Hemp Oil for Pain: Does It Actually Do Anything?

More than half of Americans experience recurrent pain, which interferes with their daily work and activities. Among this population, 19% live with chronic pain, and 6% of them report using hemp oil for pain.

But does hemp oil really work or is it just one of the many marketing gimmicks?

Let’s find out, shall we?

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

Both hemp oil and CBD oil are derived from the hemp plant. While they are both marketed as hemp oil, these products are different. Here are some of the main differences between the two:

• Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds while CBD oil is derived from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp oil contains small amounts of cannabinoids (CBD). 
• Hemp oil is rich in proteins, fatty amino acids, and vitamins, unlike CBD oil which is often used as a carrier oil.
• Hemp oil is light green to dark brown while CBD oil is a clear or golden, thick liquid.

Full-spectrum hemp oil refers to the unrefined oil extracted from the hemp plant containing the same cannabinoids found in the original hemp plant. This oil contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), meaning it can’t get you high.  However, it’s rich in CBD – a compound that’s vital in relieving pain.

How Do You Use Hemp Oil for Pain?

Full-spectrum hemp oil contains CBD which acts on cannabinoid receptors that interact with the endocannabinoid system to regulate pain sensation.

Also, it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. It also comes with some antibacterial properties that can help manage a range of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. You can ingest the oil or apply it topically with little to no side effects.

Here’s how hemp oil can help you manage a range of painful ailments:

1. Hemp Oil for Arthritis

23% of American adults have arthritis which causes them pain and disrupts their day-to-day life. Hemp oil can help reduce inflammation of the joints caused by any form of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to a 2016 study, it proved to be effective in reducing pain and swelling in a rat’s joints. This occurs when the cannabinoid type 2 receptors are activated to reduce the cytokine production and immune cell mobilization, therefore, relieving pain.

2. Hemp Oil for Cancer Symptoms

Cancer treatments have severe side effects such as nerve injury, inflammation, and pressure on internal organs. At some point, the pain becomes resistant to opioids.

Research shows that an extract containing THC and CBD can efficiently alleviate the pain caused by cancer treatment side effects. Hemp oil has CBD type 2 receptors which reduce inflammation and pain. The THC in the oil acts on CBD type 1 receptors that prevent nerve damage. When you take hemp oil, it can help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy.

3. Hemp Oil for Migraines

While pain killers can offer temporary relief, they only mask the pain for a few hours without treating the root cause of the problem. You may need something stronger that’ll get rid of the pain completely. And this is where hemp oil comes in. This oil contains cannabinoid receptors that prevent your body from metabolizing anandamide – a compound associated with pain regulation.

4. Hemp Oil for Skin Inflammation

Skin conditions like acne and psoriasis can cause irritation and inflammation, which are both uncomfortable and painful. Hemp oil has omega-6 fatty acids that calm the skin irritation and relieves any painful itch. Other hemp oil benefits for the skin include skin cell nourishment and moisturization.

Other Benefits of Hemp Oil to Consider

Apart from the much-needed pain relief, you can use hemp oil for other health purposes, including:

Improve Brain Health

Hemp oil has essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 which can help improve memory and prevent age-related brain deterioration. The hemp seed oil has low levels of cannabinoids that help ease anxiety and reduce the symptoms of depression.

Relieves Muscle Tension

The hemp oil CBD and fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body which relieves stress on tight muscles. After a strenuous workout, you can rub the hemp oil onto your tight muscles to release tension and relax them.

Improves Heart Health

The hemp seed oil contains high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 (in the ratio 3:1) that help in reducing cholesterol levels and prevent heart diseases. It also contains amino acids that produce nitric acid which relaxes and dilates blood vessels.

Hemp oil is rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which is a non-invasive chelation treatment for the removal of plaque build-up from blood vessels and the cell membranes.

Enhance Hair Growth

The essential fatty acids in hemp oil can add moisture and glow to your hair. When used regularly, it can strengthen brittle hair and promote thicker hair growth. The oil can also help you reduces scalp dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.

Beneficial for Pregnancy

Because it has omega-3 fatty acids, hemp oil is a great supplement for pregnant mothers since it’s one of the building blocks for the development of the fetus. It also helps prevent perinatal depression and pre-term delivery.

Why Hemp Oil is a Must-Have Supplement for You

If chronic pain is slowing you down, it’s time to introduce hemp oil in your treatment. With all its evidence-based benefits, you can significantly improve your health and wellbeing with hemp oil.

Fundamentally, hemp is one of the most nutritious plants in the world, but many people are still stuck on the fact that it comes from cannabis. Fortunately, after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation in the country, hemp products such as hemp oil capsules and lotions have been readily available in the market. More and more people realize the significant benefits that this plant can bring to their lives. You can buy hemp oil online or at your nearest store.

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