If you suffer from persistent arthritic pain, you may be interested in cannabidiol (CBD) as a therapy. Marijuana contains CBD, as well as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds. However, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the intoxication or high associated with marijuana usage.
Perhaps you have been tempted to give it a shot. After all, traditional medications do not cure most forms of arthritis, and CBD is regarded as a less addictive alternative to opioids.
But where is the proof that it works? And what do experts advise? Until recently, there was little study and much less counsel available to consumers (or their doctors) interested in CBD products, which are now more legal and frequently advertised.
Let’s take a look at the basics of the evidence and why you might want to try CBD for Arthritis relief.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active chemical found in the cannabis plant. CBD will not make you high; however, it may induce sleepiness in some people. Most CBD products include CBD produced from hemp, a kind of cannabis. Legally, CBD products may contain up to 0.3% THC, the main component that causes users to get high.
Is CBD useful for arthritis?
Although animal research has revealed that CBD possesses pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities, these benefits have yet to be verified in high-quality human trials.
Anecdotally, some patients with arthritis who have taken CBD report considerable pain alleviation, improved sleep, and/or reduced anxiety. However, like with any arthritis treatment, some persons report no symptom alleviation while taking CBD.
It is important to note that there are over 100 different varieties of arthritis, and while pain is a common component of all of them, these disorders do not all behave the same way. What works for one person may not work for another. All varieties of arthritis are treated with the goal of minimizing pain and stiffness while maintaining function.
However, for some disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, traditional prescription medicines are highly recommended since they help avoid chronic joint damage and handicap worsening.
Furthermore, different people experience pain and respond to therapy in various ways. As a result, it is quite unlikely that a single CBD-containing product will help for everyone with every form of arthritis. Instead, you will have to find the right product for your body’s unique chemistry.
What dosage of CBD should I use?
When preparing to take a liquid form of CBD, keep in mind that the CBD extract is blended with a carrier oil, so there are two measurements to be aware of: the amount of liquid product to take (the dose) and the amount of CBD in each dose.
Begin with a few milligrams of CBD twice a day. If the alleviation is still insufficient after three or four days, increase the dosage by the same amount. Continue taking that dose if you find relief with it.
If CBD alone is ineffective and you live in a place where medical or recreational marijuana is permitted, consult your doctor about combining CBD with a very low-dose THC product.
If you don’t get relief after many weeks with CBD alone or a mix of CBD and extremely low THC, CBD may not be suited for you.