Cannabinoids Could Relieve Arthritis Pain: Tips to Get Started with CBD Oil
In a survey of over 2,600 arthritis patients, 94% of those who consume CBD use it for pain relief, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Although scientists are still evaluating CBD’s effects and safety for arthritis, animal studies show it has pain-relieving properties. In fact, researchers also claim medicinal marijuana can interact with medication prescribed to arthritis patients without causing adverse effects.
People using cannabidiol to manage arthritis symptoms and pain have reported reduced anxiety, pain relief, and improved sleep quality. With all the hype about medicinal cannabis, you may wonder how this product works in the body to alleviate pain. Below are a few things about CBD you should know before using it for arthritis.
Suppress The Onset of Inflammation
CBD can reduce joint inflammation, which is common among individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Once consumed, CBD interacts with endocannabinoids, which play a vital role in controlling mood, sleep, appetite, and how the body reacts to pain. The interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system speeds up pain relief. Modulating endocannabinoids helps bring the body into a state of balance, hence regulating inflammation, reducing panic attacks, and enhancing sleep.
Quality May Vary
Generally, all medicinal cannabis products aid in pain management, but the quality varies. Also, there are many CBD brands in the market, so you are likely to have a hard time identifying high-quality medical cannabis. A rule of thumb is to learn the difference between full-spectrum and THC-free hemp oils. For instance, full-spectrum CBD oils contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels of 0.3% and other cannabis extracts like flavonoids and terpene. CBD isolates and broad-spectrum products, on the other hand, lack THC but feature other cannabinoid extracts from marijuana plants.
The THC traces in full-spectrum oils work together with CBD to bind the endocannabinoid systems and regulate pain faster. Nonetheless, THC-free oils are still useful for pain management. Aside from checking active ingredients, make sure your cannabidiol oil is free of pesticides, metals, and solvents. This step increases your chances of choosing the most effective hemp oil for managing arthritis.
Formulations and Dosage
CBD is available in creams, lotions, vapes, tincture, and edibles like gummies, baked foods, and treats. These aspects allow you to consume CBD by oral ingestion, vaping, or topical application depending on your preferences. It is vital to know that each type of formulation has different levels of concentration, and absorption in the body varies.
Ideally, the effects will vary based on how you take medicinal cannabis. While there is no standardized dosage for CBD, starting with a dose of 5mg to 10 mg is advisable. Experts also recommend consulting a doctor to ensure the consumption of cannabidiol products doesn’t pose health risks.
Although studies are still in progress, current findings show that medicinal cannabis has the potential to alleviate pain. What’s more interesting is that CBD is non-addictive, has minimal side effects, and doesn’t cause a psychoactive sensation. Arthritis patients can also consume CBD easily through edibles, topical applications, and vaping.
