Millions of people all over the country suffer from arthritis and similar related conditions, and it can be truly debilitating. As the joints in your body become inflamed, it can leave you in constant pain and stop you from enjoying an active lifestyle and engaging in your favorite activities. Arthritis can affect one joint or many; and it’s not just older people who suffer from it, either. Joints can become arthritic due to age, or overuse, or damage, or simply as a result of genetic conditions. Sadly, this condition cannot be cured; only treated. What about CBD for arthritis?

Many sufferers have claimed to regain a great deal of mobility and freedom from pain as a result of CBD oil.  Some of these people have tried a number of other options that proved ineffective. For these individuals, CBD seems to be the only thing that helps. But why is this? And how? What is the mechanism of action? Is it safe?

No doubt you have many questions, especially if you are one of the millions of people affected by arthritis; you have probably already researched every balm, pill, lotion, and other topical that exists; so why is CBD oil special? What, exactly, can CBD do that other remedies cannot?

Read on to learn more about CBD oil for arthritis:

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a compound derived from the hemp plant. While it is by no means a new discovery, this compound has seen its popularity skyrocket in recent years, possibly as a result of the spread of marijuana legalization across the United States. Despite this, CBD is not marijuana and is a distinct compound from THC (the active ingredient that gets you “high”).

When it is derived from the hemp plant, CBD is legal in all 50 states; you do not need a medical cannabis license to obtain it. Its recent spike in popularity has proved to be a godsend for thousands of people across the country; not just for its benefits for arthritis sufferers, but also its ability to treat everything from nausea, to depression, to epilepsy.

CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways. Often, the oil is vaped; it can also be consumed in pill form, or put into edible products such as gummies. When it is used to treat arthritis, CBD is often put directly onto the affected area in the form of a topical liquid tincture.

How Does It Work?

While there are many different ways of consuming CBD, the primary mechanism of action remains the same: the active compounds in CBD oil will bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in your body to achieve a variety of beneficial effects.

Many of the vital functions in your body are regulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS); everything from sleep to immune system response are controlled by this complex system of neurotransmitters. Critically for arthritis sufferers, the ECS also regulates pain, as well as your body’s inflammation response.

When you consume CBD oil for arthritis, regardless of the form in which you take it, it will interact with two specific receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. It is this interaction that helps to reduce the effects of inflammation on your body. While it can be used to treat all forms of arthritis, it appears to be particularly helpful for inflammation caused by autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The Effects Of CBD

One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of CBD is its lack, according to users, of side effects. If you are using CBD oil for arthritis, it has been reported by many users to reduce the pain of arthritis, while there are few to no side effects that are reported. However, many people who begin taking CBD to help with one condition find that it also helps with others. Some individuals begin taking CBD oil for arthritis, only to discover that they are more calm and relaxed and are even losing unwanted weight.

Users have reported that CBD has many benefits- too many to list here; however, its purported ability to reduce inflammation means that, in addition to arthritis, people have tried it to help with headaches, other chronic pain, and even acne. It is also commonly used to help with sleep and to reduce anxiety.

Is It Safe?

A great deal of research has been done on CBD in the past few years; research to discover how far its effectiveness extends, but also into its safety. Scientists have discovered that, unlike many over-the-counter medicines, CBD is safe in practically any dose and boasts minimal harmful side effects. It is also completely non-habit forming; researchers discovered that – again, unlike many popular over-the-counter pharmaceuticals – CBD has no potential for abuse.

How Should I Consume CBD?

If you’re using CBD oil for arthritis specifically, you can consume it in any number of ways. However, it has proven, according to some users, to be extremely effective as a topical. At your local provider, you’ll be able to find a number of balms and creams that you can apply directly to the affected area. Note, however, that if you are using CBD as a topical, there may be a delay in its effects as the active compounds must cross through your skin membrane and enter your bloodstream.

Trying CBD For The First Time

As with any new treatment, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before you add CBD to your daily regimen. You will want to ensure that it is safe for you and will not interact with any other medications you happen to be taking. Of course, the hope is that, with the help of CBD oil, you will be able to take fewer medications to treat your chronic pain.

You will want to do a little research before you purchase any CBD products. As with anything, not all CBD oils are created equal. Ensure that the CBD product you buy has been created in a lab and is tested to be free from toxins and other pollutants. It is helpful to visit the manufacturer’s website and look for pertinent details, like the lab results for each product at RootedHempCo.com.

After you have found the right product for you, you will want to do a little experimentation to find the proper dosage. There is not really a “recommended dosage” when it comes to CBD, so your best option is usually to start with a very small amount and gradually take more until you achieve the effects you desire. Over time, you may need to increase this dosage slightly if your tolerance level increases.