Thinking of using CBD for arthritis?
If you’re one of the 91 million Americans and 5 million Canadians dealing with aching or stiff joints, then you might be. If not, you probably know someone dealing with it, perhaps your grandparents, or even a friend who doesn’t fit within the typical older-age bracket.
So, what can we do about it?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a potent, non-psychoactive anti-inflammatory agent that helps with reducing pain. The other famous cannabinoid in the marijuana plant (the one that gets you high) is THC. THC can help with pain relief as well, particularly when combined.
Using CBD for arthritis is becoming a more mainstream conversation. But if you’re not entirely sure if it’s right for you or your relatives and friends, you wouldn’t be alone.
That’s why we’ve gone out of our way to perform all the nitty-gritty research on the hows and whys so you can make the best decision for your arthritis.
How Does CBD Treat Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term for a number of different kinds of arthritis. The main constant is that there are inflammation and pain within the joints. And today, CBD has come to the forefront in treating joint pain associated with arthritis.
This non-psychoactive cannabidiol, alongside its sister cannabinoid, THC, both act on the brain’s neurotransmitters, to CB2 receptors in our brain. The CB2 receptor is associated with our immune system and in managing inflammation and pain.
It’s understood that CBD affects the way in which receptors respond to signals and helps with minimizing pain and inflammation.
CBD For Treating Arthritis: What Does the Science Say?
Study 1 overview
This 2016 study found that transdermal administration of CBD (topical application) is a ‘good candidate’ for treating arthritis. This is because it has long-lasting therapeutic effects without the psychoactive side-effects. It makes it perfect for patients that need relief but want to remain productive and go about their day.
Study 2 overview
This next study is the first-ever controlled trial of cannabis-based medicine in rheumatoid arthritis. The 2006 study found that following cannabis treatment (Sativex), the disease activity was significantly suppressed. Patients that did not receive the placebo were able to sleep more, rest without pain and have no pain when moving!
Study 3 overview
This 2017 study looked specifically at osteoarthritis. It suggests that CBD may be a ‘safe, useful therapeutic’ treatment for osteoarthritis and joint neuropathic pain. Plus, with CBD inhibiting inflammation, this could prevent the development of osteoarthritis pain and joint neuropathy. Pretty incredible stuff.
How to Use CBD for Arthritis: 3 Tips
1. Decide on your method of consumption
There are 3 main methods – a tincture, a vape or a balm. So, you could try taking CBD by inhaling it using a vape, or if that doesn’t interest you, you can take CBD orally via a tincture or capsule.
For local pain, anywhere where you have an exact part of the body you can apply CBD topically, using a balm directly on the area. This might be a sore spot on your back, your hand or elbow, for example.
Vaping is going to deliver rapid results as you’re inhaling. The other option is oral administration like via a capsule or dropping CBD oil under the tongue where cannabis is ingested.
When you ingest cannabis, that means it might hit between 30 minutes to 2 hours, but you’ll have to learn how quickly effects take place for you the more you do it.
2. Dosage tip: how much?
As always, start low and go slow. CBD you want to start with a low dose of CBD 5-10mg range, twice daily, and increase that dosage evenly until you reach the ideal level of pain relief. If you’re also using THC you want to start at 2.5-5 mg if you’re using the THC and you’re inexperienced.
3. Pair a little THC with your CBD
If you have access to it, you can use THC in combination with CBD for pain relief.
Before trying out this ‘entourage’ method, however, first, try a CBD-only product in the amount of 5 to 10mg twice daily. As suggested previously, to see your tolerance and get an understanding of how your body reacts.
Final Thoughts
If you have arthritis or know someone with arthritis, a CBD product is worth a try. Not only can it help people with their pain and potentially be able to replace the use of painkillers like Advil or Ibuprofen. It may just improve your quality of life.