Can CBD Support Pain Relief Treatments? New Research Explores the Potential

Living with pain isn’t just uncomfortable - it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a lingering injury, recovery after surgery, or everyday aches that just won’t let up, people often turn to painkillers to get through the day. And while lighter options aren't a problem for most, with stronger medications like opioids come real risks: dependency, side effects, and a long list of concerns. So what if there were a way to at least reduce their required dosage, with support from natural compounds like CBD?

A new 2025 study set out to explore that very question. Could cannabidiol (CBD) - the non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp and cannabis plant - help enhance pain relief when used alongside traditional treatments like opioids? And could it do so without increasing the side effects? Let’s take a closer look at what researchers discovered.

Why We Need Better Pain Relief Solutions

Opioids, such as hydromorphone or morphine, are well-known for their ability to relieve moderate to severe pain. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing the way we experience pain signals. But their strength is also their weakness. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, meaning higher and higher doses may be needed. Besides that, the risk of dependency and serious side effects like slowed breathing or drowsiness can quickly turn helpful medication into a dangerous one.

This growing problem has fuelled interest in what researchers call "opioid-sparing" strategies - ways to reduce the amount of opioids needed while still maintaining effective pain relief. That’s where the effect of CBD could come in.

The Study: What Scientists Wanted to Find Out about Cannabidiol

In this new study published in February 2025, researchers at Johns Hopkins University set out to test how CBD interacts with a commonly prescribed opioid, hydromorphone. Specifically, they wanted to know:

• Could the use of CBD enhance the pain-relieving effects of a low dose of hydromorphone?
  
  

• Would using CBD cause any additional side effects?
  
  

• How would different doses of CBD (50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg) affect the outcome?
  
  

To find out, they designed a careful laboratory experiment involving 31 healthy volunteers. Each participant attended five separate sessions, receiving different combinations of hydromorphone and CBD (or a placebo) each time. Their pain responses were then measured using specially designed sensory tests that simulate both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) pain in a controlled environment.

What the Study Found: CBD for Pain Relief

The results were eye-opening. When a low dose of hydromorphone (4 mg) was combined with 50 mg of CBD, participants reported greater relief from acute pain than with hydromorphone alone. Interestingly, higher doses of CBD (100 mg and 200 mg) did not offer additional pain relief benefits - and the 200 mg dose actually led to more side effects.

This suggests that less might be more when it comes to CBD's ability to support pain relief in this combination. The low dose seemed to work in harmony with the opioid, improving its effectiveness without increasing the negative effects.

It’s worth noting that this benefit of CBD was seen primarily in acute pain models. For simulated chronic pain, CBD did not appear to make a significant difference when combined with an opioid. Still, these findings open the door to more nuanced, low-risk approaches to pain support.

Another Surprise Benefit of CBD

One of the most interesting parts of the study was what happened with psychomotor performance - basically, the participants' ability to react and coordinate movement, which is often impaired by opioids.

When participants took hydromorphone on its own, their reaction times and motor coordination suffered. But when CBD was added, especially at lower doses, this effect was mitigated. This could be a major advantage for anyone who needs to manage pain without losing focus or physical function during the day.

In contrast, the highest CBD dose (200 mg) led to more reports of "bad effects" such as nausea, discomfort, or general unease. This highlights the importance of getting the dosage right - more isn’t always better.

What Does This Mean for You?

First, it’s important to be clear: this study didn’t test CBD on its own. All pain relief observed came from the combination of CBD with a low dose of hydromorphone. So we can’t say CBD alone will deliver the same effects.

However, it does suggest that CBD may have a future role to play in supporting pain management strategies, especially for people who want to avoid high-dose opioids. Used in the right way, and at the right dose, it may help boost pain relief without worsening side effects.

As always, speak with a healthcare provider before combining CBD with any medication. While CBD is generally well tolerated, it can interact with certain drugs and should be used with care.

Looking Ahead: A Small Step Toward a Bigger Change

This study isn’t a final answer, but it’s part of a growing conversation. As researchers continue to explore the relationship between CBD and pain, we may discover new ways to ease discomfort without relying solely on pharmaceuticals.

In the meantime, if you’re curious about incorporating CBD into your routine, the key is to start low, go slow, and stay informed. Pay attention to how your body responds, and always choose reputable brands that offer third-party lab testing and clear ingredient labels. Pain is personal. So is relief. But with science, curiosity, and care, we may be closer than ever to finding solutions that work with our bodies, not against them.

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

Sources

[1] Bergeria CL, Mun CJ, Speed TJ, Huhn AS, Wolinsky D, Vandrey R, Campbell CM, Dunn KE. A within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized evaluation of the combined effects of cannabidiol and hydromorphone in a human laboratory pain model. Pain. 2025 Feb 28.