Best CBD Gummies For Pain (Top-Rated Pain Gummies For 2022)

How CBD Works For Pain

Cannabinoids like CBD interact with our endocannabinoid system through receptors — some of which are responsible for pain.

CBD, in particular, interacts with the CB2 receptor, which regulates inflammation throughout the body. Your CB2 receptor is where the inflammation response to pain, trauma, or stress originates.

When you take CBD, it binds to this CB2 receptor, reducing the inflammation response throughout the body. Whether you have fibromyalgia, arthritis, side effects of a drug like steroids, or any number of conditions, reducing the inflammation in your body can drastically reduce your pain levels.

This anti-inflammatory property is just one aspect of CBD’s pain-relieving effects.

CBD also reduces neuropathic pain by blocking the transmission of pain from the spinal cord to the brain. It can even promote cell regeneration and reduced spasticity in the nerves, helping patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries [4].

Perhaps most universally, CBD can be used to treat the side effects of chronic and intermittent pain. CBD reduces anxiety, promotes better sleep, and calms your muscles, making a chronic pain sufferer feel much more relaxed.

If your pain causes insomnia, anxiety, or tension, CBD may help you deal with those peripheral symptoms.

Limitations of CBD For Pain

CBD can provide incredible pain relief for some folks, but there are limitations.

If you experience chronic pain or autoimmune pain, for example, you might need to take CBD for a while before it starts to work. A daily dose of CBD for a week or more can reduce chronic pain overall, but it might not offer immediate pain relief.

In the case of autoimmune disorder patients, CBD can provide pain relief, but it also takes longer to work. Autoimmune pain is an inflammatory response, so CBD works to reduce that inflammation at the CB2 receptor.

However, it’ll probably take a few weeks of regular doses to work since the pain these patients experience is deep in the body — unlike the inflammation you can see visually on a twisted ankle or a bug bite.

What To Look For When Shopping For CBD Gummies For Pain

CBD gummies can offer fast, effective, consistent pain relief with very few side effects — but it’s imperative to find reputable vendors to source your products.

Because there is no government regulatory agency for CBD products, there are thousands of fraudulent CBD companies. Companies may make their CBD with less-than-ideal ingredients, more THC than they say, or other components that shouldn’t be there.

Luckily, it’s pretty simple to find a reputable manufacturer for your CBD. From third-party testing and holistic formulations to company reviews and ingredients to look out for, here’s what you need to know to shop for CBD gummies safely.

1. Third-Party Testing

Third-party lab testing is a way for CBD companies to regulate themselves without the conflict of interest that comes with testing their own products.

Essentially, CBD manufacturers send every batch off for testing by a reputable lab. The lab then tests for CBD concentration, other cannabinoid concentrations, any other compounds, and the product’s overall safety as a consumable good.

Never buy CBD from a company that doesn’t have third-party lab testing available. You should be able to download or view a lab test for each product with ease when shopping.

2. Holistic Formulations

Holistic formulations refer to CBD products that have more cannabinoids or compounds than just CBD. Because of the entourage effect, CBD works even better when it’s used in conjunction with other cannabinoids.

Some formulations include other herbs, vitamins, and compounds that can help your pain levels. For example, if pain makes it hard for you to fall asleep, look for a CBD product that includes melatonin.

While it’s not a requirement, finding a formulation with other cannabinoids and elements like melatonin may increase their efficacy.

3. Company Reviews

Even if a company has third-party lab testing and an appealing holistic formula, that doesn’t mean it’s a product that tastes good or works well. Reading company reviews is a great way to get a pulse on the product’s taste, effectiveness, dosages, and uses.

Of course, you shouldn’t base your entire decision on what other customers say. However, CBD users often try several products before landing on the one that works best, so the company reviews can be a great insight.

Make sure to balance these reviews with the other criteria on this list, especially third-party lab testing.

4. Consider The Gummy Base

CBD gummies are a unique CBD product because they include an element of food. Unlike CBD oil, gummies are made with a variety of materials.

Many gummies — CBD notwithstanding — are not vegan because of their use of gelatin. Gelatin comes from animal byproducts, so if you’re vegan, make sure to keep an eye out for a non-gelatin gummy when you’re shopping.

The flavoring and sugar content are also considerations. If you plan on taking CBD daily, for example, you might want to opt for a natural flavoring with less sugar, so you don’t get sick of the intense flavor or add unnecessary sugar to your diet.

Lucky for you, there are thousands of options for CBD gummies of all varieties these days so that you can run the gamut from indulgent snacks to simple vitamin-like doses.

How To Take CBD Gummies For Pain

Taking CBD gummies for pain is simple because gummies can be easily split up or added together for precise dosing. With a good formula, the CBD is equally distributed throughout the gummy.

If you’ve never tried CBD or have never taken it for pain management, make sure to start with a lower dose than you might think you need. The side effects of too much CBD can be uncomfortable, so it’s best to start low.

Increase the dose until you start to experience pain relief. You can keep raising the amount as long as you aren’t experiencing negative side effects. Listen to your body and dial in your perfect dose as you go.

If you have side effects, dial back your dose a click or two. Evidence shows that it’s unlikely to develop a physical tolerance to CBD over time, but as you grow accustomed to how it feels, you might be able to increase the dose again if needed.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Gummies?

The side effects of CBD gummies are few and mild but take them seriously like any other medication.

If you take too much CBD, you may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or euphoric. Some people experience low blood pressure, dry mouth, and fatigue in the first few days of taking CBD.

Long-term, some patients experience weight loss or gain, more frequent illness, or abnormal liver function. Make sure to always check with your doctor when starting a regular CBD regimen, especially if you’re on other medications.

How Many Gummies Should I Take For Pain?

Dosing CBD for pain is extremely subjective. Based on your weight, the strength of CBD you desire, and how much pain you’re experiencing, your dose will vary.

Use a simple dosage calculator to determine the right mg of CBD to take, then simply apply that to your gummies.

Remember, you can always cut gummies in half, double dose, or buy higher concentrations to meet your dosage needs. Some doctors say it’s ideal to take CBD regularly to experience the benefits fully, and gummies make it easy to know exactly how much you’re getting each day.

Don’t forget that although they’re delicious, CBD gummies aren’t a snack. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll ever take too much CBD, it can be uncomfortable to have more than you’re used to, so always start with low doses and work your way up over months or years if you want higher doses.

Related: The Best CBD:THC Ratio for Pain

Final Thoughts: Best CBD Gummies For Pain

The best CBD gummies for pain are the ones you’ll actually take. CBD can help manage inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, soreness, and even pain related to cancer and chronic conditions. Make sure to choose a CBD gummy that is third-party lab tested, made with U.S.-grown hemp, and crafted with the right formula for your body.

References

1. Argueta, D. A., Ventura, C. M., Kiven, S., Sagi, V., & Gupta, K. (2020). A balanced approach for cannabidiol use in chronic pain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 561.
2. Daily, J. W., Yang, M., & Park, S. (2016). Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of medicinal food, 19(8), 717-729.
3. Chen, W. W., Zhang, X., & Huang, W. J. (2016). Pain control by melatonin: Physiological and pharmacological effects. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 12(4), 1963-1968.
4. Wade, D. T., Collin, C., Stott, C., & Duncombe, P. (2010). Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Sativex (nabiximols), on spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 16(6), 707-714.