Currently, there are two synthetic cannabinoids on the market, dronabinol and nabilone, which may be beneficial in treating pain (Abrams and Guzman, 201. CBD is one of several cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant. There is a wide range of CBD products, including oils, tinctures, balms and candies, all of which can help people experiencing physical pain. CBD is emerging as a promising pharmaceutical agent for treating pain, inflammation, seizures and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Our understanding of the role of CBD in pain management continues to evolve, and evidence from animal studies has shown that CBD exerts its analgesic effects through its diverse interactions and modulation of the endocannabinoid, inflammatory and nociceptive (pain detection) systems.
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that interact with our own natural cannabinoids. This system is involved in regulating many body functions, including metabolism and appetite, mood and anxiety, and pain perception. For an excellent comprehensive review of the endocannabinoid system, see Pacher et al (200), while Walker and Huang have provided a key review of the antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids in models of acute and persistent pain (Walker and Huang 200). Given the rapid change in the legality of cannabis, coupled with the increased appetite for something new and the momentum of unprecedented profit margins, advertising for cannabinoids in general and CBD in particular has gone wild.
