Research into the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the cannabis plant, is still preliminary. But more and more people are turning to CBD to solve a number of problems, including anxiety, chronic pain, nausea, and even neuropathy.
In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other well-known active ingredient in cannabis, CBD has no intoxicating effects. This means you won’t experience the head high associated with THC. Instead, you can benefit from its therapeutic properties.
As you explore CBD as an option for treating symptoms of neuropathy, here’s what you should know about early research and the products worth considering.
Neuropathy is a condition that results from a malfunction of peripheral nerves. It can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, systemic diseases, or infections.
Symptoms of neuropathy include:
There is limited research into the role of CBD in treating neuropathy, but there is some evidence that it may help.
A small study of 29 people looked at the effects of topical CBD oil for relief and found a significant improvement in pain and uncomfortable sensations.
A 2018 study shows that medicinal cannabis consumed by vaporization or sublingually can also help with symptoms of neuropathy. It is important to note, however, that the cannabis used had varying levels of THC.
Additionally, a 2017 animal study found that CBD may help prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The combination of THC and CBD seemed to increase the effects.
Plus, there’s anecdotal evidence that people with neuropathy claim that CBD helps with their symptoms.
Still, it’s important to understand that CBD is not a panacea for symptoms of neuropathy and more study is needed to definitively explain that it is an effective treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD has a good safety profile. But there is still a lot we do not know about it. This is why it is important to speak to your doctor before trying CBD for neuropathy. This is especially important if your neuropathy is the result of a condition such as cancer or diabetes, or if you are currently taking medications or supplements.
CBD can interact with some drugs and supplements. People who are pregnant or under the age of 18 should not take CBD.
Although CBD is generally well tolerated, research shows that there can be side effects. These include:
- Changes in weight or appetite
- fatigue
- diarrhea
If you’re still interested in trying out CBD for neuropathy and got the OK from your doctor, be sure to do your research. Not all products are created equal.
Read on for some that we recommend.
We selected these products based on criteria that we believe are good indicators of safety, quality and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is manufactured by a company that can demonstrate third party testing by an ISO 17025 compliant laboratory
- is made from hemp grown in the USA
- According to the certificate of analysis (COA), it does not contain more than 0.3 percent THC
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals and molds according to the COA
As part of our selection process, we also took into account:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- Product strength
- Total ingredients
- Indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- Customer ratings
- whether the company has been subjected to an FDA warning letter
- whether the company makes unsupported health claims
We have added special discount codes for our readers where available.
Price Guide
- $ = under $ 50
- $$ = $ 50- $ 150
- $$$ = over $ 150
Best full spectrum CBD oil for neuropathy
CBD Distillery Relief + Relaxing CBD Oil
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: The whole spectrum
- CBD potency: 5000 milligrams (mg) per 30 milliliter (ml) bottle
- Certificate of Authenticity: available on the product page
This CBD oil is made from just two ingredients – fractionated coconut oil and full-spectrum hemp extract. Full spectrum means that it contains all of the plant’s beneficial compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids.
At 5,000 milligrams per bottle, it’s the strongest product from the CBD distillery and the best value averaging $ 8 per serving. It’s also rated very well.
This is a great option for people ready for a stronger dose of CBD.
Use the code “healthline” for a 15% discount on the entire website.
Best CBD Isolate Oil for Neuropathy
Medterra CBD tincture
- Price: $ – $$
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 500, 1000, 3000 mg per 30 ml bottle
- Certificate of Authenticity: available on the product page
CBD tinctures are Medterra’s most popular product. This oil is made with a blend of MCT oil and organically grown CBD with no other cannabinoids. It is available in three potencies.
Note that this oil is tasteless, so expect an earthy taste.
Thousands of reviewers give Medterra CBD oil high marks for its great price, clean taste, and potency.
Use the code “health15” for a 15% discount.
Best CBD Lotion for Neuropathy
Corn bread hemp CBD lotion + menthol
- Price: $
- CBD type: The whole spectrum
- CBD potency: 500 mg per 2 oz container
- Certificate of Authenticity: available on the product page
Cornbread Hemp has made a name for itself with its full-spectrum flower-only CBD products, and this topical is no exception. The mixture of organic menthol, lemongrass and eucalyptus provides a cooling, calming feeling. It is also quickly absorbed with no oily residue.
Reviewers enjoy the therapeutic scent, quick onset, and longevity.
Use the code “HEALTHLINE” for a 25% discount on your first order.
There are different ways to use CBD depending on the product type.
If you’re using a CBD oil, taking it sublingually (or under the tongue) means feeling the effects faster.
Topical CBD products are applied directly to the skin for instant relief.
In general, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and gradually increase your intake over time after assessing how you are feeling. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for a dosage starting point, but keep in mind that there are many variables that affect CBD dosage, including your body weight and individual body chemistry and effectiveness of your product.
CBD products can be found almost everywhere these days. But that doesn’t mean they are all safe or effective. Ultimately, it is up to you, the consumer, to research your options before buying any CBD products. Here are a few tips:
- Look for COAs from an outside laboratory to confirm the quality of a particular product. This will tell you whether the product contains what it says on the label. Be sure to check the cannabinoid potency and whether the product has passed tests for contaminants such as mold and heavy metals.
- Look for warning letters or lawsuits from the FDA. If a company received a letter from the FDA about unaudited health claims or was involved in a lawsuit, a simple online search can help you find out quickly. Reputable brands also include an FDA disclosure on their websites stating that their products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Check the company’s reputation and customer reviews. This will give you an idea of what real customers think of a company and its products. So, look for feedback on third-party review sites.
Treatment for neuropathy depends on the underlying condition, but in many cases a combination of treatments will be most effective.
Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, can be helpful for pain relief. Medical treatments, including blood transfusions and transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation, are another option.
If the neuropathy affects your feet, legs, hands, or arms, ergonomic splints and cases can help.
Self-care can be another avenue worth exploring. Many people find relief from their symptoms through meditation, yoga, and moderate exercise, and by reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. Both alcohol and tobacco make nerve pain worse.
Other treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage can also provide relief.
While research on how useful CBD is in treating symptoms of neuropathy is still limited, there is some evidence that it helps. If you are considering using CBD for neuropathy, speak to your doctor first. Then explore CBD oils and topical products to see how they work for you.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (containing less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal at the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. CBD products derived from marijuana are illegal at the federal level, but legal under some state laws. Find out about the laws of your state and wherever you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA approved and may be inaccurately labeled.
Jessica Timmons has been a freelance writer since 2007, and covers everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids and Coffee + Crumbs. Check out what she’s doing at jessicatimmons.com.
