Does Topical CBD/Cannabis Alleviate Arthritis?

Sep 23

Much research shows Medical Marijuana and CBD may reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. Repeated long-term use of many traditional arthritis drugs may harm your heart, liver, stomach, and kidneys.

Progressive illnesses like osteoarthritis may benefit from alternative treatments like medical cannabis. CBD dosage for arthritis isn't regulated clinically. Start with a modest dosage and increase monthly as needed. In Australia, medicinal marijuana (including CBD) is a scheduled medicine.

CBD is a marijuana cannabinoid. Cannabis' various components combine to generate its effects, taste, and scent. Cannabinoids include CBD, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, lipids, and fatty acids.

The chemical's rapid surge in popularity in recent years has been attributed to its typically well-tolerated nature and wide range of medical effects.

Inflammation and discomfort in the joints are symptoms of arthritis, which affects people of all ages. Arthritis comes in many forms, each with its own set of symptoms. Joint pain, discomfort, stiffness, high levels of inflammation, weakness, and limited motion around the joint are still typical symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most typical kinds of conditions. Surgery, physical therapy, and medication have all proved effective in reducing the progression of arthritis, but there is presently no cure.

Researchers have just begun to study marijuana's deep and long-term effects on the human body. Strong evidence suggests that it could help with chronic pain relief, however. The primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain (RA).

What is known regarding the possible effects of medicinal marijuana and a marijuana extract known as CBD (cannabidiol) on rheumatoid arthritis is outlined below.

More than a hundred compounds found in Cannabis sativa have been shown to have psychoactive effects. It's THC and CBD that researchers know the most.

The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. The effects of CBD on the brain are not like that. Because of this, CBD is favored by some for therapeutic purposes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. However, RA is not limited to only the joints; it may also affect the lungs, eyes, and skin.

Because marijuana and CBD are illegal in most of the states at the federal level, there has been a very little study conducted on humans. As a consequence of this, researchers are divided about whether or not cannabis helps treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

However, some preliminary evidence from a collection of small studies suggests that it may be beneficial for those with rheumatic disorders including RA and osteoarthritis.

Arthritis

Arthritis is multifactorial. It's an umbrella phrase for over 100 joint diseases.

It may happen anywhere on the body. Knees, hips, hands, and back are most impacted.

Common arthritis types include:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gout
Fibromyalgia
Childhood Arthritis

Can CBD Help Arthritis?

Hemp produces CBD. Hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, yet they're distinct. They each contain varying amounts of phytocannabinoids and cannabis plant compounds. Various berries have different antioxidant combinations.

Marijuana includes THC, the cannabinoid that makes you high. Hemp has 0.3% THC. CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid. CBD isn't psychoactive.

CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, a collection of receptors impacted by other cannabinoids.

CBD may suppress or stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and modulate the body's natural inflammatory response, says Hervé Damas, MD, founder of Grassroots Herbals, a CBD product firm.

CBD may reduce pain at the site of discomfort (such as finger joints) and in the central nervous system, which transmits pain signals to the brain when neurons and cells are stimulated or damaged.

CBD's ability to soothe this reaction makes it a potential arthritic pain treatment. CBD is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation results from a perceived infection. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy joints.

CBD has shown potential in animal studies, but more study is required for people. Anecdotal accounts from patients using CBD for arthritis are good.

One CreakyJoints user said topical CBD "helps more than any other ointment I've tested." CBD may be worth examining as a possible arthritis pain cure.

Effects of Marijuana on Arthritis Pain and Disability

There are more than 540 chemical compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant.

Cannabinoids are a class of active compounds found only in the cannabis plant and number in the hundreds. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC are the two most prevalent cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

Cannabis may provide minor advantages for chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, according to the available evidence (pain associated with nerve injury or damage).

Many inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, respond well to CBD's anti-inflammatory properties.

Medical advantages from CBD may be obtained without inducing the "high" associated with THC. It could be helpful in the treatment of joint pain, but only in combination with other, less controversial methods that have been well researched.

Since the national medicinal cannabis system launch in 2016, more than 248,000 Australians have had cannabis prescriptions issued.

About 65% of these approvals are for the treatment of persistent non-cancer pain.

Unwanted Consequences

Cannabis has both psychological and physiological effects. Do not operate a motor vehicle for at least 8 hours after using THC; doing so may result in impaired control.

Marijuana's effects may be felt faster when smoked or vaped (inhaled) rather than when consumed orally. It's bad for the respiratory system and the lungs, too.

Regular marijuana usage has been linked to an increased risk of developing a variety of psychological problems.

As a rule, CBD causes only mild to moderate negative effects. Potential examples are:

Having a parched tongue and mouth
Tiredness
Diarrhea
lack of hunger
Medications that thin the blood may have unintended interactions

Is Marijuana a Good Fit for You?

Asking your doctor is your best bet. They will be able to advise you on the best form and dosage, as well as warn you of any potential adverse reactions or medication interactions.

Too far, medicinal marijuana has been allowed in more than half of the states in the US. Dozens of more states have passed legislation approving CBD for some kind of medicinal usage.

Since neither CBD nor marijuana is regulated by the FDA, you may not always know what you're getting. The THC content of a given batch of weed or edible marijuana may vary widely, and hence have a distinct effect on each user. Even CBD may be erratic at times.

Conclusion

By interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to decrease inflammation and lessen the feeling of pain, CBD has the potential as a treatment for lowering the frequent side effects and symptoms of arthritis.

As a result of this, many people who suffer from arthritis are starting to utilize CBD in addition to the conventional treatment they have been receiving. Even if the findings of the most recent study are encouraging, further research is necessary to expand the clinical use of CBD.