Guide to Managing Pain With CBD

Back in 2005, the FDA released warning regarding both long and short term complications of NSAIDs citing an increase in heart attack and stroke risk. Resulting in 41,000 hospitalizations every year, NSAIDs may be doing more harm than they’re worth, but many adults find themselves with no other choice when it comes to treating their chronic pain — until now.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound derived from hemp or marijuana plants and works by interacting with the naturally occurring cannabinoids in our own body known as endocannabinoids. In the brain, CB1R, or cannabinoid 1 receptor helps regulate memory, cognition, anxiety or depression, motor control, and sleep. Though CB1R is primarily responsible for producing a “high” effect as a result of THC exposure, CBD only weakly binds to CB1R to produce its own effects. CBD’s interaction enhances the natural effects of other signaling molecules in the brain and along the nervous system that reduces inflammation, aids relaxation, and improves mood. Simply put, CBD helps the body help itself.

Ten years following the FDA’s initial NSAID warning and the risks still stand, though millions of people continue filling NSAID prescriptions every year. Break the cycle with CBD as detailed in this infographic.