In the UK alone, 43% of adults, nearly 28 million people, live with chronic pain lasting three months or longer, according to the British Pain Society's 2024 Pain Messages report [1]. Because of this, many people are now trying cannabis based medicinal products (CBMP) to help manage their pain. They are looking for other options because some common pain medicines can lead to dependence, stomach problems, and side effects when used for a long time.
So, what is CBD in cannabis based medicinal products?
CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive, which means it does not make you feel "high." It works with your body's own pain-control system to help reduce pain.
If you are thinking about trying CBD, it is important to understand how it works and what you can expect. This guide explains what CBD is, how it may help with pain, the health conditions people use it for, and what to expect before you start.
Cannabis Based Medicinal Products for Pain Relief: An Overview
Cannabis based medicinal products interact with the body’s endocannabinoid and nerve-signalling systems to help manage chronic pain, inflammation, neuropathic discomfort, anxiety, and sleep disruption without causing intoxication. Research highlights its potential to calm overactive nerve pathways, reduce inflammatory markers, and support natural pain-regulating compounds like anandamide. Effects are usually gradual, depending on dosage, metabolism, product type, and consistency. Adults with persistent pain may benefit, though medical guidance is recommended before starting treatment safely
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is a type of phytocannabinoid, but unlike THC, it does not make you feel intoxicated.
Researchers study CBD because it works with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system helps control:
Pain signals
Inflammation
The immune system
Nerve sensitivity
Many people use CBD to help manage ongoing pain from conditions like:
Arthritis
Muscle soreness
Other long-term pain conditions [2]
How Does CBD Work for Pain Relief?
When someone uses cannabis based medicinal products (CBMP) for chronic pain, they work with the body's nerve pathways. These pathways control how pain signals are noticed and sent to the brain.
Research published by the NCBI shows that CBD can work with TRPV1 receptors. These receptors help your body feel heat, irritation, and pain. When CBD activates these receptors again and again, they may become less sensitive. This can make pain signals feel weaker [3].
CBD may also:
Calm overactive nerves
Help reduce inflammation
Relieve pain without working like opioids
Provide relief without making you feel "high"
Benefits and Use Cases of CBD for Pain Relief
When regular pain medicines do not work well enough, doctors may suggest CBD for pain relief. Here are some of the ways it may help.
Reduces Neuropathic Pain Signals
Sometimes damaged nerves send too many pain signals, and normal painkillers do not help. Research from the University of Rochester Medical Centre found that cannabis based medicinal products may calm these overactive nerves by working with the body's electrical and calcium signalling systems. This may help reduce nerve pain and joint pain without the dependence risks linked to opioids [4].
Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Action
Inflammation is one of the main reasons people feel pain from arthritis or injured tissues. Many anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can cause stomach problems if used for a long time. CBD offers another option. It works with the body's endocannabinoid system to lower inflammation and calm irritated tissues. As per research published in Science Direct, people experienced 42% to 66% pain relief after using CBD [5].
Provides Relief Without the "High"
Some people stop using cannabis-based medicines because THC can make them feel intoxicated. CBD is different because it is non-psychoactive. This means people may be able to manage chronic pain while staying clear-headed. It does not usually affect memory, balance, or thinking, which makes it a possible choice for everyday, long-term use.
Enhances Natural Pain-Regulating Chemicals
The treatment using CBD for pain in the UK does more than simply cover up pain. It slows down the breakdown of anandamide, sometimes called the "bliss molecule." Anandamide is a natural substance made by the body that helps control how much pain you feel. By helping anandamide stay in the body for longer, CBD may help the body manage pain naturally over time.
Improves Sleep Quality and Anxiety
Living with chronic pain often makes it harder to sleep, and this in turn can make pain feel even worse. It also leads to anxiety issues at times. If a person takes cannabis based medicinal products, they contain CBD. It works with serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1A receptors, which help the body relax. This means you get better sleep and lower anxiety, which may also help reduce how strongly the body feels pain.
What to Expect When Starting CBD?
When starting CBD for pain relief, it’s important to set realistic expectations. CBD does not usually work like a fast-acting painkiller that blocks pain within minutes. Instead, its effects are often gradual and subtle. As per a report by Mayo Clinic, people feel subtle relaxation or reduced discomfort within 30 minutes to 2 hours [6]. How quickly you notice a difference can depend on several factors, including
The dose you take
The type of CBD product
Your body weight
Your metabolism
How severe is your pain
How regularly do you use CBD
Who is Eligible for CBD Treatment for Pain Relief?
In the UK, adults with long-term pain may be able to explore legal CBD wellness products. This includes people with:
Chronic pain
Nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
People looking for MS pain relief
Individuals with Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
Pain that has not improved with standard medicines
According to NICE, people who are taking prescription medicines, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are under 18 should speak with a healthcare specialist before using CBD[7].
Conclusion
CBD is showing real promise as a natural, non-intoxicating option for people living with chronic pain. But choosing the right treatment can still feel confusing. That is why speaking with a specialist is a good first step. Leva is a UK-based pain management clinic that specialises in cannabis based medicinal treatment, including CBD, for people living with chronic pain. Our team of specialist doctors will assess your condition, review your medical history, and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This means you can feel confident about your treatment instead of trying to figure it out on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD addictive when used regularly?
Current research suggests CBD is not considered addictive or habit-forming, making it a preferred option for people seeking long-term wellness support without dependency concerns.
Can older adults safely use CBD products?
Many older adults use CBD for mobility and discomfort management, but age-related medication use and health conditions make professional medical advice especially important before starting.
Can CBD products be used while travelling in the UK?
CBD products meeting UK legal requirements are generally allowed for travel within the country, though carrying properly labelled products is always recommended.
Will CBD make me feel sleepy during the day?
Most CBD products are designed to support calmness without heavy drowsiness, though higher doses may affect alertness differently depending on individual sensitivity and usage timing.
How long should I try CBD before deciding if it works?
Many users assess results after consistent use for two to four weeks, as gradual improvements in comfort, sleep, and recovery are more common than instant effects.
Citations
[1] British Pain Society. (2024). Pain Awareness Month 2024. https://www.britishpainsociety.org/resources/pain-awareness-month-2024/.
[2] Cásedas G, Yarza-Sancho M, López V. Cannabidiol (CBD): A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Evidence in the Treatment of Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Oct 28;17(11):1438. doi: 10.3390/ph17111438. PMID: 39598350; PMCID: PMC11597428.
[3] Anand U, Jones B, Korchev Y, Bloom SR, Pacchetti B, Anand P, Sodergren MH. CBD Effects on TRPV1 Signalling Pathways in Cultured DRG Neurons. J Pain Res. 2020 Sep 11;13:2269-2278. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S258433. PMID: 32982390; PMCID: PMC7494392.
[4] University of Rochester Medical Centre. (2025). Research hints at the potential of pain relief with CBD. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/neuroscience/research-hints-at-the-potential-of-pain-relief-with-cbd
[5] Sherin Yasser Mostafa Mohammed, Kaizielyn Leis, Ria Eunice Mercado, Ma. Monica Sheiane Castillo, Kevin Jace Miranda, Rogie Royce Carandang, Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review, Pain Management Nursing, Volume 25, Issue 2, 2024, Pages e76-e86, ISSN 1524-9042, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2023.10.002. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1524904223001935)
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Is CBD safe and effective? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
[7] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Cannabis-based medicinal products: Recommendations (NICE Guideline NG144). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144/chapter/recommendations