If you are taking CBD for arthritis, you can take it orally, in capsule form, add it to food in liquid forms such as in sprays or tinctures, or apply it topically to the skin in oils, creams, or lotions.
This article discusses the potential benefits of CBD for arthritis, how to use it, and possible side effects.
The Potential Benefits of CBD for Arthritis
Research on animals suggests that CBD can help decrease inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis. However, more studies are needed to confirm the reported benefits of CBD for humans. When you take CBD for arthritis, you can apply it to the skin with a CBD-infused oil, cream, or lotion. However, you can also take it orally.
How to Use CBD
Before using CBD for arthritis, talk to your healthcare provider. CBD should not serve as a replacement for medications or supplements your healthcare provider has prescribed to help treat your arthritis. CBD products can also interact with certain drugs, leading to unwanted side effects.
There are no specific guidelines for using CBD, and “official” dosing instructions do not exist. CBD is available in various forms, and how it is absorbed into your bloodstream can vary.
Orally (by Mouth)
CBD can be taken orally, through capsules, food, or liquid. When swallowed, CBD takes one to two hours to be absorbed, which delays its effects. It can also be difficult to determine the actual dosage of CBD when taking it as an edible.
Liquid Spray or Tincture
Liquid CBD can be sprayed or taken as a tincture (liquid dropper). These forms of CBD can be absorbed much more quickly by holding the liquid under your tongue for one to two minutes before swallowing. Effects are usually felt within 15–45 minutes with this method, which absorbs it directly into the bloodstream.
When taking CBD in liquid form, take note of the dosage—the amount of liquid in one serving—and the amount of CBD in each dose.
Topically (on the Skin)
CBD can also be applied topically to the skin over the joints affected by arthritis through CBD-infused products such as oils, lotions, or balms.
Potential Side Effects
Several potential side effects of using CBD can include:
Liver injuryFertility issues in malesMood changesIrritabilityDrowsinessDiarrheaDecreased appetiteAgitation
Risks and Interactions
CBD products can negatively interact with various medications, many of which can also treat arthritis symptoms.
Examples include:
Aleve (naproxen)Celebrex (celecoxib)Prednisone (corticosteroids)Elavil (amitriptyline)Prozac (fluoxetine)Paxil (paroxetine)Zoloft (sertraline)Celexa (citalopram)Remeron (mirtazapine)Neurontin (gabapentin)Lyrica (pregabalin)Xeljanz (tofacitinib)Ultram (tramadol)
In addition to potential drug interactions, there are other risks associated with using CBD products—such as unproven medical claims, potentially unsafe levels of contaminants, and chemical content that differs from what the product advertises. One 2017 study found that 26% of 84 online CBD products tested contained less CBD than labeled.
Summary
CBD is a component of the cannabis plant that has proved to have anti-inflammatory effects. In animal studies, CBD products reduced the inflammation and joint pain that results from arthritis. However, there is currently no research to back up these claims for human use, including for seniors with arthritis.
CBD is typically taken orally or applied to the skin over areas affected by arthritis. The FDA does not regulate CBD products, and there are no official dosing instructions. CBD can also cause unwanted side effects and interact with certain medications.
A Word From Verywell
If you are considering CBD for your arthritis symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider first to be sure it’s safe for you. Discuss your current medications, as well as which type of product and dose of CBD is most appropriate for your condition.
