Sometimes, and for various reasons, nerve cells become damaged, sending pain signals even if there isn’t a reason for pain. When that occurs, a person can feel constant pain, tingling, numbness, balance problems, temperature sensitivity, and discomfort or pain from touching objects. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy.

Although there are medications available for neuropathic symptoms, they have limited efficacy or come at a cost such as complete numbness and loss of all sensation. Seems like a harsh price to pay. Nearly 200 million people suffer from neuropathy, and many would like to avoid the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

CBD derived from hemp may be the solution. Recent studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system, which I’ve discussed in this blog before, has been shown to have a significant effect on neuropathic pain. Here’s why. CBD tends to kick-start the CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the brain and body. These receptors control the release of neurotransmitter and central nervous system immune cells, whose main job is to manage pain levels.

Studies have begun to show that CBD can do what pharmaceutical medications have not been able to do consistently. “Clinical studies largely affirm that neuropathic pain patients derive benefits from cannabinoid treatment,” according to the study Cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain: From the bench to the bedside.

Taken as a supplement or as a topical application, CBD from hemp can help ease the pain of neuropathy without side effects and it is not addicting. As more studies are being conducted, the use of CBD and hemp as therapeutic are beginning to be respected as medicinal. It may be time to take a new approach to your neuropathy pain.