PHOTO BY CHRISTIN HUME
CBD for Arthritis: Separating the Facts From the Hype
A promising solution for arthritis pain and inflammation
by Catherine Gannon Taintor October 2022
CBD oil is growing in popularity as a holistic way to improve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It is marketed as a supplement and is different from medical marijuana. According to a survey of 2,600 arthritis patients by the Arthritis Foundation, 29% of Arthritis patients surveyed are currently using CBD oil. Of those, 67% report improvement in their physical function. (Arthritis Foundation blog post on August 8, 2019, “Patients Tell Us About CBD Use)
Many of us with arthritis would like to learn more about CBD oil:
- What exactly is CBD oil?
- What is the difference between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD?
- Does CBD help with the pain of arthritis?
- Will it help me sleep?
- Will I get high?
- Does Medicare cover CBD?
WHAT IS CBD OIL?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active ingredient found in the leaves, stalks, and flowers of both cannabis and hemp plants. Cannabis has more than eighty compounds including THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the compound that makes a person feel high, and CBD (cannabidiol).
There are several different kinds of CBD.
- Full-spectrum CBD oil: contains all parts of the cannabis plant. It contains less than 0.3 percent of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil: contains most of the cannabis plant compounds. It contains no THC (or trace amounts) but does contain additional cannabinoids
- CBD Isolate: contains CBD with no other cannabinoids or THC.
The best CBD oil for arthritis inflammation is Full-Spectrum CBD oil according to a 2016 Israeli study.
(Medical News Today newsletter posted on August 28, 2022 “Types of CBD What to Know,” Jenna Fletcher and Anne deLeeuw)
WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS (COA)
Before you buy CBD oil, look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party (independent) source that shows what’s in the supplement before you buy CBD oil. It is a form of quality control that confirms the amount of CBD and THC in the product.
**Amazon does not sell full-spectrum CBD oil or any product containing CBD.
DOES CBD OIL HELP WITH THE PAIN OF ARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. This is the most common form of arthritis and affects an estimated 50 million American people. CBD shows promise in reducing the side effects of arthritis by interacting with ECS (endocannabinoid system).
ECS is the cell signaling system that regulates body processes such as mood, sleep, metabolism, and immune system function. CBD interacts with receptors in our brain and can alter how the body perceives pain.
Side effects of arthritis:
- Pain is a side effect of arthritis. It can be managed with NSAIDs and painkillers, but these medications can damage the heart, liver, stomach, and kidneys long term. CBD is a natural and gentle pain relief choice. Additionally, dosage does not need to be increased over time and it does not create a “high.”
- Swelling and inflammation are also side effects of arthritis. CBD can suppress inflammatory responses.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritic people who have tried CBD report “noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement, and/or anxiety reduction.” Research shows that “CBD shows promise in reducing the common side effects and symptoms of arthritis.”
**However, it also states that there have been no rigorous clinical studies in humans with arthritis to confirm this. The organization has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study and regulate CBD products.”
WILL CBD OIL HELP ME SLEEP?
CBD reduces anxiety and helps people sleep.
WILL I GET HIGH?
Full-spectrum CBD oil does not make a person feel high. THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound that makes a person feel high. Full-spectrum CBD oils contain less than 0.3 percent of THC.
IS CBD OIL FDA-APPROVED?
No. The FDA has not granted approval for CBD oil for any purpose.
IS CBD OIL LEGAL?
‘Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws… Check local legislation, especially when traveling.”
DOES MEDICARE COVER THE COST OF CBD OIL?
No.
WHAT STRENGTH OF CBD OIL DO I USE, TO BEGIN WITH?
It is a good idea to start with a low dose of CBD oil to begin. Consult your medical professional for dosage and frequency.