Cannabidiol found in the cannabis plant is non-psychoactive and known to have potential benefits, such as anxiety relief, inflammation reduction and pain relief. Hence, CBD’s use in alleviating arthritis pain is a topic of discussion. 

Arthritis is a chronic condition causing inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. There is no known cure for arthritis, but treatments are available for managing the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are one of the common treatments for arthritis. Unfortunately, these medications have side effects, such as bleeding and stomach upset. 

Opioids are also among prescription pain relievers that are used to treat symptoms of arthritis pain and offer relief. But, they are addictive and have serious side effects like overdose and respiratory depression. 

This is why people suffering from arthritis pain are constantly seeking natural alternatives, and that’s where CBD comes to the rescue. CBD is shown to have great potential in relieving inflammation and pain without the side effects of other medications. 

Should You Try CBD To Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Research is ongoing on the use of CBD for relieving arthritis pain and inflammation. More clinical studies are required to say with certainty who can use CBD, in which form and who should avoid it. 

However, all the initial studies and research agree on the following points:

• Cannabidiol is not a substitute for disease-modifying treatment for arthritis. 
• Patients suffering from arthritis pain interested in trying CBD must consult a healthcare practitioner before trying CBD, especially if they are already taking medications. It is important to do a trial run first and evaluate the results before including CBD in daily routine. 
• It is important to keep track of your response to CBD to adjust your dosage or make modifications to your routine. 

How Do You Take CBD To Relieve Arthritis Pain?

CBD-based products can be inhaled, taken orally or applied to the skin. There are advantages and disadvantages for each. 

• CBD can be consumed by mouth in the form of edibles, such as cookies and gummies. CBD oil is also available in capsule form, where the dosage can be effectively established. 
• A lot of people consume CBD sublingually or by mixing it with food or liquid. 
• Topical products, such as balms and lotions, are available that can be applied directly on the skin. They must be applied and massaged on the skin for it to take effect. These products help to alleviate localised pain. 
• CBD can be inhaled using cannabis vape devices. Vaporisers come with temperature control and other advanced features for an enhanced experience. 

The different methods of CBD consumption are explained briefly in the table below. 

CBD delivery	Entry route	Absorption process	Onset of effect	Challenges
By mouth in liquid, food or capsules	Swallowed	Absorbed through the digestive tract	Absorption is slow and the effects are delayed. It may take one to three hours for CBD to take effect in the body.	Dosing is tricky
Sublingually	Under the tongue	Absorbed directly into the bloodstream	The effects are felt rapidly within fifteen to forty-five minutes.	The taste is unpleasant.
On the skin	Applied topically	Absorbed through the skin	The effects vary and are dependent on absorption. The topical products also include ingredients, such as camphor, menthol and capsaicin.	Penetration below the skin is unknown and the presence of other ingredients may complicate the assessment.
Inhaled	Vape device or vaporiser	Absorption is through the respiratory system	The effects start taking place rapidly.	The risks are unknown, especially for inflammatory arthritis pain.

How Much CBD Should A Patient With Arthritis Pain?

There are no clinical guidelines as to how much CBD must be used for alleviating arthritis pain. You must consult a doctor to find the right dosage. 

It is recommended to start low and slow. Monitor your responses and then increase or decrease the CBD dose as required. If you find relief or experience any side effects, consult your doctor immediately. 

If you do not find relief using CBD alone, you can talk to your doctor to explore other medical avenues. You may use it together with medications for relieving pain symptoms. Alternatively, if it is not working at all and you are experiencing side effects, it is best to immediately stop using CBD. Inform your doctor and explore other options. 

The Bottom Line

Cannabidiol is a natural alternative to prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers for arthritis pain. CBD has shown great promise to be beneficial in eliminating inflammation and reducing pain without the side effects of other pain relievers and medications. It helps to treat the pain symptoms so people can enjoy a pain-free life without dependency on medication. Furthermore, CBD helps to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality as well. 

Are you considering CBD to manage arthritis pain? Consult your healthcare practitioner and explore whether this option is right for you.