Cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help relieve nerve pain from neuropathy. However, more research is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of CBD products for nerve pain.
Neuropathy causes chronic pain due to damaged nerves. People may develop it from a physically traumatic event or several different conditions, such as infections, vasculitis, and hypothyroidism.
If an individual develops neuropathy from treatable conditions, such as diabetes, chronic alcohol use disorder, or nutrient deficiencies, a doctor will aim to control the condition first.
While doctors can prescribe pain medication to help relieve symptoms, some people may also try using CBD for nerve pain.
The following table compares the products in this article in terms of form, serving size, price, and more.
| Form | CBD type | CBD dose | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cornbread Hemp | gummies | full-spectrum | 25, 50, or 100 mg per gummy | $49.99 to $99.99 |
CBDfx Muscle and Joint Balm | balm | broad-spectrum | 750 mg or 3,000 mg per stick | $59.99 to $129.99 |
CBDistillery | tincture | full-spectrum | 17 mg to 166 mg per 1 mL serving | $70 to $260 |
Medterra | capsules | isolate | 25, 50, or 100 mg per capsule | $49.99 to $139.98 |
Spruce | lotion | full-spectrum | 2,000 mg per jar | $169 |
CBDfx Bath Bombs | bath bomb | isolate | 200 mg per bath bomb | $9.99 |
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Currently, no guidelines exist to help people choose CBD products for neuropathy. Buying from licensed retailers is the safest way to choose a CBD product. These products are more likely to have undergone government testing for safety.
When a person looks for CBD products, they need to check the ingredients for the amount of THC, which can cause side effects.
Before choosing a CBD product, individuals need to consult their doctor. Doctors can help monitor for side effects and help guide a person’s choice of therapy.
People can apply CBD oil and topicals directly on the skin where they feel pain.
Some CBD oil products are for oral administration and include capsules, oil tinctures, and gummies.
A person should follow the instructions on the label, but it is important to remember that there are no regulated guidelines for the use of CBD for nerve pain.
Some people may use CBD oil alongside other neuropathic pain treatment methods. However, it is important to tell a healthcare professional when using CBD, as this compound
In a small
There is also anecdotal evidence that CBD may help neuropathy. Some people with this condition state that several cannabis products, including inhaled herbal cannabis, sprays, and tablets, are effective.
However, according to a
This review mentions that in a
Therefore, more research is necessary to determine how effective CBD is for neuropathy.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Individuals may find it challenging to choose a safe CBD oil product because of the lack of consistent government regulation. Some
The
The FDA is studying the proposed health claims of CBD products. The organization suggests that CBD products can potentially harm users, but it is unclear how these products and their differing administration methods affect health.
Some
- liver damage
- interactions with other medications
- male reproductive toxicity or damage to male fertility
- changes in alertness
- digestive issues
- changes in mood
Sometimes, doctors cannot determine why a person is experiencing neuropathy, but they may suggest various treatment options.
People living with chronic neuropathic pain may benefit from consulting a pain specialist if simple pain medications are ineffective.
Doctors may prescribe medicines such as:
- membrane stabilizers, including gabapentin
- anti-epileptics, including phenytoin
- tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline
Natural remedies
Some doctors
Other people prefer to use herbal remedies. Some herbal remedies that researchers have studied in animals and humans for treating neuropathy include:
- Acorus calamus
- Ginkgo biloba
- Rosmarinus officinalis
Before using CBD oil products, a person needs to speak with a doctor, as some products can interfere or interact with other medications.
Certain CDB products may also be unsafe and cause unwanted side effects.
Doctors can help individuals
If someone with neuropathy is searching for alternative treatments, a doctor may help them find more appropriate options. By discussing therapeutic goals and the perceived benefits of using CBD oil, doctors can help establish reasonable pain relief goals and set realistic expectations.
CBD oil is generally safe to rub on an area of pain on the skin, including the feet. However, individuals should look at a product’s ingredients list for any irritants or allergens and avoid using the product if they have concerns.
Nerve tingling may be a symptom of neuropathic pain. Research from 2020 suggests that CBD may help with symptoms of this condition.
While CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, there is no clinical evidence that CBD oil can regenerate nerves.
The amount of time it takes for CBD oil to take effect, as well as the most effective dose, will vary from person to person. However, depending on the delivery method, people may start feeling the effects in as little as half an hour.
Research from 2021 on mice suggests that oral CBD treatment may be safe and effective for neuropathic pain. However, more studies are necessary on humans.
According to customer reviews, all the CBD products in this article help ease nerve pain. However, experiences may differ between individuals, and some may find CBD works more than others.
Scientific research is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of CBD on nerve pain. More research is necessary to determine how effective CBD is for neuropathy.
According to research, CBD may help with numbness and tingling. A 2023 study on the effectiveness of CBD for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy showed that participants taking 135 mg of CBD per day reported a reduction in numbness and tingling compared with those taking a placebo.
Scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety is mixed. Some studies report a reduction in anxiety after participants took CBD, while other studies report no differences.
More studies are necessary to determine its effectiveness.
Doctors will usually prescribe the following drugs as first-line treatment for neuropathy:
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta, Irenka)
- anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
- pregabalin (Lyrica)
While many people living with neuropathy have explored using cannabidiol (CBD) products, evidence for its effectiveness is lacking.
Certain CBD products, including CBD oils, are unregulated. Products coming from unlicensed sources may contain contaminants or different amounts of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than the labels suggest.
Individuals living with neuropathy who do not feel they are experiencing sufficient pain relief from traditional therapies can speak with a doctor.
A person must tell a doctor if they are taking CBD products so that they can monitor for potential signs of toxicity, side effects, and efficacy.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
