Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Some people believe that CBD can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. In this blog post, we will take a look at the research to see if there is any evidence to support this claim.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis plants, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high. CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants, but most of the CBD products on the market today are derived from hemp.
How Does CBD Work?
The human body contains what’s known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including pain perception, inflammation, and sleep. When CBD is introduced into the body, it interacts with the receptors in the ECS, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
CBD and Arthritis Symptoms
There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the bones and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the joints. CBD may be able to help relieve the symptoms of both types of arthritis.
One study looked at the effects of CBD on rats with osteoarthritis. The rats were given CBD for four days, and the scientists found that it reduced inflammation and pain in the rats’ joints.
Another study looked at the use of CBD in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The participants took a daily dose of CBD for two weeks. The study found that the participants experienced less pain and fewer swollen joints after taking CBD.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD is generally considered safe; however, it can interact with some medications. If you’re considering using CBD to treat your arthritis pain, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can advise you on whether or not CBD is right for you and help you avoid any potential drug interactions.
CBD and Inflammation
One of the hallmarks of arthritis is inflammation. This is one area where CBD may be able to help. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation. One study looked at the effect of CBD on rats with arthritis. The rats were given CBD gel for four days in a row. The researchers found that the rats had less pain and swelling in their joints after treatment with CBD (1).
CBD and Pain Relief
Another common symptom of arthritis is pain. CBD has been shown to have pain-relieving properties in animal studies. One study looked at the effect of CBD on rats with nerve damage. The rats were given CBD daily for three weeks. The researchers found that the rats had less pain after treatment with CBD (2).
CBD and Joint Damage
Arthritis can cause joint damage over time. In one study, rats with arthritis were given CBD gel for four days in a row. The researchers found that the rats had less joint damage after treatment with CBD (1). Another study found that mice with arthritis had less joint damage after treatment with a CBD-rich oil (3).
Conclusion
The evidence from studies in animals suggests that CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. If you are considering using CBD for your arthritis, talk to your doctor first to ensure it is safe for you.