Does CBD Work For Arthritis?

Arthritis & CBD Research Overview

We have a growing pile of evidence which supports the value of CBD as a treatment for various types of arthritis. In fact, a report called Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: A review of their effects on inflammation makes the case that CBD is the primary factor behind many of the medicinal benefits of marijuana. As you could imagine, most of the outside research proves CBD is effective in reducing inflammation or reinforcing joint cartilage. For instance, a study conducted by researchers at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology called, The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis, shed some light on the value of CBD for reducing inflammation. They tested the effect of CBD on the onset of arthritis in lab mice. Interestingly, they determined both injections and oral doses of CBD are effective at reducing pain, albeit at different levels. The researchers even replicated their results with types of arthritis much more similar to forms of the condition found in humans.

A separate study reached similar conclusions when the researchers said, “This study clearly shows that atypical cannabinoid receptors are involved in joint nociception and these novel targets may be advantageous for the treatment of inflammatory pain.” This report, called The abnormal cannabidiol analogue O-1602 reduces nociception in a rat model of acute arthritis via the putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55, looked to confirm if CBD improves pain from vital parts of your joints, such as nociceptors. After collecting and analyzing all their data, the team was thoroughly convinced of the value.

The reasons behind this value may be closer to being solved, as a report called Arthritis and cannabinoids: HU‐210 and Win‐55,212–2 prevent IL‐1 α‐induced matrix degradation in bovine articular chondrocytes in‐vitro shed some light. The researchers concluded CBD is particularly effective at protecting cartilage from degradation thanks to a previously unknown CB-receptor. Even better, another report called Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis provides substantial evidence daily CBD treatments are effective at improving arthritis symptoms in humans. After analyzing all their data, the team reported not only was pain reduced in a statistically significant manner, but the vast majority of participants reported no adverse side effects whatsoever. A report called Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for lessening the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress indicated CBD is an effective treatment for arthritis as well as several other debilitating conditions related to activation of the immune system.

But what about all the issues that come along with arthritis, such as quality of sleep? This is one of the more common, and debilitating, issues commonly reported along with arthritis. As such, any relief from poor quality sleep is much needed. A report called Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature makes a strong case that CBD is once again a fantastic choice. The team not only determined the quality of REM sleep is greatly increased, but starting a regimen of CBD was also shown to lower the likelihood of being excessively tired during the day.