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Some research suggests that CBD may be anti-inflammatory and useful for joint pain. Brands like CBDistillery and Joy Organics offer creams, oils, and salves that can be effective options.
Many people consider CBD products to ease joint pain. This is because CBD can have
Read on to learn more about CBD products, which ones might help alleviate joint pain, and what alternative joint pain treatments are available.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
- Best CBD cream: CBDfx Muscle and Joint Cream: Cooling Formula | Skip to review
- Best CBD roll-on: +Plus CBD Roll-On | Skip to review
- Best CBD gummies: cbdMD Tropical CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best CBD oil: Nuleaf Naturals Full-Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil | Skip to review
- Best CBD tincture: CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture | Skip to review
- Best CBD sports cream: Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream | Skip to review
- Best CBD salve: FABCBD Body Salve | Skip to review
- Best CBD capsules: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules | Skip to review
CBD will not treat the underlying cause of a person’s pain. However, it may help numb or alleviate pain. A person should not rely on CBD to treat their pain. They should consider seeing a medical professional who can assess the cause of their joint pain.
Below are some third-party tested CBD products that a person may wish to try for joint pain.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
The following table compares CBD products for type, strength, and price.
| Product | CBD type | Topical or oral | CBD strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDFx | broad-spectrum | topical | 500–3,000 mg per bottle | $79.99–$129.99 |
| +Plus CBD | full-spectrum | topical | 200–500 mg per bottle | $27.99–$54.99 |
| cbdMD | broad-spectrum | oral | 50 or 100 mg per serving | $89.99–$189.99 |
| Nuleaf Naturals | full-spectrum | oral | 30 mg per serving | $19–$249 |
| CBDistillery | full-spectrum | oral | 17 mg per serving | $45–$260 |
| Joy Organics | broad-spectrum | topical | 1,000 mg per bottle | $49.95 |
| FABCBD | full-spectrum | topical | 1,000–3,000 mg per tube | $79–$159 |
| Charlotte’s Web | full-spectrum | oral | 25 mg per serving | $74.99–$169.99 |
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses CBD products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
Below are some potential advantages and disadvantages of using CBD.
Pros
- CBD can potentially treat a variety of conditions.
- Most people can tolerate CBD well.
- Research has shown CBD can be effective for pain reduction.
- CBD may have numerous additional health benefits.
- Both oral and topical CBD products are available.
Cons
- There is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of CBD products, except Epidiolex for certain seizures.
- People may experience side effects.
- CBD may interact with certain medications.
- Some people may find that CBD tastes unpleasant.
- CBD products may be costly.
- Research into the safety and effectiveness of CBD is still ongoing.
Both oral and topical CBD may be useful for pain management, and the delivery method may come down to personal preference. Topical CBD, such as CBD cream, passes directly into the skin, whereas oral CBD, such as a spray or gummies, mainly passes through the digestive system and into the body.
A person should always follow the usage instructions on the product label, as each product will vary. They should also stop using the product if they experience side effects.
A person should talk with a doctor before using CBD to reduce the risk of possible drug interactions.
Early research supports the idea that CBD may help with joint pain in some cases, such as joint pain due to inflammatory arthritis. Below, we look at some recent research in detail.
A
They found that RASFs promoted joint inflammation because they release inflammatory proteins. CBD reduced the amount of RASF cells and how much they divided, thereby reducing inflammation. The research also suggests CBD can specifically target RASF cells when inflammation occurs.
A cross-sectional study of self-selected people with arthritis who responded to a questionnaire in 2020 found that 83 percent reported a decrease in pain, 66 percent saw improvement in physical function, and 66 percent had better sleep.
- 83% said CBD improved their pain
- 66% said CBD improved their physical functioning
- 66% said CBD improved their sleep quality
A 2018 review article also found that cannabinoids, such as CBD, show promise for chronic pain management and that most people tolerate them well.
While this provides early evidence to support using CBD for joint pain, further high quality evidence in humans can help support the claim.
Anecdotal evidence supports the idea that CBD may help with markers of joint pain. A recent poll from The Arthritis Foundation asked over 2,600 people with arthritis about their experience using CBD.
According to the poll, 94% of those who use CBD say they use it to relieve pain. Additionally, 67% of the participants reported improved overall physical functioning from taking CBD.
Most people tolerate CBD well at the correct dosage. However,
- drowsiness
- lightheadedness
- digestive upset
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
People sensitive to CBD or taking a higher dose than necessary may experience more significant side effects.
Some people may also have an allergic reaction to the compound or product. Anyone noticing undesirable effects after taking CBD should stop using it and talk with a doctor.
Additionally, it is possible to test positive for THC after using full- and broad-spectrum CBD. People who regularly take urine or drug tests should opt for CBD without THC.
People should also be aware of potential drug interactions with CBD. A
- immunosuppressants
- antidepressants
- statins
- calcium channel blockers
- benzodiazepines
- opioids
- antipsychotics
- protease inhibitors
- proton pump inhibitors
- anticoagulants, such as warfarin
Always speak with a doctor before taking CBD to check for any interactions.
The federal government does not regulate natural products such as CBD. This means no standards regarding dosing, label accuracy, or potential contamination exist.
Therefore, people must ensure that their product has undergone third-party lab testing. These lab results will state the amount of CBD in the products and levels of any potential contaminants.
People should also be aware of any potentially misleading information on the labels of CBD products.
If a person is on prescription medication or has a medical condition, they should speak with a doctor before purchasing CBD products.
A person’s location within the United States may also determine whether they can use CBD products. Some states have restrictions on CBD products.
People should try a lower dosage of CBD when they begin using a CBD product. They can gradually increase the dosage if they find the product works.
People should consider the following factors when shopping for a CBD product:
- Form: People should consider what form they want to take CBD in. Some CBD products are available in topical forms for external use, oil to drop under their tongue, or as gummies to eat.
- Types: The three types of CBD are isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Some people may prefer CBD isolate, as it contains no THC. However, full-spectrum may have more potent effects.
- Third-party testing: A person should purchase CBD products from a company that uses third-party testing. The company should also publically display the COA.
- Dosage: Companies should always state the CBD dose within the product. They should also clearly list all other ingredients.
The standard approach for treating joint pain involves drug therapy, including opioids and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Several natural products on the market may help with markers of inflammation and pain in some people, such as:
However, scientific research is limited regarding the benefits of many natural remedies. A person should always speak with a doctor before trying alternative treatments for joint pain.
A person should speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- joint stiffness
- joint swelling
- joint pain or tenderness
- warmth or redness of the skin surrounding the joint
A doctor can run tests to determine the cause of the symptoms and can provide an appropriate treatment plan.
A person should consult a healthcare professional before trying CBD products to treat any medical issue. Some supplements can aggravate underlying health conditions or interact with other medications or supplements a person is taking.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about CBD for joint pain.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain?
The Arthritis Foundation states that if someone ingests CBD oil by dropping some under their tongue, the effects may occur within 15–45 minutes.
The time it takes for CBD creams to work varies between individuals. For some, relief can be immediate. However, it may take up to an hour for some people to feel any effects.
Is CBD oil or cream better for joint pain?
Creams may be best for targeted joint pain relief. However, an oral oil may be more suitable if a person wants more all-over relief. Additionally, CBD creams may contain other ingredients that could irritate the skin, so they may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Is CBD good for inflammation?
In 2020, researchers found that 60.5 percent of people with arthritis who took part in a study reported reduced use of anti-inflammatories after taking CBD for their pain. However, more research into whether and how CBD affects inflammation.
Is CBD good for joint pain?
CBD can be an effective treatment for joint pain, although scientific research into this use is limited. Some studies have shown that CBD can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
A person should always speak with a doctor before trying CBD for a medical condition.
What strength of CBD oil is best for joint pain?
CBD oils come in strengths from as little as 10 mg per serving to more potent doses of 250 mg per serving. The FDA does not regulate CBD as a treatment for health conditions, so there are no set guidelines on appropriate dosages.
A person should always speak with a doctor before using CBD for the first time and start at a low dose. They may then increase the dosage slowly until they get their desired effect.
Learn more about CBD oil for pain management.
Does CBD reduce inflammation or just pain?
CBD
Which type of CBD is best for joint pain?
The best CBD for joint pain will vary depending on a person’s needs and tastes. Some people may prefer full-spectrum gummies due to the added impact of the entourage effect, others may want to avoid THC altogether, and still others might prefer something in between. Taste and other ingredients will also affect a person’s choice.
CBD may help with joint pain, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and benefits. Anecdotal reports suggest that many people use CBD products for joint pain, and some find relief.
It is essential to choose products that have undergone third-party testing, check the labels carefully, and take CBD as the manufacturer directs.
People should always consult a doctor before trying CBD to treat joint pain.