Not long ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved Cannabidiol (CBD) products for certain uses. CBD has really struck many as a wonder substance, providing many therapeutic properties and few side-effects that we know of. Its popularity quickly outran its ability to be regulated, and sufficient testing is still catching up. New studies are coming out every day, though, supporting its benefits. 

Researchers from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine found that orally administered CBD tablets greatly helped reduce pain in participants who just came out of non-invasive shoulder surgery.

ORAVEXX

The researchers used ORAVEXX, a non-addictive, fast-absorbing CBD tablet designed to treat pain.

They randomly gave 99 patients coming out of non-invasive rotator cuff surgery either a placebo or the CBD tablet and asked them to take their tablets three times a day for 14 days. 

On the first day alone, those who had taken the CBD tablet, instead of the placebo, were experiencing 23 percent less pain. Over the next few days, those taking the CBD tablets reported continued good results of 23 to 25 percent satisfaction in pain control, with no negative side-effects associated with CBD. These include nausea and anxiety.

Possibly a new pain treatment alternative

“It could be a new, inexpensive approach for delivering pain relief, and without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs and addiction risks linked to opiates. Additionally, CBD has the benefit of pain relief without the psychotropic effects associated with THC or marijuana,” said Michael J. Alaia, associate professor in the orthopedic surgery department at New York University. 

While the results are promising, CBD’s evolution is ongoing, and Alaia cautions consumers against treating themselves with commercialized CBD products. 

“Our study is examining a well-designed, carefully scrutinized product under an investigational new drug application sanctioned by the FDA. This is currently still experimental medicine and is not yet available for prescription.”

The team’s next study will examine the pain-reducing effects of the drug on patients with osteoarthritis. 

Every study that brings us closer to full approval for CBD could mean an effective alternative to pain treatment, helping against the harmful use of opioids. 

Source Study: Tablet Containing Cannabidiol Shows Promise in Reducing Postoperative Pain | NYU Langone News