Everything You Need To Know About CBD Oil + Tattoos

We're often told that one of the scariest parts of getting tattooed for most people is the pain they'll experience during the process. While there have been many advancements in the tattoo industry, such as electric machines, higher-quality inks or needles, better hygiene practices, and safer techniques, there's only so much an artist can do to curb the pain their client will feel.

This is where cannabis and CBD oil have come in handy for those who want less pain during the process of getting that incredible new tattoo. We're going to take you through the pros and cons of using cannabis or CBD oil, how these might affect your experience and a little background info on how we got here.

This is everything you should know about the use of CBD oil during the process of being tattooed.

Before we get into this blog, we want to address the legal side. As you know, Smoke & Mirrors Tattoo Co is based in Brisbane, in QLD, Australia. Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Queensland, and there's no idea if or when this may change. However, since 2016, medicinal cannabis (including CBD oil) has been legalised for patients who have a prescription from an authorised doctor. If you are considering CBD oil for your next tattoo session, please make sure you're accessing it legally through an authorised doctor.

THC vs CBD, what's the difference, and which one should you use for your tattoo session?

THC is the component in cannabis that gives you the feeling of being 'high'. While this is a good thing for pain relief, it can come with other side effects like altering your general state of mind, something we would never suggest for a tattoo. Tattoos should always be an informed, thoughtful decision. This is where CBD comes in handy, as it is non-psychoactive.

CBD is known for its calming effects, with the bonus of anxiety reduction and pain management. CBD oil has become one of the preferred choices for clients with a legal medicinal cannabis prescription to help combat the discomfort we all feel getting inked up.

While you can use THC/CBD in any way you see fit, including vaping, smoking, or edibles, most people recommend CBD oil as it has anti-inflammatory properties with the benefits of pain relief without impairing your judgement. This makes it easier to sit for longer duration tattoos without worrying if you'll make any decisions you'll regret later.

Personally speaking, I've been using CBD oil over the past 2 years for almost all of my tattoos (excluding one—big regrets), and I've found it makes me feel more relaxed, reduces the pain I feel getting tattooed, and allows me to sit for much longer than I was willing to before.

If you are considering using CBD oil for your tattoo, you may need to check in with your artist or their studio to ensure that they're comfortable tattooing someone who's been medically prescribed cannabis before you get inked.

Some Frequently Asked Questions: CBD Oil & Tattoos

What are the benefits of CBD oil during tattoos?

• Reduced anxiety
• Stress relief
• Pain management
• Swelling relief

How much CBD oil should I take before a tattoo?

CBD oil generally works best after consistent use. If you're planning on using CBD oil before your tattoo, I recommend discussing how to build up your CBD usage with your authorised doctor. They'll give you tips on starting small and slowly upping the dose based on its effect on you.

Does CBD oil help with tattoo pain?

There is nothing you can do to stop the pain of a tattoo, generally speaking. Depending on your pain tolerance or the size, style, and placement of the tattoo, the scope of pain may vary from uncomfortable to agony or somewhere in between. Studies have shown that CBD oil can act as an analgesic or a 'pain-relieving drug' to dull the pain you'll experience being tattooed. 

Studies have shown that increased anxiety can correlate to increased sensitivity to pain and can also make the tattoo process overwhelming, causing clients to 'tap out' or need to stop their tattoo earlier. CBD oil can do wonders for anxiety and stress relief, helping lower the pain you'll feel.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol Oil, more commonly known as CBD oil is d, derived from cannabis and is a natural medicinal remedy for a range of ailments, including pain relief, the reduction of symptoms relating to mental health disorders, alleviation of cancer-related pain, and more.

Do tattoo artists approve of CBD oil during tattoos?

Every tattoo artist will have their own preferences. While some may see the use of CBD oil during a tattoo as no biggie, others may refuse service if you appear to be high or seem intoxicated on a substance. If you're worried about how your artist will react to you using CBD oil before your appointment, reach out and ask your artist ahead of time.

How long before my tattoo should I take CBD oil?

Knowing when to take CBD oil in the lead up to your tattoo will require time to get used to it if you haven't taken it previously. You'll want to consult your doctor and ask their professional opinion, but generally speaking, you'll want to start small and see where your tolerance is with CBD oil.

Taking CBD oil roughly 30 minutes to an hour before your tattoo will likely be your best bet. This will give you time to get to your tattoo's location by the time it kicks in.

CBD has recently surged in popularity within the tattoo industry and doesn't look like it will slow down. With a range of proven benefits, we're seeing more clients opting to take CBD oil before getting tattooed. While almost all aspects of tattooing have become significantly advanced over the last twenty years, the pain clients feel during a tattoo remains, and CBD oil is a great way to offset that.