The CBD industry is valued at over 5.8 billion dollars. That statistic should continue to grow as people learn more about CBD products and what they’re capable of. 

That said, what is the difference between CBD oil vs. painkillers when treating pain? It’s a question worth thinking about, especially if you’re looking for pain treatment options that will work for you. We’re going to take a look at CBD oil for pain today, comparing this natural painkiller with the other prescription options on the market. 

Hopefully, the ideas below will point you in a direction that heals your pain and minimizes any side effects. Let’s get started. 

CBD Oil vs. Painkillers

Let’s start with CBD. 

Cannabidiol is one of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids interact directly with the human endocannabinoid system which regulates things like pain, anxiety, immune function, and more. 

CBD, in particular, works upon the CB2 receptors of this system, and these are the receptors that deal primarily with areas of the body rather than the mind. THC, on the other hand, interacts heavily with areas of the brain which is why it affects a person’s state of mind. 

Note that you can find THC free CBD oil that doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. 

CBD has been shown to reduce pain in many of the people that have taken it. This is true for mild to severe pain, although the results can be different in each individual. It’s also worth noting that CBD is natural, there is no risk of overdose, and there are very few serious side effects. 

Adverse side effects could come, not from the cannabidiol itself, but from the additional chemicals that companies use in the creation of their products. For example, a CBD gummy that causes adverse side effects would have the “gummy” substance to blame rather than the CBD inside. 

Prescription Painkillers 

Prescription painkillers like opiates are longstanding medications with a track record of success in treating pain. Alternatively, they have a high risk of abuse and can even lead to deathly overdoses. 

Opioids act directly on the central nervous system to reduce the experience of pain. They also trigger dopamine and serotonin in massive amounts, producing an immensely pleasurable experience. That experience, however, is the reason that opioids are so addictive. 

For things like surgery recovery and chronic pain, opioids are the go-to drug for doctors to use in the treatment of pain. Those situations deal with extreme pain. In those cases, CBD products might not be able to adequately mask the pain. 

For issues that are less severe, however, CBD is a viable option. These natural products could relieve most, if not all of your pain without the serious, addictive, and damaging side effects of prescription opioids. 

Want to Learn More about Natural Painkillers?

We hope our look at CBD oil vs painkillers was useful to you. There’s a lot more to learn about effective methods of pain management, though. We’re here to help. 

Explore our site for more ideas on how to treat your pain in the way that works best for you!