Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, also called hemp oil, contains CBD extracts from cannabis plants. Some people use CBD oil to relieve pain associated with chronic conditions, such as arthritis.
This article looks at the scientific evidence behind the benefits, uses, and side effects of CBD oil. In this article, we examine whether CBD oil may be an effective treatment for arthritis and chronic pain.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is a type of cannabinoid, which is a chemical that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. CBD is not a psychoactive chemical.
Cannabis contains several different chemicals. One of these, called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is psychoactive.
Unlike CBD, THC can change a person’s mental state or produce a high.
There are many different CBD oil products available, and the amount of CBD in them may vary.
As many people use cannabis as a recreational drug, there is some controversy surrounding the medicinal use of products containing ingredients from cannabis plants.
It is important to note, however, that people making CBD tend to extract the CBD from hemp plants, rather than marijuana plants. Both plants are cannabis plants, but the selective breeding of marijuana plants has resulted in them containing high levels of THC. This is not the case for hemp plants.
Some people use CBD oil to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Recent research suggests that CBD oil may be useful for pain relief and other conditions.
Cannabinoids, such as CBD, attach themselves to specialized receptors in a person’s brain and immune system.
One of these receptors, called a CB2 receptor, plays a role in the immune system by managing pain and inflammation.
Researchers believe that when CBD enters a person’s body, it may attach to CB2 receptors. Alternatively, it may cause the body to produce natural cannabinoids that attach to the CB2 receptors.
Either way, scientists think CBD affects the way that these receptors respond to the signals that they receive, possibly helping reduce inflammation and pain.
A 2008 review of research into CBD and its possible mechanism of action suggested that CBD could play a role in chronic pain management.
Using CBD oil
CBD is available as an oil or powder, which it is possible to use to make creams or gels that people can apply to the skin of the areas affected by arthritis.
People can also take CBD may also be taken in capsule form or as an oral spray.
It is a good idea to speak to a doctor before using CBD oil. A person should also educate themselves on the local laws regarding CBD oil, as the use of cannabis products is not legal everywhere.
Side effects
Small-scale studies have found that people generally tolerate CBD well, but some individuals may experience mild side effects.
These include:
- tiredness and trouble sleeping
- feeling irritable
- nausea
Clinical trials of Epidiolex, the brand name of the CBD medication that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved to treat epilepsy, did not find any indications of physical dependence.
The FDA do not currently approve CBD oil as a medical treatment for arthritis.
The only use that CBD has FDA approval for is to treat two rare and severe types of epilepsy. It received approval for this use in June 2018.
CBD is legal in some states in the U.S., but not all of them. Therefore, people should check the laws in their area before purchasing or taking CBD oil.
Some people may have an allergic reaction to CBD oil, so it is best to try applying the oil to a small area of skin first.
As with any alternative treatment, people should speak to a doctor before trying CBD oil.
Takeaway
CBD oil shows promise as a treatment for arthritis pain. If it affects receptors in the brain and immune system in the way that researchers believe, it may reduce inflammation and pain.
However, more studies are necessary before researchers can say with certainty that CBD oil is an effective treatment for arthritis pain.
Q:
Will CBD help with arthritis, and will it be better than the drugs that are currently available?
A:
At a time when we are trying to reduce the use of pain relievers, CBD oil can be an effective approach to managing the pain of arthritis. Researchers have also recognized the role that CBD could play in reducing the pain-causing inflammation of arthritis.
However, its effectiveness will vary from person to person. Work with your doctor to sort out the right balance of CBD oil, other medications, and self-care. This may work better than the medications you have been taking.
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