If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are already familiar with having to deal with daily pain. This can make even the simplest of tasks difficult. But there are solutions to help you manage the pain. CBD or cannabidiol oil may help relieve some of the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Keep reading to learn more about CBD and how to use CBD oil for arthritis.
WHAT IS CBD AND CBD OIL?
Cannabidol oil is a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD oils don’t contain THC, meaning they won’t produce the “high” feeling people experience from marijuana. But CBD extracted from hemp does have traces of THC, and can cause drowsiness.
Researchers have looked to CBD oil for its benefits on easing pain and conditions that cause pain, including rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
CBD has been effective for pain due to the thought that it works on both the site of the soreness and your central nervous system. Your nervous system sends pain signals to the brain, and researchers believe CBD interrupts those receptors.
CBD can be a viable option for people with arthritis because of the potential for CBD to calm the pain response. It has also shown anti-inflammatory properties.
This might also improve sleep for people with arthritis. It can also have a reducing effect on anxiety.
IS CBD OIL SAFE TO USE?
Research on CBD is still developing, but no serious safety concerns currently exist if taken in small doses. It’s wise to talk to your doctor about CBD and ensure it won’t affect any other medications you take.
When you use CBD for the first time, you might have side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, a change in appetite and fatigue.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF CBD OIL
People can take CBD orally or through inhalation. Manufacturers of CBD also make creams and gels that people can apply on the skin. Each form has its own benefits and negatives.
In terms of oral CBD, it can be taken as a capsule pill, but it can also come in food or liquid. It is then absorbed through your digestive tract. You might be able to find your favorite gummy or chocolate as a form of CBD. But this method can delay the effects for up to one or two hours.
The capsule form of CBD can be used for daily intake as a specific dosage. Similar to any medication, be sure to keep both CBD capsules and edibles or liquids out of reach from children.
Tinctures are also a form of CBD that can be applied directly to the bloodstream as a liquid dosed by a dropper. These are used under the tongue for about 60 seconds. This will probably not be as tasty as an edible form of CBD, but the effects can be felt within 15 minutes and up to 45 minutes.
Topical products like lotions are CBD products that deliver CBD below the skin. Topical products might be preferred by people with arthritis, since it can be applied directly to the spot in pain. These products may also include other ingredients that create an overall positive effect.
Lastly, CBD can be inhaled by vaporizing through a pen. Vaping can have immediate effects, but it’s not known if this is a positive form in combination with inflammatory arthritis.
RECOMMENDED DOSES
There are no officially established guidelines for CBD doses. But experts have assessed the different forms and recommended dosages.
For each CBD product, it’s best to go slow and start with a few milligrams, especially if you are using a tincture. You can try this twice a day, and if you are not feeling relief, you can increase the dosage in small increments.
If you have a pet with arthritis and you’re looking to use CBD for the same purpose, you can find pet salves and pet edibles. Also, the dosage could be similar, but it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian. There are many pet salves and pet edibles on the market that could be perfect for your animal.
ARE THERE ANY LEGAL ISSUES?
Cannabis and any products derived from it like CBD oil are legal in some states in the US, for both medicinal or recreational use.
It’s important to check your local and state laws to see if CBD oil is legally sold near you. If your state has made cannabis legal for recreational use, you should be able to purchase CBD oil from dispensaries.
But if cannabis is legal for medicinal use only, you may need a recommendation from your doctor.
HOW TO SHOP FOR HIGH QUALITY CBD OIL
It’s important to shop for high quality CBD oil, since strength can be an issue. You also want to make sure you select products that are made with good manufacturing practices.
Also, look for products that have been tested for quality. If you’re buying CBD oil online, you can check out reviews from other customers and see if any have mentioned the effects on arthritis.
USING CBD OIL TO MANAGE THE PAIN FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Managing pain is a difficult task, which is why CBD for rheumatoid arthritis has become a popular solution. By following the guide above, you’ll ensure that you are selecting the form of CBD that works best for you, along with the correct dosage.
Contact us to learn more about our products and how we can help you to manage pain, anxiety and sleep.