Does CBD Oil Really Help Treat Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis is more than just pain. It’s feeling stiff. It’s the loss of your former range of motion. It’s the inability to carry items or move around as you please. For many people with arthritis, symptoms can severely lower quality of life. 

There are many ways to approach arthritis treatment: medication, chiropractors, diet, etc. But another option has started becoming more available to arthritis patients and other people who experience chronic pain. It can be considered controversial, but CBD oil is really worth a try if you suffer from inflammatory or noninflammatory arthritis. 

Learn why.

What Is CBD Oil? 

CBD oil is a product made by extracting cannabinol (CBD) from the cannabis plant. It usually comes in a dropper form, although many manufacturers have developed products that incorporate CBD oil into foods, beverages, and topical products. 

There is often a lot of confusion around CBD. Let’s clear some things up. 

CBD is legal. In October 2018, Canada legalized the use of cannabis. CBD is a chemical compound that can be found in the cannabis plant (both hemp and marijuana.) While CBD oil is not always accessible in grocery stores, you can buy it online and use it legally. 

CBD is safe. CBD is not the chemical compound in marijuana that gets you high (that’s THC.) CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that works with your body to reduce inflammation, boost your mood, and improve your quality of life. Negative side effects are rare. CBD is not physically active and cannot cause an overdose. 

CBD may work differently depending on your side effects and medications. Talk to a doctor before you start using CBD to treat your arthritis pain. 

CBD and Arthritis 

CBD isn’t just used by people with arthritis. People with fibromyalgia, anxiety, cancer, and a wide range of other conditions have also found relief in CBD oil. But due to CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it has special benefits for those who suffer from arthritis pain. 

Recent studies have helped to support the idea that CBD oil can be used to treat symptoms of different types of arthritis. 

CBD and Inflammatory Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis) 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complicated disease, but is generally caused by an attack from the immune system. This attack leads to high levels of inflammation and pain throughout the joints. About one in every 100 Canadians currently suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. 

But CBD oil can help. 

CBD oil plays a big effect on two types of receptors throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 is mostly present in the central nervous system, CB2 can be found in the immune system. 

CBD helps to work with the CB2 receptors to regulate the immune system, reducing inflammation. By reducing inflammation, people with arthritis can experience relief from their symptoms and go about their way with less pain. 

In 2006, researchers conducted a five-week trial on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some participants were administered a cannabis-based medicine and asked to report on their symptoms. The participants who received the medication reported less pain, less inflammation, and better sleep than the participants who received a placebo. 

Two years later, a study on CBD and chronic pain confirmed these results. Patients not only experienced less pain, but they were also able to sleep better after using CBD to treat their chronic pain symptoms. 

CBD and Noninflammatory Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) 

Not all arthritis is caused by the immune system. Noninflammatory arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that is typically caused by aging. While this is called “noninflammatory arthritis,” people with OA still experience inflammation in the joints. CBD can also address this type of condition. 

In 2017, a study on rats with OA showed that CBD oil could help to protect the nerves from damage and reduce inflammation and pain that resulted from OA. This confirmed the findings from a study from 2014 that suggested that CBD oil could help to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis. While there is still more research to be done on CBD and arthritis, the findings so far have proved to be very promising. 

CBD and Mental Health 

Arthritis doesn’t just affect the body. The inability to hold, move, and move through everyday life without pain can have effects on mental health. One in five adults with arthritis displays symptoms of either anxiety or depression. 

CBD can also help to alleviate these symptoms. The endocannabinoid system affects the entire body. When you ingest CBD, “happy” chemicals like serotonin are more likely to move through the body and positively impact your mood. Many people without arthritis or any sort of chronic pain use CBD oil for symptoms of anxiety or depression. 

How to Use CBD Oil

CBD oil is a very versatile product. While some people prefer to squeeze a few drops under their tongue, other people mix it in with their coffee, tea, or morning smoothies. Pure CBD oil doesn’t have a strong flavour, although you can get CBD oil products that are mixed with other essential oils. 

If you prefer to vape cannabis, you can also get CBD oil products that are compatible with a reusable cartridge. It is not as easy to determine how much CBD you are getting when you vape, but you can consume CBD in a more discreet way throughout the day.

There is no exact recommended dosage for patients with arthritis. Experts at the Arthritis Foundation recommend starting with two doses of 5-10mg of CBD a day, and then possibly working your way up to 100mg each day. CBD is safe to use in the daytime or nighttime. See what works for you, and consult your doctor before you start increasing your dosage. 

Where to Buy CBD Products 

CBD oil is just one way to get the benefits of CBD. You can also purchase CBD gummies or smoke cannabis that only contains CBD. All of these products can be purchased through online dispensaries that deliver CBD products straight to your door.