Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCBD for Joint PainIs CBD Safe?Is CBD Legal?Types of CBD ProductsHow Does CBD Work?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
CBD for Joint Pain
Is CBD Safe?
Is CBD Legal?
Types of CBD Products
How Does CBD Work?
Frequently Asked Questions
With the emergence ofmedicaland recreationalcannabis, an increasing number of people have started usingcannabinol, orCBD, for arthritis and pain in the joints. CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant; while it can cause drowsiness, it doesn’t cause a “high” like its cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
For arthritis and chronic pain, people often apply topical creams or oils directly to the joints, take oral formulations, or inhale CBD to ease pain andinflammation.
Though more clinical research is needed on dosage and efficacy, CBD has been shown to have direct anti-inflammatory and pain-management properties in animals.Well-tolerated and with few side effects, CBD reportedly helps relieve pain in affected joints, among other benefits.
This article provides an overview of CBD for joint pain, including what we know about safety and efficacy, the available products and formulations, as well as how to use it.
Sergey Mironov / Getty Images
What’s CBD Used For?
Does CBD actually work for pain and inflammation? Research on anti-inflammatory properties has found positive effects in animal models, though the clinical evidence is less clear for efficacy in humans.Notably, some researchers have found some varieties of CBD effective for chronic pain patients, which can arise with arthritis and joint-related conditions.
In the absence of sufficient evidence, the FDA labels CBD as a “cosmetic” product, rather than a nutritional supplement or therapy.
Regardless, for chronic pain in the joints, especially when due to arthritis, CBD has grown in popularity. A 2019 Gallup poll reported that 14% of American adults used CBD products, with 40% using them for pain, and 8% specifically for arthritis.Another survey ofrheumatoid arthritisandosteoarthritispatients found almost 80% had tried, actively used, or planned on using these products for pain.
With regular direct application to the affected joints of topical solutions or oral or inhaled CBD oils or other products, users report reductions in discomfort and improved mobility over the long term. Some also find it to help with sleep and ease anxiety, something that can prove necessary to cope with chronic pain.
THC and CBDNotably, the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, may also have a pain-relieving effect, especially when combined with CBD. Certain cannabis strains and products are available that aim to balance these levels.Studies of this combination have shown efficacy in managing chronic pain and improving mobility.That said, THC will have a psychoactive effect, and the side effects are more prevalent when the two are used together.
THC and CBD
Notably, the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, may also have a pain-relieving effect, especially when combined with CBD. Certain cannabis strains and products are available that aim to balance these levels.Studies of this combination have shown efficacy in managing chronic pain and improving mobility.That said, THC will have a psychoactive effect, and the side effects are more prevalent when the two are used together.
Notably, the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, may also have a pain-relieving effect, especially when combined with CBD. Certain cannabis strains and products are available that aim to balance these levels.
Studies of this combination have shown efficacy in managing chronic pain and improving mobility.That said, THC will have a psychoactive effect, and the side effects are more prevalent when the two are used together.
Overall, CBD is well-tolerated. Unlike other components of the cannabis plant, it isn’t intoxicating, and there are no significant medical concerns about moderate use. Daily oral doses of 200 milligrams (mg) of CBD or less were found to be safe for up to 13 weeks.Research is ongoing, but most indications are that CBD doesn’t pose many risks.
However, CBD may cause some side effects, which can range in severity from person to person. These have been reported to include:
In addition, CBD may interact with certain medications. Before starting this therapy, let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking:
Risks for Certain PatientsThe safety of CBD has not been established for certain patients, including:Children and infants (though some prescribed forms are safe to take)Pregnant or breastfeeding peoplePeople withliver diseaseor liver problemsPeople withParkinson’s disease
Risks for Certain Patients
The safety of CBD has not been established for certain patients, including:Children and infants (though some prescribed forms are safe to take)Pregnant or breastfeeding peoplePeople withliver diseaseor liver problemsPeople withParkinson’s disease
The safety of CBD has not been established for certain patients, including:
Tips for Safe Use
Because it derives from the same kind of cannabis plant that produces THC, a schedule I substance that’s federally banned but available in certain states, the laws surrounding CBD and its availability vary. In 2018, the federal government allowed the sale of CBD and hemp products,but that doesn’t mean that the product you find is legally produced.
Specific rules around CBD products vary, especially as some states allow medical and recreational use of cannabis, while others do not. Before purchasing, make sure you understand what the regulations are in your area.
There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors are found in the brain, whereas CB2 receptors are found on nerves in the rest of the body. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to its activity on the latter.Notably, whereas THC stimulates the activity of these receptors, CBD primarily slows down the degradation of endocannabinoids. This accounts for their differing effects on the body.
Summary
Cannabinol, or CBD, is a nonpsychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Though more research is needed, some evidence suggests CBD may help ease joint pain and inflammation.Designed to be applied topically, inhaled, or ingested, a wide range of products are now available, and federal bans on their sale have been lifted.
While CBD isn’t an FDA-approved therapy, it’s relatively safe and causes few side effects. Many report reductions in pain and swelling with prolonged, regular use.
A Word From Verywell
For an increasing number of people with persistent arthritic joint pain and swelling, topical and other forms of CBD have emerged as an option for managing symptoms. Working without the intoxicating effects of THC, this compound has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory and pain-managing agent.
However, as the science is new and evolving—and because this therapy isn’t FDA regulated—care should be taken. If you’re thinking about using CBD for joint pain, talk to your healthcare provider about whether this option is appropriate for your case.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCBD isn’t expected to provide quick pain relief, and it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the pain. CBD formulations are known to have a cumulative effect: one that sets on after a period of daily or regular use. When trying this approach, it can take up to two weeks to see sustained results. However, immediate effects set in quicker based on the route of administration; inhaled CBD takes a couple of minutes, topical forms about 10 minutes, sublingual forms between 15 and 45 minutes, with edibles taking between 30 minutes and two hours.Learn MoreCBD for Rheumatoid ArthritisHemp is a male form of the cannabis plant that has a very high CBD content and negligible THC levels. Hemp seed oil is derived from parts of the hemp plant, whereas CBD oils and other products are derived from the whole hemp plant, or from some strains of the female form.While CBD extractions may help with pain and inflammation, hemp seed oil provides mostly nutritional value.Learn MoreDoes CBD Oil Work for Psoriatic Arthritis?Since there are no exact medical guidelines for CBD use, the best option is to start with smaller amounts and concentrations, scaling up only if you aren’t feeling the effects after several weeks. Most products will have CBD content information measured in milligrams (mg). If taken orally, start with between 25 and 35 mg a day, split over two doses; topically, up to 250 mg can be applied daily.Learn MoreCBD Oil Benefits vs. Side Effects
CBD isn’t expected to provide quick pain relief, and it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the pain. CBD formulations are known to have a cumulative effect: one that sets on after a period of daily or regular use. When trying this approach, it can take up to two weeks to see sustained results. However, immediate effects set in quicker based on the route of administration; inhaled CBD takes a couple of minutes, topical forms about 10 minutes, sublingual forms between 15 and 45 minutes, with edibles taking between 30 minutes and two hours.Learn MoreCBD for Rheumatoid Arthritis
CBD isn’t expected to provide quick pain relief, and it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the pain. CBD formulations are known to have a cumulative effect: one that sets on after a period of daily or regular use. When trying this approach, it can take up to two weeks to see sustained results. However, immediate effects set in quicker based on the route of administration; inhaled CBD takes a couple of minutes, topical forms about 10 minutes, sublingual forms between 15 and 45 minutes, with edibles taking between 30 minutes and two hours.
Learn MoreCBD for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hemp is a male form of the cannabis plant that has a very high CBD content and negligible THC levels. Hemp seed oil is derived from parts of the hemp plant, whereas CBD oils and other products are derived from the whole hemp plant, or from some strains of the female form.While CBD extractions may help with pain and inflammation, hemp seed oil provides mostly nutritional value.Learn MoreDoes CBD Oil Work for Psoriatic Arthritis?
Hemp is a male form of the cannabis plant that has a very high CBD content and negligible THC levels. Hemp seed oil is derived from parts of the hemp plant, whereas CBD oils and other products are derived from the whole hemp plant, or from some strains of the female form.While CBD extractions may help with pain and inflammation, hemp seed oil provides mostly nutritional value.
Learn MoreDoes CBD Oil Work for Psoriatic Arthritis?
Since there are no exact medical guidelines for CBD use, the best option is to start with smaller amounts and concentrations, scaling up only if you aren’t feeling the effects after several weeks. Most products will have CBD content information measured in milligrams (mg). If taken orally, start with between 25 and 35 mg a day, split over two doses; topically, up to 250 mg can be applied daily.Learn MoreCBD Oil Benefits vs. Side Effects
Since there are no exact medical guidelines for CBD use, the best option is to start with smaller amounts and concentrations, scaling up only if you aren’t feeling the effects after several weeks. Most products will have CBD content information measured in milligrams (mg). If taken orally, start with between 25 and 35 mg a day, split over two doses; topically, up to 250 mg can be applied daily.
Learn MoreCBD Oil Benefits vs. Side Effects
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818The Arthritis Foundation.Patients tell us about CBD use.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Gusho C, Court T.Cannabidiol: a brief review of its therapeutic and pharmacologic efficacy in the management of joint disease.Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7375. doi:10.7759/cureus.7375Perry D, Ton J, Allan GM.Evidence for THC versus CBD in cannabinoids.Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(7):519.Brenan M.14% of Americans say they use CBD products. Gallup.Huestis M, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò F.Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159x17666190603171901The Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis Foundation releases first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis.Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-25. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028.Hilderbrand RL.Hemp & cannabidiol: what is a medicine?.Mo Med. 2018;115(4):306-309.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818The Arthritis Foundation.Patients tell us about CBD use.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Gusho C, Court T.Cannabidiol: a brief review of its therapeutic and pharmacologic efficacy in the management of joint disease.Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7375. doi:10.7759/cureus.7375Perry D, Ton J, Allan GM.Evidence for THC versus CBD in cannabinoids.Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(7):519.Brenan M.14% of Americans say they use CBD products. Gallup.Huestis M, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò F.Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159x17666190603171901The Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis Foundation releases first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis.Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-25. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028.Hilderbrand RL.Hemp & cannabidiol: what is a medicine?.Mo Med. 2018;115(4):306-309.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818The Arthritis Foundation.Patients tell us about CBD use.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Gusho C, Court T.Cannabidiol: a brief review of its therapeutic and pharmacologic efficacy in the management of joint disease.Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7375. doi:10.7759/cureus.7375Perry D, Ton J, Allan GM.Evidence for THC versus CBD in cannabinoids.Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(7):519.Brenan M.14% of Americans say they use CBD products. Gallup.Huestis M, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò F.Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159x17666190603171901The Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis Foundation releases first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis.Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-25. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028.Hilderbrand RL.Hemp & cannabidiol: what is a medicine?.Mo Med. 2018;115(4):306-309.
The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.
Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818
The Arthritis Foundation.Patients tell us about CBD use.
MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).
Gusho C, Court T.Cannabidiol: a brief review of its therapeutic and pharmacologic efficacy in the management of joint disease.Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7375. doi:10.7759/cureus.7375
Perry D, Ton J, Allan GM.Evidence for THC versus CBD in cannabinoids.Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(7):519.
Brenan M.14% of Americans say they use CBD products. Gallup.
Huestis M, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò F.Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159x17666190603171901
The Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis Foundation releases first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis.
Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-25. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028.
Hilderbrand RL.Hemp & cannabidiol: what is a medicine?.Mo Med. 2018;115(4):306-309.
MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).The Arthritis Foundation.CBD for arthritis pain: what you should know.
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