Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Diana Girnita. Today, we’re going to discuss a topic many of you have asked about: Is CBD Oil good for arthritis, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? If you’re dealing with RA or any kind of arthritis, this is for you. We’ll be answering questions such as what CBD oil is, how it works, whether it can help with pain, inflammation, and sleep, and what the National Arthritis Foundation says about its use. We’ll also look at the recommended dosage of CBD oil and what to consider when buying it. Let’s explore all the scientific data available today about CBD.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s start with the basics of cannabis. This plant contains over 500 chemical entities, including cannabinoids like THC (the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD, derived from the cannabis sativa plant, is different from THC in that it doesn’t induce psychoactive effects. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in our body, including CB1 receptors on nerves and joints, and CB2 receptors on immune cells. These receptors are involved in pain perception, immune function, sleep, and appetite. When CBD binds to these receptors, it can alter pain perception, potentially reduce inflammation, and impact sleep and appetite.
Looking at pain, inflammation, and sleep, extensive research, including studies at Dr. McDougall’s Arthritis and Pain Lab in Canada, has shown promising outcomes in animal arthritis models. These include pain reduction, nerve damage repair, and diminished inflammation in joints. Human studies have also shown improvements in sleep and pain scores for patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) and RA, with minimal side effects. Some studies suggest a decrease in the need for pain medications like opioids and NSAIDs.
The National Arthritis Foundation conducted a survey involving over 2,600 arthritis patients. A significant majority, including those with long-term osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have used or considered using CBD products. Most used CBD for pain relief, with many reporting improvements in physical function, morning stiffness, fatigue, and sleep quality. A similar survey in 2022 showed that CBD use was associated with improvements in pain, physical function, and sleep quality, and even led to a reduction in the need for NSAIDs, Tylenol, and opioids.
While these findings are insightful, it’s important to remember that they are based on surveys, not rigorous clinical studies. The National Arthritis Foundation states that CBD may help with arthritis-related symptoms, such as pain, insomnia, and anxiety, but there have been no rigorous clinical studies on people with arthritis to confirm this. Although no significant safety issues have been found with moderate doses of CBD, potential drug interactions have been identified. CBD should never replace disease-modifying drugs that help prevent permanent joint damage in inflammatory types of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor.
As for the dosage, there are no universal recommendations. It’s advised to start with a small dose and increase gradually, always adhering to the recommended dose on the product. When buying CBD oil, be cautious. Read product labels carefully, identify the manufacturer or distributor, verify product identity and cannabinoid content, check quantity, batch/lot numbers, and expiration dates, and follow instructions for use, dosing, and appropriate storage.
Before using CBD oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis, consult your rheumatologist or physician. While relatively safe, CBD can interact with medications, including antihypertensives, warfarin, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and anti-epileptics. It’s not a replacement for RA medication but can potentially minimize the need for medications, especially NSAIDs, and may help with pain, sleep, and fatigue.
If you find this information helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to my channel. Leave your comments below, and share your experience with CBD if you’ve used it. Did it help with pain, sleep, or fatigue? Sharing your experience can help others with arthritis. Thanks for joining me today, and take care until next time.