(Newswire.net — June 30, 2020) — If you find it easy to pronounce, you can call it cannabidiol, but most people call it CBD. This active compound obtained from the cannabis plant is not intoxicating. However, you may expect some drowsiness. After its extraction from the plant, it is used in CBD oils, CBD tinctures, edibles and other CBD products.
Does CBD for Arthritis Work?
People regularly using CBD for medicinal purposes claim that they get relief from pain and several other symptoms. However, is it a proven fact? Animal studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When it comes to humans, no quality study validates the effects of CBD for arthritis. However, many people with arthritis who have used CBD oil have reported noticeable relief from pain, anxiety reduction and sleep improvement.
Is the Best CBD for Arthritis Safe?
Clinical studies to evaluate the safety of CBD products are in progress. Therefore, very little is known about CBD and its negative effects on patients with arthritis. According to the available medical literature, there are no safety concerns associated with the use of CBD with moderate doses. CBD can potentially interact with some drugs given to people with arthritis. If you are considering the best CBD oil for arthritis, you must talk to your doctor, especially if you are taking any of the following:
- Tofacitinib (Xeljanz)
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Celecoxib
- Certain antidepressants, including citalopram (Celexa), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), mirtazapine (Remeron), sertraline (Zoloft),
- Certain medications for fibromyalgia, including pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin)
Is CBD Oil for Arthritis Legal?
According to the federal Controlled Substances Act, CBD oil, edibles, tincture and other products derived from hemp are not Schedule I drugs. However, you have to be aware of your state laws. There is a legal gray zone. Different states have different laws to regulate the sale and use of CBD products. You can find online dispensaries selling recreational and medicinal CBD products. Check your state laws before you place your order.
Shall You Try CBD?
Clinical studies on CBD for arthritis are not sufficient. This is the reason why doctors may not be able to say whether CBD will work for an arthritis patient or not. Still, if you are taking certain medications and want to try the best CBD oil for arthritis, speak to your doctor to take the right doses in the right form.
With all uncertainties, doctor’s agree on the following points:
- CBD for arthritis does not substitute treatment for arthritis.
- Patients interested in CBD must get advice from their doctor offering treatment for arthritis. The patient should do a trial run. The results should be evaluated. The patients should also maintain a diary to keep track of the symptoms and effects of taking the best CBD oil for arthritis.
- CBD can be taken in different forms. You can take it orally, inhale or apply on skin. Learn about the pros and cons of the product you are considering.
Taking by Mouth
You can swallow CBD in food, liquid or capsule forms. Your body will absorb CBD through the digestive tract. However, absorption is slow. The effects of factors like recent meals and stomach acids are also unknown. Moreover, you may have to wait for 1 to 2 hours to experience the effects.
Capsules are safe and effective for daily use as the dose is established. On the other hand, dosing is unreliable in cookies, gummies and other edibles. You also have to make sure that children cannot reach your edibles.
CBD can easily enter your bloodstream if you hold spray or tincture under your tongue for 1 to 2 minutes. You will experience the effects within 15 to 45 minutes.
Using Topically
You can also use topical CBD products like balms and lotions. You can apply CBD balm or lotion directly over a painful joint.
Inhaling
You can inhale CBD via a vape pen. These pens vaporize CBD oil and you can inhale CBD in the form of vapors.
How Much Should You Use?
- There are no clinical guidelines established for the amount of CBD to be used. The Arthritis Foundation has the following recommendations for adults:
- Before you take it in liquid form, keep in mind that it is a mixture of CBD extract and a carrier oil. So, you have to be aware of the dose and CBD amount in each dose.
- Take a small amount of CBD in the sublingual form. Twice a day is enough in the beginning. You can increase the dose if you don’t get any relief from pain. Start low and slow.
- Taking CBD alone may not be beneficial. If both recreational and medical CBD products are legal in your state, also take a very low-dose THC product after talking to your doctor. However, keep in mind that only a small amount of THC may get you high. So, always try this combination at night or when you are not going anywhere.
- If taking CBD does not work for several weeks then CBD is not right for you.
- Stop using CBD if you experience any unwanted side effects.