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The scientific minds working on the subject of Arthritis come up with a new revelation every year. There was a similar revelation this year or to be more precise a survey was conducted on 26,000 people suffering from arthritis. The survey concluded that despite the stigma associated with cannabis, most of the people in America are using CBD to get relief from pain and inflammation. Which are the two common symptoms found in arthritis patients? So, based on the researches and surveys conducted over the years, it is perhaps easier to say that CBD can alleviate the symptoms related to arthritis.
However, the question remains. How is CBD helping arthritis patients alleviate the symptoms? Is it because of the structural composition of CBD or its compatibility with the receptors (CB1, CB2)? These are questions that still need better understanding and thorough research. But before we get into the nitty and gritty of how CBD works in the case of arthritis. Let us first read a little about CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound present in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive which means that it will not get you high, unlike THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another active compound of the cannabis plant but it has the potential to create euphoria.
If we talk about CBD, most of the CBD based products contain up to 0.3% traces of THC. This is why you will never get the feeling of intoxication when consuming CBD. Instead, CBD is widely consumed to treat pain-related medical conditions. Arthritis is one of them and this compound also has the ability to impart a feeling of relaxation, soon after consumption. (See also: What Should You Know About Your CBD?)
How does CBD work for arthritis?
Some medical health professionals are of the view that fewer details exist on how CBD works. But there is substantial proof about CBD as a good anti-inflammatory agent. Instead, it does not work as other anti-inflammatory drugs do. CBD functions in an extremely different way and there are very few side effects related to it.
In addition to this cannabis is a plant and it does not have severe side effects. Especially if an individual is considerate about the dose. In fact, the treatment of arthritis with CBD is not even new. It has quite effectively worked in the case of people suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoporosis arthritis.
If I solely talk about the function of CBD, here’s what it looks like. On the peripheral level cannabinoids activate the CBD2 receptors and the process leads to a decrease in the production of cytokine. As a result of this chemical reaction patients suffering from arthritis witness a reduction in inflammation.
In addition to reducing inflammation, cannabinoids also help in the reduction of pain. This process works in tandem with the CB1 receptors. The receptors in the peripheral and the central nervous system regions get activated and eventually lead to pain relief.
It is also noteworthy that CBD can be a suitable option for the treatment of arthritis, but it is vital to target the right receptors in the right place. This is to say that there are specific sets of cannabinoids in the human system too. But the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant due to their molecular and structural similarities tend to interact with the ECS somehow.
So, medically, yes it is possible to treat arthritis with the help of CBD, but not everyone receives instant relief from CBD. There are only a few people who have received instant relief from insomnia, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Is CBD safe for arthritis patients?
Several people have reported a positive change in their medical condition after consuming medical cannabis. Also, there are several incidents where people switched from opioids to cannabis. So, it is safe to say that CBD may help you overcome the symptoms of arthritis.
But the entire concept of CBD and arthritis requires deeper evaluation. At this point, there is very little evidence of CBD as a powerful medicine. Instead, some researchers believe that CBD successfully alleviates the symptoms only for a shorter period of time and the long term effects need serious consideration.
However, if you are keen on replacing your medicines with CBD. Here’s what you need to do. First and foremost, make sure that you go and see medical marijuana doctors or visit a physical clinic. Second, talk about your condition and take the dosing guide from a certified doctor. Third, if the doctor deems it fit, only then go ahead and take the medicinal cannabis. Last but not least always never overdose on CBD because minimum to medium doses may help you achieve the desired results.
Bottom Line
There are no clinical studies but only animal lab experiments on the treatment of arthritis with CBD. This also means that CBD has the potential to reduce symptoms like insomnia, pain, inflammation, pain, and anxiety. But without more research, the positive effects remain in the shadow of a doubt.
Additionally, moderate doses of CBD are no threat to the human body. In fact, CBD is a natural replacement for opioids. The most vital takeaway from this post is that you have to consult an expert before taking medicinal cannabis for the treatment of both osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
About The Author:
Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate to write about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.
