What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the joints or tendons, resulting in pain and stiffness.

How Can CBD Provide Relief?

Cannabinoids are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, making them a potential solution for alleviating the inflammation, swelling, and pain commonly associated with arthritis.

According to Arthritis.org, animal studies have suggested that CBD possesses pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities, but these effects require validation through high-quality human studies. Anecdotal reports from some arthritis sufferers who have tried CBD indicate noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety, although not everyone experiences these benefits.

In 2016, a study on rats demonstrated that CBD significantly reduced both pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Another study in 2018, focusing on osteoarthritis in dogs, found that CBD led to a substantial decrease in pain and increased activity in the tested dogs. Unfortunately, due to restrictions on cannabis in human trials, there is limited data on CBD's effects on arthritis in humans. However, there are currently over 30 clinical trials in progress in Europe, offering hope for more comprehensive research results in the near future.

While research on CBD products and pain management shows promise, there is a lack of human studies due to restrictions on cannabis research. However, the existing studies indicate encouraging results. In the first human experimental pain study involving CBD, researchers discovered that CBD had genuine pain-relieving properties, contradicting initial expectations that any pain relief might be due to a placebo effect. Lead researcher Martin De Vita stated, "we found improvements in pain measures caused by the pharmacological effects of CBD, which was pretty remarkable and surprising."

What to Do Next?

Although there are no established clinical guidelines, medical experts consulted by the Arthritis Foundation recommend the following for adults:

1. When using a liquid form of CBD, remember that the CBD extract is mixed with a carrier oil. This means you need to consider both the amount of the liquid product to take (the dose) and the amount of CBD in each dose.
2. Begin with a low and slow approach. Start with a few milligrams of sublingual CBD twice a day. If you don't experience sufficient relief after a week, gradually increase the dose by the same amount. Continue increasing in small increments over several weeks if necessary.
3. If you don't find relief with CBD after several weeks, it might not be the right option for you.
4. If you encounter any unwanted side effects while using a CBD product, discontinue its use and consult your doctor.
5. CBD may interact with some medications commonly taken by people with arthritis. If you are taking medications with a grapefruit warning, talk to your doctor before trying CBD. Remember that CBD is not a substitute for disease-modifying treatments for inflammatory arthritis.

It's important to note that there are more than 100 types of arthritis, and while pain is a common symptom, these conditions vary. What works for one person may not work for another. Since most types of arthritis are not curable with other treatments, CBD can be considered a less addictive alternative to opioids, making it a desirable option for many individuals.

What Should You Purchase?

Doctor Voss offers a wide range of CBD products that could be beneficial for managing pain. Using CBD in cream form can be a soothing way to address your symptoms. These creams can be gently massaged into the skin to deliver the CBD oil directly to the affected areas, providing both pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, the massaging action can help improve circulation and promote healing.

Alternatively, CBD drops are a popular method for taking your daily CBD supplement. They come in various potencies, ranging from 500mg to 10,000mg of CBD per bottle. These drops are supplied in glass bottles with a built-in pipette for easy dosing. Most people prefer to place the drops under their tongue, but they can also be added to smoothies, post-workout protein shakes, or even incorporated into your nighttime routine, such as adding them to a cup of cocoa.

We recommend starting with a moderate dose of oral CBD or opting for a muscle and joint cream if you prefer a topical treatment.