What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is very common, affecting approximately 55 million people in the United States alone. It’s the leading cause of joint mobility issues in the developed world.

There are three main forms of arthritis:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis — this form of arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking our own joint tissues, causing joints around the body to begin breaking down.
2. Osteoarthritis — osteoarthritis also involves a gradual loss of the joint tissue, but the cause is more specific to low-grade inflammation and destruction of the cartilage in the joint tissue.
3. Gout — this form of arthritis is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints causing pain, inflammation, and destruction of the joint tissue.

All three forms of arthritis have a lot to benefit from CBD supplementation in terms of the underlying causes of the condition, as well as the resulting pain and inflammation.

Comparing The Three Forms of Arthritis

	Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)	Osteoarthritis (OA)	Gout
Key Symptoms	1. Joint pain (usually on both sides of the body)   2. Loss of mobility 3. Severe joint pain 4. Fever 5. Fatigue 6. Symptoms worse in the morning and don’t improve during the day	1. Joint pain (on one or both sides of the body)   2. Loss of mobility 3. Symptoms worse in the morning but get better throughout the day	1. Joint pain (on one or both sides of the body)   2. Pain begins suddenly, usually at night 3. Accompanied by severe pain in the toe or tip of the nose
Causes/Driving Factors	1. Autoimmune disease   2. Smoking 3. Alcohol consumption 4. Viral infections 5. Obesity	1. Exercise   2. Old age 3. Past injuries 4. Temperature changes (more common in cold weather) 5. Obesity	1. Kidney disease   2. Alcohol consumption 3. High protein intake 4. Asian descent
Key Treatment Goals	1. Support immune function   2. Alleviate joint pain 3. Reduce inflammation	1. Alleviate joint pain   2. Promote regeneration of cartilage and synovial fluid 3. Reduce low-grade inflammation	1. Increase urination 2. Support kidney function 3. Alleviate joint pain

Does CBD Help with Arthritis?

With all forms of arthritis, the end result is a loss of the protective cartilage covering within the joints. The difference between them is simply the underlying cause for the loss of cartilage.

The benefits of CBD for arthritic pain rely on its powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant activities.

Most people use a topical CBD for arthritis pain — such as a CBD lotion, gel, or cream. CBD oils can also be effective but tend to have a slower onset of effects.

When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis CBD has the added benefit of suppressing hyperactive immune activity leading to wrongful targeting of our own tissues.

For gout, CBD adds a second layer of benefit by supporting the kidneys. Untreated gout often leads to damage to the sensitive capillaries in the kidneys, leading to damage and worsening the symptoms of gout itself.

How To Optimize CBD Oil For Arthritis Pain

1. Make sure you’re using the right dose — check out the CBD dosage calculator below
2. Ensure the CBD you’re using is free from contaminants — look for third-party testing
3. Combine CBD with other supplements and exercises — CBD works best when used with other arthritis treatments
4. Take CBD regularly and give it enough time to start producing results — this can take several weeks so be patient
5. Use CBD both topically and internally for best results — a topical cream works quickly, but CBD oils last longer

Related: The Best CBD:THC Ratio for Arthritis.

CBD For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Each one of our cells has a special protein “tag” attached to the outside of the cell. This tells the immune cells (T-cells and B-cells) that it’s meant to be there — just like someone having a hall pass.

Without this “hall pass,” it will be assumed dangerous and destroyed on sight.

An autoimmune disease is a disruption in this system.

There are a few things that can go wrong:

• The tags on the outside of the cell are labeled incorrectly
• The cells don’t have the tag on the outside of the cell
• The immune cells ignore the tag and attack the cell

In all of these events, the results are virtually the same: the immune system begins attacking the body’s own cells. When this occurs in the joint tissue, we end up with rheumatoid arthritis.

The characteristics of this condition are redness and swelling of the joints. Usually, the affected joints appear equally inflamed on both sides of the body and are often described as feeling “hot.”

There’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis — but there are medications that can help to keep symptoms at bay. Most of these medications are anti-inflammatory — since inflammation is the primary driver of the disease.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Pain around the joints
• Inflammation in the joints
• Stiffness
• Loss of range of motion
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Fever

How to Use CBD For Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Aim for a full-spectrum extract — full-spectrum extracts have a greater level of pain relief than isolates
2. Find topical products with warming effects — the heating effect increases pain tolerance of the joint and improves blood flow in and out of the joint
3. Only buy products that have been tested for heavy metals and pesticides — contamination with these elements can have an opposite effect, making the pain and inflammation worse over time.
4. Combine your CBD supplementation with other anti-inflammatory compounds — like curcumin or frankincense
5. Use high-potency CBD products — lower potencies aren’t likely to provide much support for this condition.

Best CBD Products For Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Gold Bee CBD Oil — Best CBD Oil For Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Kat’s Naturals CBD Salve With Capsaicin — Best Warming Salve For Arthritis
• Kiara Naturals Pain Tincture — CBD Oil With Corydalis

CBD For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also characterized by achy, sore joints — but it is not an autoimmune disease.

Osteoarthritis begins with low-grade inflammation of the joints, causing damage to the cartilage and cells that produce the slippery synovial fluid that reduces friction and aids in smooth movement within the joints. As a joint begins to deteriorate from the breakdown of cartilage, the inflammation increases.

This condition is self-perpetuating — the worse it gets, the faster it progresses.

The primary treatments for osteoarthritis involve anti-inflammatories, reducing movement of the joint, and taking nutritional supplements to support synovial fluid and cartilage production.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis can be cured depending on the severity of the condition and the willingness of the patient to change diet and lifestyle habits.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Pain around the joints
• Inflammation in the joints
• Stiffness
• Loss of range of motion

How to Use CBD For Osteoarthritis

1. Use full-spectrum CBD oils — these have a greater level of effects thanks to the entourage effect.
2. Combine CBD with other supplements aimed at restoring the cartilage in the joint tissue — such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.
3. Use both topical and internal CBD — this provides a much greater level of relief.
4. Find topicals that have either a heating or a cooling action.
5. Use medium or high-potency CBD products only — low-potencies are unlikely to offer much support for osteoarthritis.

Best CBD Products For Osteoarthritis:

• Royal CBD Oil — Best CBD Oil For Arthritis
• Kiara Naturals Muscle & Joint Salve — Best CBD Cream For Arthritis
• Phoria Turmeric Curcumin Oil — CBD Oil With Turmeric

What Does the Research Say?

In one study involving collagen-induced arthritis in mice, researchers found that CBD administration slowed the progression of both acute arthritis and chronic arthritis [1].

In this particular study, both CBD injections and oral CBD had the same effect. The dose used in this study was quite high — around 25 mg/kg per day.

Another group of researchers wanted to know how CBD and other cannabinoids are so beneficial to arthritis. They tested the effects of various synthetic cannabinoids and a cannabidiol analog (O-1918) and found that another receptor — known as GPR55 — is also involved in the processes behind the pain-relieving benefits of cannabinoids for arthritis [9].

The Biochemical Mechanisms of CBD for Arthritis

• Inhibits T-lymphocyte proliferation in damaged joint tissue [2]
• Inhibits cytotoxic T-cell activity [3]
• Suppresses macrophage function and antigen presentation [4]
• Inhibits nitric oxide production by macrophages [5]
• Modulates of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, and IFN-g [6, 7]
• Suppresses B cell chemokine production [8]

How to Use CBD Oil For Arthritis

There are two ways you should consider using CBD when treating arthritis — topically and internally. Both have their own positives and negatives, but the best treatment will involve a combination of both.

Let’s explore each form of application in detail.

1. CBD Oil For Arthritis

CBD oil enters the joints from inside the body. It’s absorbed through the gut, passes into the bloodstream, and then travels to the joints via the blood. This allows the active ingredients to reach deeper tissues within the joints.

This is effective for arthritis because the inflammatory processes occur deep within the joint itself — well below structures such as bones and ligaments that slow the absorption of topical cannabis.

CBD oils also have the added effect of targeting receptors in the spine that block the transmission of pain.

Aside from CBD oils, you can also use other forms of CBD such as CBD capsules, CBD edibles, CBD gummies, CBD vape pens, or CBD flower.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

The dose of CBD for arthritis can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of arthritis.

For low-grade osteoarthritis — characterized by mild joint pain — a low potency may be sufficient.

For rheumatoid arthritis or more severe osteoarthritis, a medium- or high-strength dose of CBD may be necessary.

When trying CBD for the first time, it’s recommended that you start with a low dose and build up gradually over time. You can find your starting dose by using our CBD oil calculator. Once you find relief from your symptoms, you’ve found the right dose.

CBD Oil Dosage Calculator

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2. CBD Cream For Arthritis

Topical CBD is very useful for arthritis because it delivers anti-inflammatory cannabinoids directly to the source.

This form of CBD offers pain-reducing benefits at the site of injury quickly and effectively. Creams also provide other benefits, like cooling or heating agents that provide extra relief to sore joints.

CBD creams last between 4 and 6 hours, so you’ll need to reapply several times throughout the day.

The best CBD creams for arthritis contain a full-spectrum extract, come formulated with anti-arthritis herbs and ingredients, and offer a high concentration of CBD (at least 4 mg/mL). The stronger the salve the better when it comes to managing arthritis.

What Are The Side Effects of CBD?

Although CBD has been proven to be safe many times over, it’s important to know about the potential side effects it may produce. Everybody is different, and what works for one person doesn’t always work the same way for another.

Here are some of the most common side effects of CBD:

• Appetite suppression
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Lower heart rate
• Sedation

Diet & Lifestyle Changes For Arthritis Pain

CBD works best when taken with other therapies for managing joint pain. The active ingredients in CBD help to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of pain, but may not be enough to alleviate symptoms completely.

Here are some other steps you can combine with CBD to get stronger and more long-lasting benefits:

1. Maintain Ideal Weight & BMI

Obesity is one of the most common underlying factors for arthritis. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways of alleviating chronic joint pain and arthritis.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps to produce endorphins which are natural painkillers. They also deliver more blood flow to the joints and speed recovery. It’s best to aim for low-impact exercises like swimming or the elliptical machine to avoid further irritation to the joints.

3. Eat Plenty of Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Fruits and vegetables provide high concentrations of antioxidants that help protect the joints from further damage. You can also find antioxidant supplements like resveratrol, pterostilbene, lycopene, green tea extract, or vitamin C.

4. Eat Foods High in Fiber

Fiber speeds transit time in the gut and reduces the inflammatory load

5. Avoid Known Allergens

Eating foods that cause allergic reactions can increase your overall inflammatory load and make arthritis symptoms worse

6. Learn to Manage Your Stress

Cortisol, the main stress hormone, promotes inflammation and can make symptoms progressively worse over time. It’s helpful to take measures to keep stress levels as low as possible.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the main triggers for flare-ups with rheumatoid arthritis and can slow the healing process for physical injuries or osteoarthritis.

Other Supplements For Arthritis To Take With CBD

Aside from CBD products, there are a lot of other supplements you can use to support the health of your joints. A targeted nutritional, lifestyle and supplementation regimen is always going to have the biggest impact on reducing your joint pain.

Consider one or more of these supplements to use alongside CBD creams or CBD oils to help manage arthritis.

1. Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)

The extract of this herb is a popular joint-support supplement. It inhibits one of the key inflammatory enzymes involved with inflammatory processes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (5-LOX).

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Similar to frankincense, turmeric inhibits a separate enzyme involved with arthritis (COX).

3. Glucosamine Sulfate

This compound serves as a precursor for the formation of cartilage in the joints, thus supporting the faster recovery of damaged joint tissues.

4. Chondroitin Sulfate

This is another key component of cartilage in the joints usually taken at the same time as glucosamine.

5. Vitamin D

A common cause of joint pain is vitamin D deficiency. This is especially beneficial to take if you live in northern climates where sun exposure is low for several months in the year.

6. Couch Grass (Elytrigia repens)

Couch grass is specific for gout pain. It’s a diuretic, promoting the excretion of excess uric acid through the urine.

Example Supplement Stack To Combine With CBD:

CBD For Arthritis FAQ

1. Should I Use CBD Oil For Arthritis?

The choice to use topical or internal CBD is entirely up to you. If you want instant relief, go for a CBD topical. If your arthritis is mild and you want all-day relief from one dose of CBD, take a high-potency CBD oil instead.

For best results, you should use both forms of CBD — topical to manage pain and inflammation quickly, and CBD oil to provide all-day support.

2. Will CBD Interact With My Arthritis Medications?

CBD is a very safe supplement and rarely interacts with other medications. However, some of the medications for rheumatoid arthritis are very strong and can alter the immune system. It’s best to speak with your doctor if you’re using medications to manage your condition already.

CBD has little to no interaction with common painkillers like Aspirin or Tylenol but should be used separately anyway.

3. What Is Rheumatism?

Rheumatism is a traditional medical word for joint pain. It’s since been replaced by more specific terms depending on the cause of the joint pain.

Rheumatic conditions include:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune causes
2. Osteoarthritis — traumatic injury and inflammatory causes
3. Gout — uric acid buildup causing joint inflammation and damage
4. Fibromyalgia — unknown cause
5. Lyme disease — a blood-borne parasitic infection affecting the joints

4. Rheumatism vs. Arthritis: What’s The Difference?

Technically speaking, rheumatism refers to all joint pain — however, the term has evolved over the years.

Most people who use the word rheumatism these days are referring to a specific type of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis. The condition is an autoimmune disorder involving pain and inflammation of the joint tissues around the body.

There are other forms of arthritis and joint pain as well — such as osteoarthritis and gout.

5. Can CBD Help With Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Tests can be done on rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to find inflammatory markers. If these markers are present, the condition is considered ‘seropositive‘.

Conversely, when these markers aren’t found but the patient is still experiencing clear symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, they’re said to be ‘seronegative‘.

CBD will still work for managing symptoms in seronegative patients despite the lack of inflammatory markers. Inflammation is still taking place at a local level in this condition, and other benefits of CBD on pain transmission still apply.

Final Verdict: Using CBD for Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by a loss of cartilage and synovial fluid, causing the bones to rub directly against other bone — leading to faster degeneration of the cartilage, more pain, and reduced mobility of the joints.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can help to break the cycle of inflammation and degeneration in the joints. Additionally, CBD is a potent pain-killer through its ability to activate the opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain.

For specific forms of joint pain, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, CBD offers further benefits through its ability to regulate immune cell activation, and support the health of the kidneys.

We recommend looking for both a topical CBD product and a CBD oil for maximum benefit. You can also use capsules, vape oils, gummies, or hemp flower.

The best CBD products for arthritis have been proven to be free from contaminants through third-party testing, contain high potencies of CBD, and use a full spectrum extract.

To make the effects of CBD even stronger, it’s best to combine multiple different supplements and lifestyle modifications aimed at supporting the health of the joints rather than relying on CBD alone.

References Cited In This Article

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2. Specter, S., Lancz, G., & Hazelden, J. (1990). Marijuana and immunity: tetrahydrocannabinol mediated inhibition of lymphocyte blastogenesis. International journal of immunopharmacology, 12(3), 261-267.
3. Klein, T. W., Kawakami, Y., Newton, C., & Friedman, H. (1991). Marijuana components suppress induction and cytolytic function of murine cytotoxic T cells in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Current Issues, 32(4), 465-477.
4. McCoy, K. L., Gainey, D., & Cabral, G. A. (1995). delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol modulates antigen processing by macrophages. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 273(3), 1216-1223.
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6. Formukong, E. A., Evans, A. T., & Evans, F. J. (1988). Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of cannabis sativa L. Inflammation, 12(4), 361-371.
7. Watzl, B., Scuderi, P., & Watson, R. R. (1991). Marijuana components stimulate human peripheral blood mononuclear cell secretion of interferon-gamma and suppress interleukin-1 alpha in vitro. International journal of immunopharmacology, 13(8), 1091-1097.
8. Srivastava, M. D., Srivastava, B. I. S., & Brouhard, B. (1998). Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alter cytokine production by human immune cells. Immunopharmacology, 40(3), 179-185.
9. Schuelert, N., & McDougall, J. J. (2011). The abnormal cannabidiol analogue O-1602 reduces nociception in a rat model of acute arthritis via the putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55. Neuroscience letters, 500(1), 72-76.
10. Malfitano, A. M., Proto, M. C., & Bifulco, M. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 4(5), 847.
11. Singh, J. A. (2013). Racial and gender disparities among patients with gout. Current rheumatology reports, 15(2), 307.
12. Blake, D. R., Robson, P., Ho, M., Jubb, R. W., & McCabe, C. S. (2006). Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology, 45(1), 50-52.
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