CBD OIL FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION & PAIN

What is Pain?

Broadly speaking, pain is inflammation occurring in response to physical injury, infection or toxicity. Inflammation manifests in a number of ways:

  • Tumour (swelling)

  • Rubour (redness)

  • Calor (heat)

  • Dolor (pain)

Pain is the most common presentation of both acute and chronic inflammation. However, inflammation is not necessarily a bad thing; acute inflammation is a crucial mechanism in human health and disease. From a naturopathic perspective, it is a signal that that your body is attempting to return itself to homeostasis (balance).

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in Inflammation & Pain

The ECS is involved in maintaining overall homeostasis in the body, connecting all of the body’s systems and organs. Research shows that it has an important role in a number of disease states and vital regulatory functions; including chronic inflammatory conditions and even regulation of immunity in the gut, anxiety and migraines.

Whilst the human body has its own endogenous cannabinoids, the most notable being anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol, plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) have been the subject of much research due to their potential therapeutic effect and ability to potentiate the regulation of the ECS.

Pain is often attributed to local alterations in pH, the formation of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators that are released to encourage local nerves to produce a sensation of pain. However, the actual process is more complex when it comes to the interactions involved that influence our final immune response and our perception of pain.

Endocannabinoids have an immunomodulatory effect and ability to regulate the emotional response to pain.

The original phytocannabinoids discovered were derived from the Cannabis sativa plant; the plant species contains over 80 different phytocannabinoid compounds with the most notable being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD (Cannabidiol); the most common phytocannabinoids in marijuana and hemp respectively.

Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System Following Central Nervous System Injury - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Overview-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-ECS-outlining-key-endocannabinoids-canna…

Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System Following Central Nervous System Injury - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Overview-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-ECS-outlining-key-endocannabinoids-cannabinoid_fig1_330449818 [accessed 22 Jun, 2020]

THC has been shown to work predominantly through the CB1 receptor as an antagonist, resulting in an intoxicating effect. In contrast, CBD has a low antagonistic effect on the CB receptors which, in short, accounts for its negligible psycho-activity when compared with THC. In fact, CBD raises levels of natural endocannabinoids anandamide (and 2-AG) and has an anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effect throughout the body

As a result, CBD and hemp oils have become popular recently because of their low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, resulting in medical benefits without the “high” of marijuana.

What conditions could CBD support?

  • Insomnia

  • Anxiety (panic attacks, OCD, stress etc.)

  • IBD i.e. Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis

  • Epilepsy

  • IBS

  • Arthritis

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Chronic pain

Checklist for Finding a High-Quality Cannabidiol and Hemp Oil Product

The main concern with CBD products is a result of the variation and lack of clarity when it comes to regulation and legislation regarding the Cannabis sativa plant.  In addition to this there has been a huge increase in new products being marketed and an accompanying lack of clarity about the different types of hemp and CBD oils. The final product depends hugely on what part of the plant is being extracted.

Below is a guideline when it comes to selecting your CBD product. We recommend products from KIKI Health but always consult a professional where possible.

  • Look for third party testing (Certificate of Analysis; CoA)

  • Does it meet the following quality standards?

a.     Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) certification from the US Food and Drug Administration

b.     European Union (EU), Australian (AUS), or Canadian (CFIA) organic certification

c.     National Science Foundation (NSF) International certification

  • Does the company have an independent adverse event reporting program?

  • Is the product certified organic or eco-farmed?

  • Have the products been laboratory tested by batch to confirm tetrahydrocannabinol levels <0.2% and there are no pesticides or heavy metals?

Safety and efficacy of CBD in the UK

  • CBD oil can legally be sold, stocked and recommended as food supplement in UK if contains <0.2% THC

  • Full-spectrum oil provides CBD, as well as terpenes, phytocannabinoids and essential oils

  • The brand and sourcing are important; always seek a recommendation from a qualified practitioner

  • Seek advice on dosing

  • Combine with other nutritional and naturopathic treatments i.e. anti-inflammatory, endocrine, gut microbiome and neuronal supporting interventions

  • Help improve and influence the ECS structure by supporting the cell membrane e.g. omega 3, omega 6, EFAs and arachidonic acids via supplements and food.

Elizabeth Wright