Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
Chronic pain adversely affects the quality of life of millions of people, and current pharmaceutical treatment options for it remain limited. Acetaminophen can damage liver function and is largely ineffective for arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, carry the risk of significant gastrointestinal effects, and opioid pain medications have fueled an epidemic of addiction.
Against this backdrop, CDB (cannabidiol) has been broadly and increasingly promoted as effective in relieving a wide range of pain-related ailments without any psychotropic or addictive effects. CBD products in the forms of oils, vapes, creams, gummies, drinks, and more are widely advertised in retail stores as well as online as a therapy for pain relief. Their claims fuel a massive and expanding market in the United States, expected to exceed $60 billion by 2030.[1]
CDB is one of the two primary ingredients in cannabis—the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the predominant mind and mood-altering effects. Some CBD formulations contain very small quantities of THC, while others purport to contain none.[2]
According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), as of 2020, approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults have used CBD products in the form of oils, capsules, gummies, and creams.[3] While many people use CBD products hoping for relief from…
