A growing number of people claim that CBD helps reduce their pain. Rather than consuming addictive opioids, these individuals say that cannabidiol gives them pain relief, drastically improving their quality of life.
Although many people enjoy gummies, CBD oil remains the most popular product in the industry. However, when it comes to pain, one might find better results by going directly to the source. This is why CBD topicals are among the top choices for pain relief.
Amid the topicals sub-niche lies an extremely interesting range of products: CBD patches. These transdermal patches are known for their convenience and long-lasting effects. This article discusses CBD patches in greater detail to see whether they are genuinely effective for pain relief.
What Are CBD Patches and How Do They Work?
As the name suggests, a CBD patch is a small patch you place on your skin. It is akin to a nicotine patch but contains cannabidiol and other ingredients, such as aloe butter, to help alleviate pain. The patch delivers the cannabinoid transdermally, which means the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. Consequently, it offers a relatively high rate of bioavailability. In simple terms, more CBD gets to where it is supposed to.
For example, if you eat a CBD gummy, the cannabinoid must pass through the digestive system first. This process results in a high percentage of CBD failing to make it as far as the bloodstream. Therefore, CBD patches are significantly more efficient than most consumption methods.
Using a CBD patch ensures your body receives a steady supply of the cannabinoid for a long time. Indeed, you can wear CBD patches for up to four days! With topicals, you must constantly reapply the lotion or cream to the skin.
What Does the Science Say About CBD Patches for Pain?
While there are a few studies on CBD’s effects on pain, we need to learn more about how it works. There is little scientific data specifically relating to the effect of CBD patches on pain.
However, the overall evidence to date suggests that cannabinoids, including CBD, act on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds could help block the receptors for different types of pain, even ones notoriously hard to treat.
Also, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that could help decrease pain due to inflammation. When you combine these effects with a long-lasting delivery system, you end up with a product that’s suitable for reducing the effects of localized pain and nerve pain.
Undoubtedly, it is worth considering CBD instead of opioids if you live with chronic pain. A study published in Postgraduate Medicine in 2020 looked into the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use and quality of life. Almost 100 patients living with chronic pain completed the eight-week study.
In the end, over half of the patients who used CBD reported decreasing or eliminating their opioid use within eight weeks. An incredible 94% of CBD users reported improved quality of life.
How to Use CBD Patches
It is extremely easy to use a CBD patch. As a transdermal delivery system, patches are most effective when in direct contact with a large skin area. Therefore, apply your patch to a part of the body with lots of skin contact. Do not place it on an irregular or bony part of the body. Furthermore, please ensure it is placed as close to the site of pain as possible.
Many users of CBD patches place them on the shoulder, lower back, back of the neck, lower thigh, or inside the bicep.
Final Thoughts on CBD Patches for Pain Relief
We await further data that proves the efficacy of CBD for pain relief. It is also necessary to conduct studies specifically on the effect of a transdermal delivery system for cannabidiol. However, CBD seemingly has the potential to alleviate chronic pain.
Although you can also use topicals, CBD patches are an excellent “set and forget” option. You can place one on a clean part of the skin and leave it there for up to 96 hours. If buying a CBD patch, please ensure it has a reasonable degree of the cannabinoid. For example, each patch has 60mg of CBD.