CBD for Pain – Experiences & Scientific Evidence

I still remember my neighbour, who struggled with severe back pain for years. Pills only helped for a short time, physiotherapy brought small progress, but the complaints remained. One day he came to me and said: “Have you ever heard of CBD? I’m thinking of trying it.”

Maybe you feel the same. Pain is a constant companion, sometimes in the neck after a long working day, sometimes in the joints after sports or simply due to a chronic condition. Many people are looking for alternatives to classic painkillers because they often have side effects or cannot be tolerated in the long term. This is where CBD comes in – a compound from the cannabis plant that is legally available in Switzerland as long as the THC content is below 1%.

In this article I want to show you what studies say so far about CBD for pain, what experiences consumers have had and what you should pay attention to if you want to try it yourself.

What studies show about CBD and pain

CBD (cannabidiol) has been intensively researched in recent years, even if science does not yet have all the answers. Interestingly, several studies provide indications that CBD can influence pain perception. Chronic pain such as osteoarthritis, neuropathies or inflammations is repeatedly examined.

A paper by Häuser et al. (2019) showed, for example, that cannabinoids can play a supportive role in certain forms of chronic pain. Other studies suggest that CBD could modulate inflammatory processes in the body (Philpott et al., 2017). What remains important: these are indications, not guarantees. Every body reacts differently, and the data is not yet as comprehensive as for classic medication.

What I find exciting: more and more researchers recommend not only relying on isolated CBD, but also on products with terpenes or other cannabinoids. This is called the so-called entourage effect – the interaction of various plant substances that can enhance the effect (Russo, 2019).

Everyday experiences

A colleague recently told me that after a knee injury she regularly used CBD cream. She said: “I don’t know if it was just the cream, but my recovery time felt more pleasant.” I often hear similar feedback – especially from people with muscle or joint complaints.

Many report that CBD helps them to relax better after a long day at work or to ease muscle strain after sport. There are also reports of migraine sufferers who talk about less intense attacks. Of course, this is individual – some notice something quickly, others hardly at all.

The cool thing is: such experiences give courage, even if they are not intended to replace scientific evidence. They show that CBD can definitely have a place in everyday life.

Application and dosage: finding your way

If you want to try CBD for pain, one of the most common questions is: how much should I take? The honest answer: there is no standard solution. Every body reacts differently, and factors such as weight, metabolism or intensity of pain play a role.

Many start with a low dose and increase slowly until they notice what works. When smoking or vaping, the effect sets in faster but lasts shorter. Topical products such as creams or salves act more directly on the affected area, but take a little longer.

One tip from my own experience: write down when and how you use CBD and how you feel afterwards. This way you will find out more quickly whether it is good for you and which form suits you.

CBD in different forms: oil, flowers or cream

When I first tried CBD flowers, I was surprised how pleasantly mild the effect was compared to THC-containing cannabis. For many, smoking or vaporising flowers is a quick way to relax the body.

Topical applications – i.e. creams or salves – are particularly popular for joint pain or sore muscles. A friend swears by it after long bike rides: “Without my CBD salve I can hardly get up the next day.”

CBD oil is also often discussed, but for us it only plays a minor role, as we focus on smoking and topical application. What is important in any case: pay attention to quality, origin and transparency in the ingredients.

Safety and possible side effects

You may be asking yourself: are there any side effects? Basically, CBD is considered well tolerated, but as with all substances, there can be reactions. Some report tiredness, dry mucous membranes or slight nausea, especially at high doses.

The legal situation is also decisive. In Switzerland, CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 1% THC. This means: no intoxicating effect, but caution with drug tests – traces of THC can be present depending on the product.

My recommendation: only buy from trustworthy shops that disclose laboratory analyses. Transparency and safety are the be-all and end-all, especially when it comes to your health.

Is CBD worth it for pain?

I often hear the question about value for money. Yes, CBD is not always cheap, but many consumers see the value in the natural alternative. A high-quality full-spectrum product costs more, but also brings a better composition of cannabinoids and terpenes.

If you are unsure whether it is worth the price, try small quantities or starter sets. This way you can test whether CBD personally benefits you without spending a lot of money.

FAQ

Does CBD really help with pain?

The evidence from studies is promising, but not conclusive. There are indications of positive effects in chronic pain, inflammations or migraines – but it remains individual.

What dosage of CBD oil is useful for pain?

Start low and increase slowly. There is no general recommendation, as every body reacts differently. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the application.

Conclusion: CBD as an exciting option 🌱

CBD is not a miracle cure, but for many an interesting supplement in dealing with pain. Studies show initial positive results, experiences support this – and more and more people in Switzerland are discovering CBD as a natural alternative.

If you have become curious, try it out. In our Green Passion shop you will find tested products that combine transparency, quality and responsibility. Maybe you will soon have your own experiences.

Sources (APA 7)

• Häuser, W., Petzke, F., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2019). Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain management – An overview of systematic reviews. European Journal of Pain, 22(3), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1118

• Philpott, H. T., OʼBrien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442–2451. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052

• Russo, E. B. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: No “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1969. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969

• Vučković, S., Srebro, D., Vujović, K. S., Vučetić, Č., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and pain: New insights from old molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259

• Überla, K., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol in clinical practice: Evidence and gaps. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 117(49), 842–847. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2020.0842