Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there is no cure, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. One of the most promising treatments is the use of cannabis-derived compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But which one is better for relieving arthritis pain?CBD is a non-euphoric chemical substance, meaning it won't make you feel “high” and may even help counteract some of the negative effects of THC when used together.
It has been used to treat inflammation and chronic pain, as well as to control anxiety and insomnia. While there are laboratory studies that suggest that CBD could be a promising approach, and animal studies showing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, there are no well-designed studies that demonstrate convincing evidence that CBD is safe and effective for chronic arthritis pain in humans. THC, on the other hand, is known to cause a “high”, so it's generally recommended for people who want to stop thinking about pain and, at the same time, feel relief. It looks promising for reducing inflammation, which could ease the pain of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, much of the evidence supporting the use of cannabis to relieve arthritis pain is anecdotal or comes from animal studies. To address this gap, the Arthritis Society funds research on the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of arthritis symptoms and is leading a coalition of voices from across the Canadian health sector calling for more investment in medical cannabis research.
Until recently, there was little guidance available for people with arthritis pain who were interested in CBD treatment. Of course, there is anecdotal evidence and testimony in abundance, including reports of dramatic improvement by people who tried CBD in its various forms (including capsules, liquid, topical and spray) for pain relief. Some pain specialists are concerned that CBD may alter the body's natural pain-regulating system and cause tolerance (so higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect), although the potential for addiction is generally considered to be low. If you're interested in CBD treatment for chronic arthritis pain or if you're already taking it, review the advantages, disadvantages and the latest news with your healthcare providers and together you can decide on a reasonable treatment plan. CBDistillery evaluates this product for potency, hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, and also has a safety certificate. Researchers continue to examine the potential benefits of cannabis for treating pain and other conditions, such as anxiety and sleep disorders. The National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health state that cannabis or CBD could have modest benefits for chronic pain.
Although the findings so far have been encouraging, more research is needed to confirm that CBD oil is an effective treatment for arthritis pain.
