Why Does CBD Help with Pain?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya
Quick Answer: CBD helps with pain by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system—a natural network that helps regulate things like mood, inflammation, and yes, pain. While it won’t get you high, CBD may help reduce discomfort by calming overactive pain signals and lowering inflammation.
The Relief Without the High
If THC is the life of the party, then CBD is the friend who brings you soup when you're sick.
Unlike its psychoactive cousin, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is not intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you “high” like THC can. However, CBD can offer real relief, especially when it comes to pain, soreness, and inflammation.
But how does it actually work? And why is CBD showing up in everything from gummies to muscle rubs to bath bombs?
Image credit: Toa Heftiba
What Is CBD?
CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis. It’s one of over a hundred cannabinoids that interact with your body’s systems. And it’s especially well-known for its non-intoxicating, therapeutic effects.
People use CBD to help with all sorts of things: stress, anxiety, sleep troubles, as well as pain management.
And while research is still evolving on CBD, scientists and medical professionals are starting to understand how and why it helps.
Image credit: CRYSTALWEED cannabis
How Does CBD Help with Pain?
To understand CBD and pain relief, you need to know about something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a natural network in your body that helps keep things like mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception in balance. It’s made up of receptors (CB1 and CB2), signaling molecules, and enzymes.
Here’s how CBD fits in:
CBD doesn’t bind directly to those receptors like THC does. Instead, it modulates the system, helping to regulate how your body processes pain.
It may reduce inflammation, which is often a root cause of chronic pain.
It may also calm overactive nerves, helping to quiet the pain signals being sent to your brain.
Think of CBD like a moderator in a noisy debate. CBD helps “quiet things down” so your body can catch a break.
Image credit: julien Tromeur
What Kind of Pain Does CBD Help With?
People report using CBD for a wide range of pain types, including:
Chronic pain (like arthritis or fibromyalgia)
Inflammatory pain (from injuries or autoimmune conditions)
Neuropathic pain (nerve-related issues, such as sciatica)
Muscle soreness and tension (post-workout or daily stress)
Some folks take it daily as part of a long-term wellness routine. Others use it as needed for flare-ups or aches and pains.
And while everyone’s experience is a little different, many report feeling more relaxed, less stiff, and better able to move and function.
Image credit: Jared Rice
Does CBD Actually Work?
For many people, yes!
Clinical studies are still ongoing, but early research suggests that CBD can be a useful tool in managing pain, especially when combined with other wellness habits like movement, rest, and nutrition.
It’s also a popular option for folks who want relief without the high or who are particularly sensitive to THC.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Results can vary based on the dose, delivery method, your body chemistry, and the type of pain you’re treating.
Image credit: Nataliya Melnychuk
What’s the Best Way to Use CBD for Pain?
It depends on the kind of relief you’re looking for:
Topicals (creams, balms, roll-ons): Great for targeted relief on joints, muscles, or localized soreness.
Tinctures and capsules: Good for systemic support—ideal if your pain is more widespread or chronic.
CBD vapes or flower: Fast-acting and useful for acute flare-ups, though effects may not last as long.
Always start low and go slow and talk to your doctor if you’re on other medications or managing a chronic condition.
Image credit: davide ragusa
Where Can I Find CBD Products?
We carry a wide range of CBD products. If you’re looking for soothing topicals, full-spectrum tinctures, tasty edibles or discrete vapes, we’ve got them all!
See our online menu below to find out what we have in stock.
Want to learn more about cannabis or CBD?
Then check out our related posts here!
Need help picking out a product? Then ask our friendly budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.