Is CBD Enough for Chronic Pain — or Do You Need THC Too?

Ryan Manser
Jul 10
3 min read

With the rising popularity of CBD products, many people with chronic pain are wondering: Is CBD enough to manage my pain, or do I need THC too?

While CBD (cannabidiol) offers a variety of wellness benefits and is widely available without a prescription, research — and patient experience — suggests that THC may play a crucial role in pain relief, especially for more severe or persistent pain.

In this article, we’ll break down:

How CBD and THC work
The differences between them
Which may be more effective for chronic pain
And how to choose the right medical marijuana product for your needs

What’s the Difference Between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant. They interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — which helps regulate pain, inflammation, sleep, mood, and more.

But they work in different ways:

Compound	Effects	Psychoactive?	Legal Access
CBD	Reduces inflammation, calms nerves, promotes relaxation	❌ No	Legal in most states (hemp-derived)
THC	Relieves pain, boosts mood, promotes sleep, stimulates appetite	✅ Yes	Medical use only in some states

THC is the compound responsible for the “high” feeling, while CBD does not produce intoxication.

Is CBD Alone Enough for Chronic Pain?

CBD has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, which can help people manage certain kinds of pain — particularly if inflammation or stress are contributing factors.

Some patients with mild to moderate chronic pain, such as from:

Minor arthritis
Menstrual pain
Muscle soreness…may benefit from CBD alone.

However, many patients with moderate to severe chronic pain (such as neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or advanced joint degeneration) find that CBD by itself isn’t strong enough.

Why THC May Be Necessary for More Effective Pain Relief

Studies show that THC provides direct pain relief by:

Interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain
Modulating pain perception
Promoting better sleep, which improves pain tolerance
Enhancing the pain-relieving effects of other cannabinoids

In fact, many patients experience the best results with a combination of CBD and THC, which work together through the entourage effect — meaning they’re more effective together than separately.

Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or THC-Free: What’s Best?

If you’re using cannabis for chronic pain, here’s how to choose:

✅ Full-spectrum products

Contain THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids — best for chronic pain relief🟢 Ideal for patients with a medical marijuana card.

🔵 Broad-spectrum products

Contain CBD + other cannabinoids (but no THC)🟡 May work for mild pain, but less potent.

⚪ CBD isolate

Pure CBD only — no THC or other plant compounds🔴 Least effective for chronic pain.

Can You Get Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain?

Yes — if you live in Michigan, Ohio, or Oklahoma, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card if you experience ongoing pain that affects your daily life.

At drkennabis, we make the process simple and convenient with same-day telemedicine appointments.

👉 Book your appointment now and find the right CBD:THC balance for your pain relief needs

Final Thoughts

While CBD can offer relief for some types of pain, it may not be strong enough for everyone — especially if you’re dealing with long-term or severe discomfort.

THC plays a key role in effective pain management, and when used responsibly under medical guidance, it can be a powerful tool for chronic pain relief.

If you're not sure where to start, talk to one of our doctors at drkennabis — we’ll help you understand what combination of cannabinoids is right for your condition and lifestyle.