Last updated on 17 November 2021
CBD has a wide range of applications and is a viable option for many people suffering from conditions, associated with pain. In this article we look at the effect CBD can have on rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition that results in inflammation, soreness as well as stiffness in the joints. In most cases, the hands, wrists, and feet are afflicted by this condition. These symptoms can become worse from time to time which is referred to as flare-ups. Although it can be rather difficult to predict a flare, it is feasible to lessen the number of flare-ups thus providing relief to the sufferers. Individuals might experience discomfort in other parts of their bodies or other general symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue.
Risk factors:
CBD and Arthritis
CBD oil (Cannabidiol) is considered a very promising in treating various conditions and studies suggest that it plays a role in the regulation of our immune system. This in turn helps our body to prevent the production of inflammatory chemicals in our organism5. In addition, CBD, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, could also have a pain-relieving effect when applied to the skin6. A study conducted on mice in 2003 already suggested this.
There is much to suggest that CBD may be helpful in supporting chronic pain This would also positively support better sleep7 and increase general well-being. This would give those affected the chance to participate actively in life again. In some cases, patients tend to lose their appetite when suffering from autoimmune arthritis. CBD could also stimulate a patient’s appetite, according to an Israeli team of scientists8. In this way, the patient may be able to consume the much-needed food to fight the disease effectively.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD to Treat Arthritis?
- Reduces any need for opiates
- Relieves pain
- Lessens side effects caused by traditional arthritis treatments
- Reduces any need for NSAIDs
- Enhances mobility
- Helps to sleep better
What are the side effects of using CBD to treat Arthritis?
While CBD is generally considered safe, some people will experience some side effects. The side effects include nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, change of appetite, and a dry mouth. The symptoms are rare, though, and not as severe as the ones caused by the conventional drugs used to treat arthritis.
CBD dosage for Arthritis
Everyone is different, and everyone reacts differently to CBD. We recommend that you always listem to your body and look for signs of improvement. Our preferred dosage method is the Step-Up method, developed by Leinow & Birnbaum. In their book, “CBD: A patient’s guide to Medical Cannabis”9 recommend to start with a microdose for arthritis. To learn more about the mirodose and how to correctly take it, please reade our article on CBD dosing:
How can I use CBD to treat Arthritis?
There are various ways in which you can start using CBD. Some of these have been mentioned below:
Use a Topical Salve
A topical salve will play a key role in relieving discomfort from your joints as well as muscles. Even though you will easily find them in your local dispensary, you might find it tough to get hold of these products in regions where weed is not legalized. But there is hardly any reason to worry since it is possible to buy a salve which has been designed for managing joint pain in particular.
Vaping Or Smoking
Inhalation works the fastest and you can just stop as soon as you feel you’ve had enough. This method is recommended if you are experiencing severe pain and need fast relief. Within about 30 min of inhalation, you should experience the full effects of the CBD and the feeling could last between 1 and 4 hours, depending on how much you inhaled. This method may not be available for everyone depending on which country you live in and if the laws are a bit stringent.
CBD Oil
This method is taking the CBD oil under your tongue. This is commonly done with a dropper, or you can measure your desired amount. The word tincture usually refers to something which is extracted with alcohol, but some CBD tinctures are extracted using the CO2 method. This method of extraction is the best because it is the cleanest and most efficient. In the case of alcohol extraction, some toxic residues can be left behind.
Sample all the Strain Types
It is a fact that Indicas, Sativas, and Hybrids have their own strengths as well as drawbacks. Therefore, make it a point to try all types of strains out there and see which is going to work in your case. Bear in mind that CBD-heavy strains can be extremely useful in calming and relaxing a patient especially if they are struggling with painful joints and sore muscles.
What is Research Saying About Using CBD for Arthritis?
At present, almost 50% of the people who are more than 65 years of age are struggling with arthritis in the US alone. It has been estimated that around 60 million adults, plus many children are suffering from this painful condition these days, many studies have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of CBD in treating arthritis. In the subsequent paragraphs, we have penned down a few of those studies along with their results.
According to a study which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2000, arthritic symptoms were induced in several mice by scientists artificially10. The animals were then treated with CBD. As a matter of fact, CBD was administered both orally and by injection and it was found that CBD helped in slowing down the progression of damage to the joints.
Brightfield Group, which happens to be a cannabis-research firm, conducted a survey on as many as 2,400 individuals suffering from persistent arthritis in the year 201711. In this particular study, it was revealed that the consumers of CBD oil expressed their satisfaction after using the product. In fact, it was later found that 42% of those folks had quit other pharmaceutical medicines in favor of CBD.
CBD for Arthritis – Customer Reviews*
I’ve had arthrosis in both knees since… 
“I have arthrosis in both knees. Since I have been taking CBD capsules I can walk better and have reduced the painkillers down to one tablet in the evening. Previously I had to take up to 5 tablets a day. I am thrilled and continue to order from Nordic Oil.”
Trustpilot review by A. Avemark
Absolutely amazing drops
“Absolutely amazing drops, works right away. Fine service with delivery, and fast delivery. Order today rather than tomorrow.
I have (had) many joint pains and they are gone now, so wonderful 🙂 “
Trustpilot review by M. Nielsen
My experience with hemp oil is…
“My experience with hemp oil is very positive, as a result of which I was able to reduce my painkillers by about 70% (I have arthritis in the joints).”
Trustpilot review by F. Knueppel
Help with knee pain
“I take the 5% CBD Oil 3x daily 4 drops against my strong pain from knee arthrosis! I feel much better, not pain-free but much better and experimenting with the dosage may bring better results in the future 😉 Delivery is fast and uncomplicated!
Thank you and keep it up !!!”
References
- Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB (October 2016). „Rheumatoid arthritis“. Lancet. 388 (10055): 2023–2038. [↩]
- Sugiyama D, Nishimura K, Tamaki K, et al „Impact of smoking as a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of observational studies“ Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2010;69:70-81. [ [↩]
- Liao KP, Karlson EW. „Classification and epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis“ In: Hochberg MC, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH (Hrsg.) Rheumatology (6th edition), Philadelphia (Elsevier) 2015, Chapter 83, p. 691-697 [↩]
- Symmons DP. „Looking back: rheumatoid arthritis–aetiology, occurrence and mortality.“ Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005Dec;44 Suppl 4:iv14-iv17 [↩]
- Hammell, D. C., et al. „Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.“ European Journal of Pain 20.6 (2016): 936-948. [↩]
- Lodzki, M., et al. „Cannabidiol—transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model.“ Journal of controlled release 93.3 (2003): 377-387. [↩]
- Murillo-Rodríguez, Eric, et al. „Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats.“ FEBS letters 580.18 (2006): 4337-4345. [↩]
- Fride, Ester, Tatyana Bregman, and Tim C. Kirkham. „Endocannabinoids and food intake: newborn suckling and appetite regulation in adulthood.“ Experimental Biology and Medicine 230.4 (2005): 225-234 [↩]
- Leinow,, L. and Birnbaum, J. (2017). CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis. North Atlantic Books. [↩]
- Khare, S. (2000). Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(7), pp.3370-3375. [↩]
- Borchardt, D. (2017). Survey: Nearly Half Of People Who Use Cannabidiol Products Stop Taking Traditional Medicines. [online] Forbes.com. [↩]
Author
With close to two decades of successful stint in the Media industry, I felt I was surely missing a piece in my life puzzle. I took a break and set out to seek the purpose of my life. I travelled, lived out of a suitcase, let things flow into life without resisting, and after five challenging years, I found my rhythm. I love to write about Cannabis and Health and try my best to simplify esoteric concepts into simple ideas for life.
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