migraines that can dominate our daily lives, understanding pain isn't always a linear journey.
Today, we turn our attention to a promising but often misunderstood player in the realm of pain management: cannabidiol (CBD).
Extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD has been gaining traction for its potential role in modulating pain, not as a cure, but as a component in the complex puzzle of pain relief.
There's a large market for CBD gummies for pain, and they come in all forms, like CBD oil, gummies, topicals, and smokable CBD products. In this article, we'll discuss how these different product types could fit into this complex jigsaw and what makes for the best CBD best cbd products for pain relief.
What is the Best CBD for Pain?
No one CBD oil on the market will be the best pain relief answer for everyone.
Pain is a complex adversary, and its management requires a tailored approach. Echoing this sentiment, a notable study found that 62% of CBD users utilize it for treating medical conditions like pain, anxiety, and depression, though official evaluations of CBD for these specific uses are still pending [1].
Impressively, about 1/3 of these users reported experiencing significant relief with CBD alone.
This speaks volumes about CBD’s potential in the realm of pain management. When discussing the most effective type of CBD for pain, the consensus among experts often points toward full-spectrum CBD products [2].
This preference is rooted in the concept of the 'entourage effect,' where the combined impact of various cannabis compounds is believed to be more potent than any single compound alone, offering a more well-rounded approach to pain relief.
Best CBD Products for Pain Relief
- Neurogan CBD Oil (12,000 mg)
- Neurogan Mixed Berry CBD Gummies (3600 mg)
- Neurogan CBD Roll-On
- Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
- MedTerra Pain Relief Capsules
- Foria Intimacy Melts with CBD
- Charlotte's Web CBD Muscle Recovery Gummies
- Joy Organics Sports CBD Cream
- CBDistillery CBD Isolate Oil
- Neurogan RSO Tincture
While none of these products are designed exclusively for pain relief, a growing number of users are testifying to their effectiveness in this regard.
Amidst the myriad of options available online, we've narrowed down a list of products that stand out for their popularity, quality, and reliability. Each product mentioned here comes from a reputable brand known for producing high-quality CBD and, importantly, backed by third-party lab testing.
1. Neurogan CBD Oil (12,000 mg)
This ultra high-potency CBD oil was voted number one for the best CBD product for severe pain.
This premium oil is crafted using full-spectrum CBD, offering the complete range of cannabinoids for enhanced effects, commonly known as the 'entourage effect.' We also have a broad spectrum option (the best CBD for pain that's THC-free), ensuring versatility and personalization in your CBD journey.
What sets this CBD oil apart is not just its high potency but also its form factor. As the most potent CBD oil on the market, it becomes an ideal choice for those needing higher potencies, especially when using cbd products for back pain.
The oil format offers another significant advantage: the ability to fine-tune your dosage with precision. Unlike pre-dosed methods such as CBD gummies or capsules, the liquid form allows for more accurate dosing adjustments, enabling users to find their optimal dosage more easily and accurately.
2. Neurogan Mixed Berry CBD Gummies (3600 mg)
Our Full Spectrum CBD Gummies Squares (3600 mg) offer an ideal solution for those seeking a convenient, no-fuss approach to CBD consumption.
Recognized as the strongest full-spectrum CBD gummies on the market, each vegan-friendly gummy square packs an impressive 120 mg of CBD. This high dosage per gummy is a stand-out in the market and caters to those who prefer simplicity in their regimen.
Many customers have shared their experiences of using our CBD gummies for joint pain, back pain, and even chronic headaches. It's important to clarify that these are personal accounts and should not be taken as medical advice or a direct endorsement for these specific issues.
3. Neurogan CBD Roll-On
The Neurogan CBD Roll-On packs a potent 4000 mg concentration of full spectrum CBD infused with botanicals that give a soothing sensation to the skin.
The easy-to-use CBD roll-on applicator is a game-changer for those who are always on the move or frequently encounter aches and discomfort. It's designed for direct, mess-free application, allowing you to target areas of discomfort with ease precisely. The cooling sensation provided by the plant-based ingredients offers an immediate soothing effect, enhancing the overall experience.
Its portability means it can be easily carried in a gym bag, purse, or even kept in your car for relief whenever and wherever you need it
4. Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
Cornbread Hemp's commitment to keeping things simple resonates in every drop of this Whole Flower CBD Oil.
This is a full spectrum CBD oil made from USDA-certified organic hemp flowers — not the stems or stalks. By focusing on the flowers rather than stems or stalks, Cornbread Hemp has produced a CBD extract that has a prominent terpene profile, which is why Cornbread Hemp has opted to leave this CBD oil unflavored.
This unique feature makes it a favorite among connoisseurs who appreciate the finer subtleties of CBD products.
For people experiencing joint pain or other chronic aches, the 1500 mg bottle has been their preferred variation as it delivers 50 mg of CBD per serving.
5. MedTerra Pain Relief Capsules
At the heart of MedTerra's Pain Relief Capsules is a clinically proven ingredient, Levagen®+ PEA, paired with the age-old benefits of turmeric [4]. PEA, or palmitoylethanolamide, is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide in your body, somewhat akin to the compounds found in the endocannabinoid system. This similarity hints at PEA’s potential to influence the body’s pain response in a manner comparable to CBD.
Levagen®+ takes PEA's natural efficacy a step further. It's a specially formulated version of PEA that boasts nearly double the bioavailability of its regular counterpart. This enhanced form of PEA has been clinically proven to reduce pain, sometimes in as little as three days, marking it as a significant ingredient in the pursuit of pain relief.
While the MedTerra Pain Relief Capsules present an intriguing option for those seeking plant-based remedies, it's important to approach them with realistic expectations. MedTerra recommends using these capsules over a prolonged period to maximize their effectiveness, emphasizing consistency and patience with CBD products.
6. Foria Intimacy Melts with CBD
Let's talk about a different type of pain that's not always obvious when it comes to using CBD products.
Foria Intimacy Melts with CBD presents a unique and innovative approach to enhancing comfort and pleasure in intimate moments. Unlike the other products in our list, these all-natural CBD suppositories containing 50 mg of full spectrum CBD are specifically designed for both vaginal and anal use.
This thoughtful design acknowledges the diverse needs that individuals may have when seeking comfort and pleasure in their intimate lives. They serve as a gentle yet effective means to enhance intimate encounters, offering a blend of ease and relaxation that can significantly elevate the sexual experience.
Additionally, these suppositories have found a place in supporting period pain, offering a versatile application. The use of CBD in this format provides a direct, localized approach, making it a unique option for those seeking alternative methods to manage such discomforts.
7. Charlotte's Web CBD Muscle Recovery Gummies
With a total of 900 MG of CBD distributed across 90 gummies, each gummy delivers a manageable 10 MG of CBD, making these ideal for beginners or those who prefer lower dosages.
What sets these gummies apart is their CBD content and the carefully curated blend of ingredients that accompany it. These gummies are infused with ginger and turmeric, known for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, and they are designed to support joint mobility and muscle recovery. This blend harnesses the power of full-spectrum hemp extract, providing a botanical synergistic approach to pain management.
Whether it's for easing into the world of CBD or for a gentle nudge towards better joint mobility and muscle recovery, Charlotte's Web CBD Muscle Recovery Gummies offer a balanced and approachable solution.
8. Joy Organics Sports CBD Cream
This is a CBD cream for pain that's THC-free.
Joy Organics has tailored this cream to cater not only to effectiveness but also to those with sensitive skin. The use of all organic ingredients underscores its ethos for maintaining clean and simple formulas, making this product a preferred option for many.
This THC-free, broad spectrum CBD cream is housed in a convenient 8 oz pump container, offering a substantial 1000 MG of CBD.
While not the highest potency available on the market, this level is carefully chosen to provide effective relief while remaining suitable for both newcomers and regular CBD users. However, you may find that this cream isn’t substantial enough on its own for severe chronic pain.
9. CBDistillery CBD Isolate Oil
CBDistillate offers a distinct experience for those seeking the pure, isolated effects of CBD.
Contained in a standard 1 oz bottle, this unflavored tincture delivers a potent 2500 mg of CBD, catering to individuals who prefer a straightforward, unadulterated CBD experience without the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
This purity makes the CBDistillery’s CBD isolate oil an attractive option for those who may have sensitivities to other cannabinoids or simply prefer an isolate's tasteless, odorless nature
While this isolate provides a high concentration of CBD, it may not deliver the same breadth of effects as full spectrum or broad spectrum options with equivalent potency. The absence of the 'entourage effect' — the synergistic interaction of various cannabis compounds — means that the isolate might not exert as strong an impact as its full or broad spectrum counterparts.
Despite this, this CBD product is still considered a high-quality choice for those looking to incorporate a pure form of CBD into their pain management regimen.
10. Neurogan RSO Tincture
At Neurogan, we're proud to introduce our Danish-inspired RSO (Raw Scandinavian Oil) Tincture — the first of its kind — to the world of full spectrum CBD products.
Each dropper of our raw, unheated extract delivers a potent 66.6 mg dose, culminating in a total of 4000 mg of cannabinoids in each bottle.
We've meticulously blended an unmatched array of cannabinoids with a robust profile of naturally occurring terpenes, including Caryophyllene, Humulene, Terpinolene, and Linalool.
While we refrain from making direct claims about its efficacy in treating pain, the robust cannabinoid and terpene profile in our RSO Tincture is designed to harness the full spectrum of hemp's natural properties.
These components work together to potentially enhance the body's response to pain, creating what is known as the 'entourage effect.' This effect is believed to maximize the therapeutic properties of the tincture, possibly making it more effective in managing various types of pain than isolates.
With roots deeply embedded in our Scandinavian heritage, our tincture is partly sourced from Danish-grown hemp. Each drop is a tribute to this legacy, combining tradition with cutting-edge extraction techniques.
What Type of CBD Works Best for Pain?
The diversity in human physiology means that there truly is no one-size-fits-all solution for pain, even among the list above of the best CBD products for pain relief. Although if you’re looking for a specific review on the best cbd oil for pain, we’ve deeply reviewed that area.
This principle holds especially true when considering the various types of CBD products available. Each form of CBD — be it edible (CBD gummies, capsules, and mints), smokable, or topical — carries distinct characteristics that can influence its effectiveness in managing pain.
Ingesting a CBD gummy or smoking a CBD vape has systemic effects as the cannabinoids circulate through the endocannabinoid system, potentially influencing factors beyond just pain, such as mood and sleep.
This is particularly relevant when considering that pain is often a multi-faceted experience influenced by various physiological and psychological factors.
On the other hand, topical CBD for pain relief offers a more localized approach for muscle or joint aches.
Applied directly to the skin, these CBD creams and balms are sometimes combined with ingredients with complementary anti-inflammatory properties that are designed for targeted support, potentially providing relief at the site of discomfort like muscle soreness or knee pain. Although there are many options, CBD gummies for joint and knee pain seem to be the easiest to take.
The real key to determining what type of CBD works best for pain lies in experimentation and personal experience. In many cases, combining different types of CBD products may yield the best results. This multi-pronged approach allows individuals to tap into both the systemic and localized benefits of CBD, tailoring their pain management strategy to their specific needs.
How to Use Cannabinoids for Pain Relief
There's no singular prescribed method on how to use cannabinoids like CBD or THC for pain relief, but here are some ideas for how you could use the best CBD products for pain.
How Much CBD or THC to Take for Pain
It's essential to understand that while research continues to evolve, current studies suggest that higher doses of cannabinoids (50 mg +) might be more effective for managing pain [3]. However, this does not constitute a recommendation, as individual experiences and needs vary greatly.
You should be mindful of taking higher doses of THC as it does have psychoactive properties that can lead to emotional distress at high doses if you aren't ready for it.
When to Take CBD Oil for Pain
A notable aspect of using cannabinoids for pain relief is their potential role within a broader pain management strategy. It's common to find individuals integrating CBD use with other methods like physical therapy or dietary adjustments aimed at reducing inflammation. This integrative approach recognizes that pain relief is often multi-dimensional, requiring a combination of interventions for optimal results.
In terms of usage patterns, many approach cannabinoids on an "as-needed" basis, turning to products like CBD oil or edibles when pain episodes arise. This method allows for flexibility and immediate response to discomfort. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a consistent, daily intake of low to moderate doses. This regular usage is based on the understanding that supporting the endocannabinoid system — a critical component in regulating pain and inflammation — can be a proactive way to manage pain.
It's imperative to emphasize that while these usage patterns are observed among many CBD users, they should not be taken as medical advice. The effectiveness of cannabinoids can vary, and it's important for individuals to consult healthcare professionals, especially when considering cannabinoids as part of a pain management plan.
This information aims to provide a general overview of how some people use cannabinoids for pain relief based on current studies and anecdotal reports.
Benefits & Side Effects of CBD for Pain
CBD's approach to pain relief can be likened to a conductor orchestrating a symphony — it doesn't just target a single aspect of discomfort but potentially influences a range of factors that contribute to pain.
This broad-acting approach is largely due to its interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that plays a key role in regulating sleep, mood, and pain. CBD may indirectly affect these areas by engaging with the ECS, offering a more holistic approach to managing discomfort.
Despite its potential benefits, it's important to acknowledge that CBD, like any supplement, is not without its side effects. Most people find CBD to be fairly safe, but it's not uncommon to experience certain adverse reactions, particularly when starting out or if the dosage is too high.
Common side effects include digestive upset, lethargy, and drowsiness. These symptoms are often indicative of excessive dosage.
In many cases, the solution is as straightforward as dialing back the amount taken. This simple adjustment can help mitigate these side effects, making the CBD experience more comfortable and beneficial.
CBD can interact with certain medications, so professional guidance is vital to ensure safety and avoid any potential adverse interactions.
The Takeaway: The Best CBD for Pain
The key takeaway is the individualized nature of pain relief — there is no universal solution but a spectrum of possibilities CBD offers.
Neurogan's range of products, from the high-potency Neurogan CBD Oil (12,000 mg) to the convenient and strong full-spectrum Neurogan CBD Gummies (3600 mg), exemplifies the diverse avenues available for those seeking relief.
These products, standing among the best CBD products for pain, are about potency, quality, and a commitment to holistic well-being.
For those seeking the best CBD for pain that is THC-free, we also have broad-spectrum options, ensuring that everyone has access to the potential benefits of CBD, regardless of their personal preferences or requirements.
While CBD is not a cure-all, its interaction with the endocannabinoid system presents a compelling option for those looking to manage pain, whether it's through systemic or localized approaches — Neurogan is here to support you in finding a solution that resonates with your individual wellness journey.
Resources:
- Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. A. (2018). A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 152-161.
- Nahler, G., Jones, T. M., & Russo, E. B. (2019). Cannabidiol and contributions of major hemp phytocompounds to the “entourage effect”; possible mechanisms. J. Altern. Complementary Integr. Med, 5.
- Urits, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Habib, K., Lee, D., Lee, C., ... & Viswanath, O. (2020). Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 34(3), 463-477.
- Briskey, D., Roche, G., & Rao, A. (2021). The Effect of a Dispersible Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Joint Pain in an Adult Population–A Randomised, Double-Blind Study. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci, 10(9).
