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CBD oil for chronic pain: How can it help with arthritis?

What is arthritis?

Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is a chronic disease that was diagnosed in 21.3% of adults aged 18 and older in 2024.

It is one of the most common diseases of civilisation, affecting people all over the world, and unfortunately, there is currently no cure. The good news is that there are treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and significantly improve quality of life.

Cannabis is also mentioned as a supportive option – we discuss how CBD can help with arthritis in this article.

Hand arthritis and CBD products for joint pain, Canatura logo at bottom right

Symptoms of arthritis

The most common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, swelling and limited mobility. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of arthritis.

The most common types of arthritis include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis – this form of arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking joint tissue, causing inflammation, pain, swelling and gradual destruction of cartilage and bones. It is often diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Osteoarthritis – this is a gradual loss of joint tissue, which usually affects weight-bearing joints. It often appears around the age of 40.
  • Gout – this form of arthritis is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which cause pain, inflammation and destruction of joint tissue. It often affects the joint of the big toe.

In addition to these types of arthritis, we also distinguish between:

  • Ankylosing spondylitis – often causes pain and stiffness in the lower back.
  • Psoriatic arthritis – joint pain, swelling and stiffness may also be accompanied by psoriasis, or a red, scaly rash.
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis – usually affects children under the age of 16.
  • Septic arthritis – purulent or bacterial arthritis, most often occurring after joint injury or when bacteria from another part of the body spread into the bloodstream and then into the joint.
  • Reactive arthritis – usually appears several days to weeks after an infection elsewhere in the body (such as food poisoning or a sexually transmitted infection).

Does CBD help with arthritis?

All forms of arthritis involve the loss of the protective cartilage in the joints – the difference between them is only in the underlying cause of cartilage loss. The potential benefit of CBD for chronic pain lies in its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and it may also help to relax muscles.

CBD is often used as a supplement to relieve pain and stiffness in joint problems. However, it is important to note that human experience is still limited and the effect can vary significantly from person to person. CBD is not a substitute for treatment prescribed by a doctor, especially for inflammatory arthritis.

Most often, people with arthritic pain reach for CBD for external use – typically in the form of CBD ointments or creams that are applied directly to the affected area. An alternative may be CBD oil, but you can usually expect a slower onset of effect, as well as other CBD products.

We discuss the use of CBD drops and ointments for pain in more detail below.

CBD products suitable for arthritis, Canatura logo at bottom right

What does research say about CBD for chronic pain?

According to studies to date, cannabis may be useful in treating pain associated with arthritic diseases. However, there are currently only a limited number of high-quality clinical studies that clearly confirm these conclusions. For example, CBD has demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies of arthritis.

In a 2000 study, researchers found that CBD administration has a strong anti-rheumatic effect in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) due to its combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. Both CBD injections and orally administered CBD had the same effect. The dose used in this study was relatively high – approximately 25 mg/kg per day.

In 2008, another group of scientists focused on why CBD and other cannabinoids may be beneficial in arthritis. The researchers tested the effects of various synthetic cannabinoids and a cannabidiol analogue (O-1918) and found that the GPR55 receptor is involved in the processes that make cannabinoids beneficial for relieving arthritis pain.

CBD for the most common forms of arthritis

Arthritis cannot currently be completely cured, but there are certain procedures that can reduce inflammation, slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Treatment usually focuses on inflammation, as this is the main driver of the disease.

Cannabis can also help in certain ways – see how CBD can help with the most common forms of arthritis:

1. CBD for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own cells in the joint tissue. It most commonly affects the hands, wrists, or joints in the feet, but it can also affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, and nervous system.

Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

  • pain around the joints
  • joint inflammation
  • stiffness
  • loss of range of motion
  • joint damage

Current research suggests that cannabis may help relieve pain associated with rheumatic diseases. However, there is still a lack of high-quality clinical studies to conclusively confirm these results.

2. CBD for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is considered the most severe form of arthritis and is often referred to as osteoarthrosis. It can affect any joint in the body, but most commonly affects the large weight-bearing joints (arthritis of the knee, hip or cervical spine).

It begins with inflammation of the joints, which causes damage to the cartilage and cells that produce the slippery synovial fluid that reduces friction and aids smooth movement in the joints.

Once the joint begins to break down due to cartilage deterioration, the inflammation worsens. And the worse the disease is, the faster it can progress.

Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis:

  • pain around the joints
  • inflammation in the joints
  • stiffness
  • loss of range of motion

The basic treatment for osteoarthritis involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary supplements to support the production of synovial fluid and cartilage. It is also necessary to limit movement in the joint. 

However, CBD can also help – in a 2024 study, 4 weeks of applying transdermal CBD gel to osteoarthritis of the hands led to reduced pain and improved grip strength, but due to the absence of a placebo, the results would need to be verified in a controlled randomised study.

3. CBD for gout

Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that occurs when there is a long-term increase in uric acid levels in the joints, where crystals can form, causing sudden and very painful attacks.

It mainly affects the toes (most commonly the big toe), but can also occur in the ankle or knee.

Typical symptoms of gout:

  • acute attack in the affected area
  • heat, swelling, pain and sensitivity to touch
  • shiny and tight skin

CBD is mainly mentioned as a supportive option for managing pain and inflammatory discomfort in gout, but direct high-quality clinical studies in humans are still limited.

What CBD products can be used for arthritis?

When using CBD for arthritis pain, two forms of use are most commonly considered – internal and external. Let’s take a closer look at both options.

CBD products suitable for arthritis, Canatura logo at bottom right

1. CBD oil for joints with arthritis – internal use

CBD oil reaches the joints from the internal organs of the body – it is absorbed in the intestines, passes into the bloodstream and then reaches the joints via the blood. This allows the active ingredients to reach the deeper tissues inside the joints.

This can be effective for arthritis because the inflammatory processes occur deep within the joint itself – beneath structures such as bones and ligaments, which slow down the absorption of cannabis used externally. 

CBD oils may also have an additional effect by targeting receptors in the spine that block pain transmission. 

2. CBD ointment for joints with arthritis – external use

External application of CBD (hemp ointment for joints, cream or gel) is popular for arthritis mainly because it is applied directly to the painful area. This allows it to offer faster local relief from pain, stiffness and uncomfortable tension around the joint.

Ointments often contain cooling or warming substances that can further enhance the feeling of relief.

The effect is usually temporary, so it is usually necessary to repeat the application during the day. It is definitely better to start with a lower concentration of CBD in the ointment and then switch to a higher one if the weaker version is not enough for you.

3. Other CBD products for joints

In addition to CBD oils, you can also use other forms of CBD for internal use, such as CBD capsules, CBD edibles, CBD gummies, CBD vape pens or CBD flowers.

Tip: Although CBD has been proven safe many times, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects it may cause.

How much CBD should you take?

There is no single universal dose of CBD that suits everyone – dosage is always individual. It depends on the type of problem, the intensity of the pain, your body weight and how sensitive your body is to CBD.

For milder conditions, typically mild osteoarthritis with low pain intensity, a lower dosage may be sufficient. Conversely, for more severe conditions or inflammatory forms (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), people often resort to medium to higher doses.

However, if you are just starting out with CBD oils, it is recommended to start with a lower dose, monitor your body’s response and increase the dose over time if necessary.

Tip: We have written a comprehensive guide on how to choose, use and dose CBD oil.

What else should you focus on besides CBD for arthritis? 

CBD can be a useful aid for arthritic pain, but it does not replace treatment or a comprehensive approach to joint care.

The active ingredients in CBD can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but they may not be enough to completely cover the symptoms.

Here are a few other steps you can combine with CBD to achieve better results:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly, but be gentle on your joints
  • Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich and high-fibre foods
  • stay hydrated
  • Avoid pain triggers (e.g. certain foods)
  • learn to manage stress
  • Do not smoke

One woman is exercising, another is drinking water, next to them is a plate of healthy food, CBD cream for arthritis and a note with the text "No stress"

It is best to consult a specialist about arthritic pain, who will recommend the right course of treatment.

Conclusion: the use of CBD for arthritis

Arthritis is characterised by a loss of cartilage and synovial fluid, which causes bones to rub directly against other bones. This leads to faster cartilage degeneration, pain and reduced joint mobility. CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential and, according to current research, can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis – especially joint pain and inflammation.

For specific forms of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, CBD offers additional benefits due to its ability to regulate immune cell activation and support kidney health. As a supplement to relieve arthritic pain, you can try either CBD ointment or CBD oil. You can also choose CBD capsules, vapes, chewing gums and sweets, or even CBD flowers.

High-quality CBD products suitable for combating arthritis should have proof of testing by an independent laboratory confirming their composition. For the best results, however, it is good not to rely solely on CBD, but to combine several supportive measures – such as exercise, a varied diet and other habits that support joint health in the long term. It is best to consult a specialist.

FAQ

1. Is CBD safe for people with arthritis?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD is generally well tolerated. However, people taking medication or pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious – in such cases, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

2. Can CBD replace arthritis medication?

CBD is often used as a supplement to treatment prescribed by a doctor. For more effective and longer-lasting pain relief, it is usually worth taking additional steps – in particular, regular exercise, a balanced diet, a smoke-free lifestyle and stress management.

3. What form of CBD should you choose for joint pain?

The choice between internal and external use of CBD is entirely up to you. If you need immediate relief, most people reach for a cream or ointment and apply it directly to the painful area. For more comprehensive and long-lasting support, CBD oil may be more suitable – but you should usually expect a slower onset of effect.

However, it is always good to keep in mind that CBD is not a substitute for treatment recommended by a doctor, and CBD products can have completely different effects on everyone.

4. Will CBD interact with my arthritis medication?

CBD is generally considered a safe dietary supplement and rarely interacts with other medications. However, some medications for rheumatoid arthritis are very strong and can even alter the immune system itself. 

If you are already taking medication to treat your condition, it is best to consult your doctor. We have written more about the interaction of CBD with medications in the article Is it safe to use CBD products with your medications.

5. How long does it take for CBD to start working on joint pain?

It depends mainly on the form of CBD use, but also, for example, on the metabolism of the individual. Applying CBD ointment or cream can bring you faster local relief than, for example, using CBD oil.

The exact time it takes to work for arthritis cannot be reliably determined – it varies depending on the specific product and how each person reacts to CBD.

6. Rheumatism vs. arthritis: what is the difference between them?

Most people who use the word rheumatism today are referring to a specific type of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation of joint tissues throughout the body.

However, this is not the only type of arthritis; there is also osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis, for example.

Sources:

Author: Elena Moreau, updated by Lucie Schmidtová

Photo: AI

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