CBD and Chronic Pain: What Science Says About Long-Lasting Relief

Living with chronic pain is something most people hope they'll never have to face. But for millions around the world, it's a daily reality. Whether it's from an old injury, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an autoimmune condition, chronic pain doesn't just affect the body - it affects sleep, mood, relationships, and overall quality of life.

In recent years, more people have turned to alternatives like CBD (short for cannabidiol), a natural extract from the cannabis plant, to help manage this ongoing challenge. But what does the science actually say, especially when it comes to the use of CBD over the long term? A recent scientific review explored exactly that: how a long-acting formulation of cannabidiol (CBD) could offer steady, sustained support for people dealing with chronic pain and inflammation.

What Is CBD, and Why Are People Using It for Pain Relief?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it doesn't produce a "high". Instead, CBD is being explored for its potential to support wellbeing in a number of ways, including promoting relaxation, easing tension, and supporting sleep - all of which can play a role in how we experience, manage, and reduce pain.

Many people who live with chronic pain - like for example neuropathic pain - report that CBD helps them feel more comfortable, especially when used as part of a wider wellness routine that includes things like rest, movement, and healthy nutrition. 

The Study: Exploring Long-Acting CBD for Chronic Pain

A 2025 narrative review published in the journal Cureus is trying to explore the potential of long-acting CBD isolate formulations for chronic pain. While the review called for more data on lab-made, isolated formulations of CBD (rather than broad-spectrum CBD oil from plant extracts), the findings from analysing a variety of clinical trials still offer useful insights into how this compound might support the body and relieve pain over longer periods.

The writers argue that long-acting formulations would be designed to release CBD slowly into the system, maintaining a stable level in the bloodstream for an extended time. This could potentially offer more consistent support compared to taking CBD oils or capsules.

In the review, researchers explain how this steady release could support people dealing with conditions that cause long-term discomfort. It also looked at potential advantages, such as fewer side effects and better user compliance, since the dosing doesn’t need to be as frequent to treat pain.

Why a Long-Lasting Pain Management Option Might Matter

Chronic pain isn't like a headache that comes and goes. It's often persistent and unpredictable. That’s why any support that can stay active in the body for longer might offer unique benefits.

According to the review, having a consistent level of CBD in the system might help:

• Reduce fluctuations in discomfort throughout the day
  
  

• Support better sleep, which is often disrupted in those living with chronic pain
  
  

• Encourage a more balanced response to stress, which can worsen symptoms
  
  

For many people, not having to re-dose several times a day would make it easier to stick to a routine - and consistency can make a big difference when managing long-term health issues.

The Potential Benefits: What We Can (and Can’t) Say

While we can't make medical claims about the effects of CBD, we can share what people commonly report and what early studies suggest. The review highlighted a few promising areas where CBD could play a role in a wider wellness plan:

• Calming inflammation: Some types of chronic pain are linked to inflammation in the body. CBD has been studied for its potential to influence inflammatory processes, which may help people feel more at ease.
  
  

• Supporting sleep and recovery: Quality sleep is crucial for managing discomfort and restoring the body. Some users find CBD helps them fall asleep more easily or stay asleep longer.
  
  

• Helping with general wellbeing: Living with pain can take a toll on mental health. CBD is also being explored for its effects on mood and emotional balance, which may indirectly support those dealing with pain.
  
  

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. What works for one person may not be right for another. That’s why starting slowly and paying attention to how your body responds is key.

Natural vs Synthetic CBD Oil: What's the Difference?

The review called for the use of a synthetic version of CBD - one that is structurally identical to natural CBD found in cannabis, but doesn't contain traces of other cannabinoids, flavonoids or plant compounds. While this is useful in clinical trials (because it allows researchers to control every variable), it’s not the same as the full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD found in products like those from Harmony.

Natural, plant-derived CBD contains a range of other compounds from the hemp plant, such as minor cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds may work together in what's sometimes called the "entourage effect," potentially even enhancing the overall benefits of CBD.

Choosing a CBD Product That Works for You

If you're considering trying CBD to support your wellbeing while living with chronic pain, here are a few tips:

• Start low and go slow: Everyone reacts differently, so begin with a small dose and see how you feel over time.
  
  

• Look for transparency: Choose a brand that shares lab test results and clearly lists ingredients.
  
  

• Think about your lifestyle: Oils, capsules, vapes, or patches all work differently. Choose what fits best with your daily habits so you can use it consistently.
  
  

• Consistency is key: Using CBD regularly, rather than only when symptoms flare up, may offer the most benefit over time.
  
  

At Harmony, we offer a range of CBD products designed to support a calm, balanced lifestyle - with no artificial additives, and always lab-tested for quality and purity.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Step Forward

Living with chronic pain can be exhausting, frustrating, and isolating. While no single solution works for everyone, the emerging research around CBD is encouraging. It suggests that products that contain CBD could become a helpful part of many people's wellness toolbox, particularly for those looking for natural ways to support recovery, balance, and day-to-day comfort.

As always, it's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine - especially if you're managing a medical condition or taking other medications.

If you’re curious about how CBD might fit into your lifestyle, take a look at our collection and discover a more mindful way to support your body and mind, every day.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Christo P J, Vortsman E, Gharibo C, et al. (April 01, 2025) Considering Long-Acting Synthetic Cannabidiol for Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Cureus 17(4): e81577.