Everyone is talking about CBD. Those who’ve tried it report a host of positive benefits ranging from stress and anxiety management to help with falling asleep. But by far the most common and sought after use for CBD is for help with managing pain and inflammation.

Chronic and acute pain affects millions of Americans and can be caused by injury, illness, or even some treatment options for different diseases. If you are seeking support for pain and inflammation you probably already know the devastating affects it can have on one’s life. Traditional options for treating pain and inflammation can leave much to be desired. From the dangerous affects of addiction, to the more common symptoms associated with taking too much Advil or Tylenol (stomach and liver problems), it’s no wonder that many are looking for a more natural solution. But with a more natural solution always comes the next question. Does it actual work?

What is CBD?

Short answer:

CBD is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that has been reported by many consumers to have a number of positive effects.

Long answer:

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It has been found to have a number of therapeutic effects and possible applications relating to health and wellness.

CBD is part of a family of compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are any substance that interacts with the endocannabinoid system regardless of origin or structure. The endocannabinoid system is a communication system with the brain and body that regulates many of the body’s key processes.

Having a more natural option like CBD is often a safe method to gain some relief without the negative side effects and risk of addiction seen with other pain-relieving medications. A lot of people experiencing pain, but do not want to turn to highly addictive medications with dangerous side effects. CBD offers a great alternative for shorter- or longer-term use as it can reduce inflammation helping reduce pain in general or that associated with inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana? CBD and THC?

Many people are confused by the difference between hemp and marijuana and CBD and THC (THC is the psychoactive substance found in cannabis that makes you feel “high” and is illegal in many states and countries around the world).

Both hemp and marijuana are members of the Cannabaceae family, meaning they’re both cannabis. Cannabis plants can contain both CBD and THC however the differences in the levels of each are what really distinguishes the terms. The 2014 Farm Bill, which legalized the production of hemp, legally defined hemp as cannabis that contains .3% THC or less by dry weight. So based on that legislation, marijuana, which is illegal in many places, is any form of cannabis that contains more than .3% THC by dry weight.

Hemp on the other hand is legal nationwide. Additionally, because many people do not want THC while still receiving the benefits of CBD, many companies (including Blue Forest Farms) have selectively bred hemp seeds that produce plants with high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC. All CBD products on the market today, (with the exception of those sold at licensed marijuana dispensaries in certain states) must legally contain less than .3% THC. These products, when taken at correct dosages, are not intended to make you feel high in any way, however the low levels of THC can help aid in pain reduction. Furthermore it is possible to buy products (including from Blue Forest Farms) that contain 0% THC, not just under .3%. All THC is removed from the oil at the lab.

How does CBD help with Pain and Inflammation?

To understand how CBD helps with pain and inflation you have to look at the body’s dndocannabinoid system. Most animals including humans have an endocannabinoid System.

The endocannabinoid system involves three main parts:

Cannabinoids. The main function of endocannabinoids is to restore balance or maintain homeostasis within the body so the body only releases them when it needs them.
Receptors. Once the body releases endocannabinoids, they bind to cannabinoid receptors to let the ECS know it has work to do. CB1 receptors are mostly located in your central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system.
Enzymes. The body releases enzymes to break down the endocannabinoids after they complete their function.

When CBD binds to these receptors, it leads to pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects that lead to pain reduction. While there are not FDA approved CBD medications related to pain, research is very promising and there are no lack of first hand reports from satisfied CBD users.

How can CBD help with Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain affecting Americans with nearly 65 million reporting a recent issue with back pain. By some estimates, up to 75% of all Americans will face back pain in their life. Traditional treatments for back pain come with a host of issues including addiction. By some studies as many as 1-5 patients who go to the doctor for back pain will receive an opioid prescription including oxycodone (Percocet and OxyContin). While these medications work powerfully in the short term, continued use can quickly lead to addiction and serious bodily harm. CBD provides a more natural way to reduce pain and inflammation in the neck, back and spine making everyday tasks more enjoyable and falling asleep easier.

How Can CBD Help with Muscle Pain and Soreness?

Every athlete, gym goer, outdoor enthusiast or manual laborer knows the familiar feeling of muscle pain and soreness. Whether you’re used to putting in 15 miles on the trails or are just an avid gardener, muscle pain is a part of many people’s daily lives. In addition to the pain and inflammation reducing properties of CBD, it can also help relax sore muscles. Blue Forest Farms sells a Recovery Balm in two strengths that can be applied to sore muscles. Additionally, one of our best selling products is the Relief Lotion, made from pure CBD Isolate. While there are many lotions available on the market, it’s difficult to find a 1000mg cream at such an affordable price. Colorado yoga teacher and outdoor enthusiast, Bri Leonard has this to say about the lotion.

“This lotion is what I encourage my fellow yogi’s, climbers, runners, cyclists, swimmers, hikers, and dog parents to use after their physical routines. It helps provide an instant cooling sensation to prevent inflammation in old injuries or just sensitive areas of the body. Apply on the area that is experiencing pain and within 5 minutes feel the airy, cooling relief of the Relief Lotion. This product packs in 1,000mg of CBD per jar to optimize the healing and effectiveness of the lotion. My grandma also takes it for her arthritis in her hands, it helps her hold her great-grand kids and cook with ease, just like she used to 30 years ago. Apply as needed throughout the day“

How Can CBD Help with Arthritis?

CBD is great for individuals to manage the pain associated with arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 29% of respondents are currently using a form of CBD for management of arthritis conditions including pain. Do to its ability to reduce pain and inflammation many patients seek out CBD as a more natural way to treat their pain associated with arthritis then common pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil. CBD is non habit forming and the body does not build up a tolerance. This means that CBD dosages do not have to be increased just to get the same results.

What is the best CBD for Pain and Inflammation?

Individuals who are looking to treat pain and inflammation should go with a trusted company that produces quality products. Products should have available lab results to prove that they contain the percentages and strengths the claim as well as do not contain any unwanted chemicals or substances. Additionally whether the product is , vegan and non-GMO is also important to some users.

Best CBD topicals and lotions for pain.

As stated above Blue Forest Farms sells topical products for pain and inflammation. The most common product to treat pain and inflammation is the Relief Lotion. This product packs a powerful punch, containing 1000mg of CBD into a 4 oz jar. Go ahead and compare, it’s hard to find an affordable 1000mg lotions and many companies will sell weaker strengths at higher amounts. The lotion can be applied to sore muscles and joints for daily pain relief or after a workout, hike, day skiing on the slopes or any other activity that gives you an elevated amount of pain. As an extra benefit, the relief lotion will have your skin looking and feeling great as it also serves as a moisturizer for rough or dry skin.

The Blue Forest Farms Recovery Balm also helps with pain and inflammation. It is available in a 200mg or 400mg jar and is treating for soothing sore muscles.

Best CBD ingestible for pain and inflammation.

The traditional and often most common way to ingest CBD is with an oil tincture where you place a dropper of oil under the lounge. At Blue Forest Farms, we make a number of tinctures based on different formulas. For the most any oil should help with pain and inflammation, but our 01, 02, 03, 05 and 07 formulas are the best places to start. The 03, 05 and 07 tinctures are full spectrum, meaning they deliver a complete profile of cannabinoids in addition to beneficial terpenes so that you can find total relief. These formulas do contain some THC (below the legal limit of .3%) however so that should be considered, although the amount is not enough to make most people feel high. Many feel the inclusion of THC can help with pain and inflammation reduction so if you can tolerate a small amount these formulas may be a beneficial choice. The 07 is the most raw and natural formula and is the closest thing you can find to the natural hemp plant.

The one drawback with oil tinctures is that not everyone enjoys taking CBD that way. Oil is a unique way to ingest a substance and some people may have never experience that. Others find issue with the taste or feel oil tinctures are too messy to carry around with them. Fortunately Blue Forest Farms provides other ways to get your CBD relief. The absolute easiest way is with the 07 formula soft gel. This is a simple pill you swallow similar to other vitamins that provides a strong 25mg per serving dose of CBD. It’s the easiest and simplest way to ensure your Endocannabinoid System is topped off and healthy. For those who want something sweeter the 02 gummies are the most delicious way to find relief from pain and inflammation. These treats are only 5mg per gummy but you’ll find yourself wanting to eat at least 5 at time!

Find the best CBD product for your unique situation using our What’s Your Number? guide.