CBD reduced pain in rats with sex-dependent dose differences across the estrous cycle

CBD 30 mg/kg reduced thermal pain sensitivity in males. In females, response varied by estrous cycle: no significant effect during proestrus (tail flick test), but during late diestrus, lower doses were effective. For post-operative pain, CBD 3 mg/kg reduced mechanical allodynia in males and females during proestrus, while only 0.3 mg/kg was needed during late diestrus.

Male and female Wistar rats were tested using tail flick (thermal pain) and von Frey (post-surgical mechanical pain) tests. CBD was administered intraperitoneally at various doses. Females were tested during different estrous cycle phases.

Most pain research has been conducted in males, creating a gap in understanding how sex and hormonal cycles affect CBD efficacy. This study suggests women might need different CBD doses at different points in their menstrual cycle.

The 10-fold dose difference between males and females in late diestrus suggests ovarian hormones significantly modulate CBD action. This has implications for developing personalized CBD dosing for pain management in women.

Rat model may not translate directly to humans. Estrous cycle is not identical to menstrual cycle. Intraperitoneal administration does not match common human routes. Relatively small group sizes.