Is CBD for arthritis legit? Unfortunately, the only studies we have on the topic are animal studies.Â
That said, if it lowers inflammation and joint pain in rodents, it’s good for humans too.
If you or a loved one is looking at CBD for arthritis, look no further! This post will cover everything you need to know about CBD for arthritis.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a medical condition where one’s joints become swollen and tender. It causes pain and stiffness, and symptoms are usually worse the older the patient is.
When choosing CBD for arthritis, keep in mind the type of arthritis of you (or your loved one) may have.
For example, too much uric acid in the blood forms crystals and causes inflammatory arthritis. A variety of CBD products can help bring down inflammation.
Others with arthritis as a symptom of an underlying cause (like lupus or psoriasis) may still benefit from CBD.
Some people are more susceptible to arthritis than others. People who are overweight tend to put more strain on their joints than others. This can lead to the development of arthritis. But regardless of your weight, old age is the most common factor that leads to arthritis.
You can lower your risk by exercising when you’re young. As well, if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Lack of exercise and smoking can lead to arthritis.
That said, healthy activities like sports can lead to injury. And a sports-related injury can trigger arthritis later in life. (For this reason, we suggest starting your CBD regimen today.)
Arthritis can make daily tasks impossible to perform. As well as simple things like sitting comfortably or walking straight. In extreme cases, joints may even lose their alignment.
The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage cushioning the bone breaks down. This commonly happens in the hand’s knees, hips or spine.
The are other types, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children and teens) or psoriatic arthritis (similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but it’s linked to psoriasis).
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a type of arthritis, then can CBD work for you?
If your symptoms are:
- Stiffness    Â
- Swelling   Â
- Tenderness
Then, yes, CBD for arthritis may work for you.
How CBD for Arthritis Works
CBD, as mentioned, is the naturally occurring substance found in cannabis plants like hemp or “marijuana.” CBD stands for cannabidiol and has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is a phytocannabinoid (meaning a plant-based cannabinoid) that interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS has various cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1 and CB2.
CB1 is found mainly in the spinal cord, and brain CB2 is primarily in the peripheral nervous system, including our immune cells.
Although CBD doesn’t bind directly to these receptors but indirectly influences them. One way is by ensuring our endogenous cannabinoids don’t break down as fast.
History of CBD
Cannabis-based medicine has a long history, including being used in Romania 5,000 years ago. Queen Victoria was known to make cannabis tea. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cannabis-based medicines were pharmacy staples in most of the United States and Europe.
It wasn’t until the 1930s and 40s that authorities restricted cannabis for its THC content and, by extension, all cannabis compounds. (The science of cannabis was still in its infancy. It wasn’t until 1963 that Dr. Raphael Mechoulam detailed the chemical structure of CBD.)
With cannabis legalization and medical marijuana programs worldwide, CBD is coming back in a big way.
Even large pharmaceutical companies recognize its potential. They have an oral medication with CBD (called Epidiolex) prescribed for treating seizures. It is the only CBD-based medicine to get approval from America’s Food and Drug Administration. (Other countries with strict cannabis laws also tend to approve Epidiolex.)
Does it work? Is it safe?
Some studies suggest CBD for arthritis reduces inflammatory immune responses and lessens pain responses.
We recommend speaking with a doctor first, as CBD may interact with arthritis drugs.
Unfortunately, we don’t have thorough human clinical trials on the benefits of CBD for arthritis.
Animal studies show promise, however. Including helping manage joint disease, inflammation, and lower endogenous pain responses.
One study on rodents found CBD topicals may reduce inflammation and pain of arthritis.
Overall, this study showed, at least in rates, that CBD topicals can reduce joint swelling significantly.
Although done on animals, these CBD for arthritis studies gives us a springboard for conducting future clinical studies on people.
Use and Dose
There is no universal dosage of CBD for arthritis. You may consider starting low and gradually increasing, especially if it’s a full spectrum product, meaning there’s a trace amount of THC.
(Our products have negligible amounts of THC, so that’s never a worry there. As well, we only source from the best organic hemp.)
To begin with, a good rule of thumb is ten milligrams (mg) daily and increase from there as you see fit.
You’ll also want to consider your diet, exercise, stress levels, or any underlying conditions.
That said, even the World Health Organization (WHO) says CBD is “well tolerated” and safe.
CBD is, of course, entirely different from other cannabis compounds. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC creates psychoactive effects that make people feel “high” or “stoned.”
However, CBD does not create the same effects. You can take a large dose of CBD and still function throughout the day, whether at home or work.
One study suggests people can tolerate as high as 1,500 mg of CBD daily. One can imagine the results if you tried taking 1500mg of THC. Even the most experienced stoner is in for a trip.
CBD, on the other hand, won’t cause those same effects and is considered safe, even at these high doses.
That said, it would be nice to have long-term human clinical studies on CBD for arthritis. But until then, we suggest you talk to your doctor and find out if CBD for arthritis is for you.
