Is CBD Really Effective for Pain Relief or Just Overhyped?
Episode Overview
CBD is often inaccurately labelled and can contain THC. Pharmaceutical-grade CBD has shown little to no benefit for pain relief. Non-prescription CBD products are frequently contaminated. CBD can cause hepatotoxicity and sedation. More research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of CBD.
"For people living with pain, the evidence for CBD or hemp extract shows that it is expensive, does not work, and is possibly harmful"
In this episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy, Dr. Casey Grover dives into the hot topic of CBD and its effectiveness in pain management. With a blend of personal anecdotes and rigorous scientific analysis, Dr. Grover scrutinises whether CBD is truly a miracle cure or just another overhyped product. He kicks off the episode with a touching story about musician Matt Butler, who uses his music to bring awareness to addiction in prisons and jails. Dr.
Grover also shares his thoughts on a poignant book about grieving a loved one lost to overdose, adding a personal touch to the episode. The main focus, however, is on a recent article titled 'Cannabidiol Products for Pain: Ineffective, Expensive, and With Potential Harms' by Andrew Moore. Dr. Grover breaks down the study's findings, revealing that non-prescription CBD products often contain contaminants like THC and are rarely labelled accurately.
The episode goes on to discuss the limited efficacy of pharmaceutical-grade CBD, which has shown little to no benefit in pain relief across multiple clinical trials. Dr. Grover doesn't shy away from the potential risks associated with CBD, including hepatotoxicity and sedation, which could pose dangers when driving or operating machinery. He concludes with a strong message: while more research is needed, current evidence suggests that CBD is not a reliable treatment for pain and may even be harmful.
If you're curious about the real impact of CBD on pain management and want to hear an honest, evidence-based perspective, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Grover's thorough examination and heartfelt storytelling make it both informative and engaging.