How Effective is CBD Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There’s been much buzz about CBD oil as it relates to just about every ailment, including rheumatoid arthritis. But just how effective is CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

As more CBD retail outlets pop up throughout the country, it’s wise to understand what it is and if it works. Let’s explore the topic that has the media and medical community talking.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. And yes, that would be referring to an active compound that is found in the cannabis plant. Hemp, a type of cannabis, is the source of CBD. Unlike its THC counterpart, CBD is not intoxicating, so it doesn’t have the ability to get people “high.” It is not psychoactive which makes it void of mind-altering effects. The CBD is then diluted with a carrier oil like hemp-seed or coconut oil.

Hemp-sourced CBD oil is legal federally, but it remains in a in a grey area on some state levels. You should check your state laws before you proceed with this type of product.

CBD Oil and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Reliable, quality human studies are lacking in arthritis and CBD oil research. In other words, the science isn’t there yet to completely approve or disprove the effectiveness of CBD oil to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Animal studies have been conducted, however. These studies suggested that CBD could be effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

Recent information has shown that those with arthritis pain are extremely interested in trying CBD. Some people with arthritis who have tried the product noticed pain and anxiety relief as well as sleep improvements. That said, this is as it relates to arthritis overall, not just rheumatoid arthritis, specifically.

CBD Oil and Other Chronic Conditions

As expected, those with RA aren’t the only ones giving CBD a try. People with a multitude of chronic conditions are searching for relief. A few areas where people are reporting success from using CBD oil are:

• Anxiety and depression
• Side effects from cancer treatments
• Acne reduction
• Epilepsy and multiple sclerosis

Side Effects of CBD

Moderate doses of CBD oil have shown no serious side effect, thus far. A few reactions some people have experienced include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in weight

Although no serious side effects have been shown yet, CBD could potentially interact negatively with certain RA prescription and non-prescription medications. These include:

• Xeljanz
• Corticosteroids
• Celebrex
• Aleve
• Prozac

Again, this is not an inclusive list. You must speak with your doctor before trying any type of CBD products.

How to Determine the Best CBD Products

CBD products are available in different forms. You can find options that are taken orally, applied to the skin or inhaled.

Since CBD is a fairly new product and largely unregulated in the United States, it can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping. At a minimum, look for products that include ingredients sourced from the US. Do your research on which companies test each batch using an independent lab that then provides a certificate of analysis. But maybe most importantly, don’t fall for any “miracle-cure” schemes.

Additionally, be sure to read labels carefully and note how much CBD is actually in each dose. Again, since the entire market is still a bit grey, it is hard to know if what’s noted on the label is completely accurate.

So, what’s the bottom line? It may help or it may not. That answer is vague, but so is the research and effectiveness surrounding CBD oil and rheumatoid arthritis. After speaking with your doctor, you should be able to have a better understanding of whether the product is worth a try.