CBD or Cannabis for Pain: Types and Differences Between Opioids

By Isabella TortaOctober 06, 2025

anziano su divano accanto alla figlia con boccetta di olio di cbd isolato per dolore cronico agrilab sul tavolo vicino a una tazza di the

Cannabis for pain management has become a central topic in medical debate in recent years, especially for those suffering from chronic pain and seeking alternatives to opioids.

However, not all available options offer real therapeutic benefit, and the risk of side effects , especially related to THC , remains high.

Understanding the differences between various phytocannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN), between prescription galenic products (such as FM2 or Bedrocan), and between CBD isolate and cannabinoid medications is essential today for making informed choices.

This article aims to be a comprehensive guide to the difference between medical cannabis and CBD in pain management , with particular attention to the role of isolated CBD , the only cannabinoid without psychoactive effects, as it is a single molecule with real modulating efficacy and safe long-term use.

CBD or cannabis for pain?

In Italy, medical cannabis available in pharmacies is classified based on the plant variety, THC and CBD content, and the method of administration (oil, inflorescences, capsules). The main varieties are:

FM2 (produced by the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant): contains THC between 5-8% and CBD between 7-12%.
Bedrocan : High in THC (22%), with minimal traces of CBD.
Bediol : with a more moderate balance between THC and CBD.
Pedanios, Aurora, Tilray : from foreign crops, with variable contents.

The choice of strain directly affects the action profile and side effects. However, the presence of THC makes prolonged and safe use difficult, especially in patients unaccustomed to psychoactive compounds.

👉 This is why many health professionals are turning to solutions like CBD isolate , which allows for pain therapy free from cognitive distortions, anxiety, or addiction.

Cannabis: Is FM2 Really Effective?

In the context of cannabis for pain therapy , FM2 is today one of the most prescribed for pathologies such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathies.

But its effectiveness depends heavily on the presence of THC , which works by activating CB1 receptors in the brain.

This stimulation produces a pain-masking effect, not a real resolution :

✅ Fast relief , but only temporary .
❌ Drug tolerance requiring increasing doses.
❌ Psychiatric risks , such as anxiety, mood swings, or paranoia.

👉 The palliative effect of THC does not represent a stable therapeutic solution.

On the contrary, isolated CBD acts on peripheral and central receptors in a modulating and long-lasting way, without creating addiction or cognitive alterations, making it the safest choice of cannabis for pain therapy .

What are the side effects of FM2 cannabis?

FM2 , produced in Italy for therapeutic use, is among the most widely distributed strains in pharmacies. It contains significant amounts of THC, which leads to numerous adverse effects:

Drowsiness , dizziness and fatigue.
Cognitive difficulties , such as memory loss and attention problems.
Emotional changes → anxiety, mood swings, paranoid episodes.
Cardiovascular disorders → tachycardia, drop in blood pressure.
Dependence and tolerance → underestimated risk.

👉 All these effects result from the direct activation of CB1 receptors by THC, without physiological modulation.

CBD isolate , on the other hand, acts on receptors such as:

CB2 → anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective action,
TRPV2 → muscle pain and inflammation,
5-HT2C → mood regulation,
Adenosine A1 → cardiovascular protection,
Sodium channels → neuronal stability.

📌 The safety profile of CBD isolate makes it preferable for all long-term therapies, without having to deal with the side effects of THC.

Agrilab CBD oil isolate bottle for chronic pain on a white background and hemp leaves around with yellow candles

Some recommended products for choosing truly pure and certified CBD isolate

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➤ Pure CBD Isolate Oil – Discover our Pure Oils line, which contains only CBD isolate, with ultra-controlled percentages and zero traces of THC. The choice of carrier oil depends on your overall health; contact us now for more information.
➤ Fir Pad – Discover our infrared heating mat for pain relief. Thanks to our revolutionary 4-Step Therapy method, which modulates the endocannabinoid system and uses infrared rays, nitric oxide, and CBD, you'll rediscover the well-being of a pain-free life.

Cannabinoids: Are They All Really Painkillers?

Over 120 phytocannabinoids have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant, but only a few show significant efficacy in pain management:

THC → Acts on CB1 receptors. It is the main psychoactive compound: it reduces the perception of pain, but induces dependence , tolerance and alteration of cognitive functions .
CBG → Potentially anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective action, but still lacking solid clinical studies.
CBN → Mild sedative effect. Has no significant clinical role in pain relief.
CBD isolate → The most studied and safe:
- It acts on CB2 (anti-inflammatory),
- TRPA1 (neuropathic pain),
- GPR55 (neuromodulation),
- Dopamine D2 (motivation and mood),
- Adenosine A2A (relaxation and neuroprotection).

👉 CBD isolate is the only phytocannabinoid that offers complex and safe modulation , without mental alterations or tolerance. For this reason, it is currently the leading candidate for effective and sustainable pain therapy .

Difference between CBD isolate, cannabis, and opioids

A common mistake is to compare medical cannabis and opioids as if they were equivalent in treating pain. In reality, the differences are substantial:

Opioids

They act on μ and κ receptors in the brain.
They block the transmission of pain at the central level.
They cause rapid tolerance, dependence and risk of overdose .
Indicated only in extreme conditions such as cancer pain .

Cannabis with THC

It stimulates CB1 , altering the perception of pain.
May cause anxiety, drowsiness, cognitive distortions.
Long-term use leads to unstable benefit and habituation .

CBD isolate

It modulates , it does not suppress: it acts physiologically.
It stimulates CB2 , TRPV1 , 5-HT1A , glycine and dopamine receptors.
Without addiction , without tolerance, without psychoactive effects.

👉 CBD isolate offers pain relief as a natural and safe alternative to opioids and THC, providing more sustainable long-term pain management.

Medical cannabis and pain: broken promises

Despite the promise of medical cannabis in treating pain, clinical evidence remains contradictory. Many patients report subjective improvements, but scientific studies highlight:

Limited effectiveness over time.
High risks with continued use of THC.
Difficulty in personalising therapy.

CBD isolate , on the other hand, stands out for:

A broad receptor profile (CB2, TRPV1, 5-HT1A, GABA-A, calcium channels),
Modulating and progressive action on neuropathic, visceral and inflammatory pain,
Safe even in daily use, without negative interactions.

👉 The real innovation in cannabis pain therapy is represented by CBD isolate , which acts where needed, as needed, without side effects.

Find out how CBD Isolate can help with various conditions.

👉 Keep following us on the blog : in the next articles we will talk about all the pathologies that can be supported by CBD isolate.

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