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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one compound in the cannabis plant. Some research suggests that the compound may have an anti-inflammatory effect, which could make CBD useful for joint pain.
Many people consider CBD products to ease joint pain. This is because CBD can have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. However, individuals should do their own research before purchasing any CBD product.
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.
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.
Best CBD cream: CBDfx CBD Muscle and Joint Cream: Cooling Formula
- List price: $79.99 – $129.99
- Type of CBD: broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 1,000 and 3,000 mg of CBD per 50-milliliter (ml) bottle
- COA: available online
This broad-spectrum cream contains menthol to cool down sore muscles and joints. It also contains white willow bark and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation.
The product is suitable for vegans, and the company grows its hemp in the United States.
A person can choose between two strengths: 1,000 or 3,000 mg. All bottles contain 50 milliliters of cream.
The product is best for those who like to control the amount of the product they use and who want fast-acting targeted relief for their joint pain. It is also suitable for people who do not want to ingest CBD.
Learn more about the CBDfx brand.
Use code “MNT20″ for 20% off.
Best CBD roll-on: +Plus CBD Roll-On
- List price: $27.99 – $54.99 for a one-time purchase, with discounts available for subscriptions
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 200 mg or 500 mg of CBD per 1.13 ounce (oz) bottle
- COA: available online
This product is available in two strengths, each containing 200 mg or 500 mg of CBD per 1 oz bottle. The roll-on allows a person to apply topical CBD directly to painful joints.
In addition to full-spectrum CBD, the product contains other plant compounds that may help alleviate joint pain. These include:
The product is best for those who want fast-acting targeted relief for joint pain without ingesting CBD.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Best CBD gummies: cbdMD Tropical CBD Gummies
- List price: $89.99 – $189.99 for a one-time purchase, with discounts available for subscriptions
- Type of CBD: broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 50, 100, and 200 mg of CBD per gummy
- COA: available online
CBD gummies are a simple way to consume CBD. Each gummy provides 10 mg of CBD in this CBD product, and the company states they do not contain THC.
The product is available in the following product sizes and CBD strengths:
- 1,500 mg, containing 50 mg of CBD per gummy
- 3,000 mg, containing 100 mg per gummy
- 6,000 mg, containing 200 mg per gummy
According to the company, the gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and contain natural flavors like orange, strawberry, raspberry, and tropical fruit.
These CBD gummies are best for those who want fast-acting relief from an oral product with a unique flavor.
Learn more about the cbdMD brand.
Best CBD oil: Nuleaf Naturals Full-Spectrum Hemp CBD oil
- List price: $19 – $249 for a one-time purchase, with discounts available for subscriptions
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 30 milligrams (mg) of CBD per serving
- COA: available online
This product delivers 30 mg of full-spectrum CBD in each serving. The only other ingredient is organic virgin hemp seed oil.
This CBD oil is best for people who want the fast-acting relief of a pure and natural oral product. However, some people may not like the flavor of hemp.
NuLeaf offers a 60-day guarantee.
The bottle is available in various sizes, containing 10, 30, 60, 100, or 200 servings.
Best CBD tincture: CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- List price: $45 – $260 for a one-time purchase, with discounts available for subscriptions
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 17 mg of CBD per serving
- COA: available online
This oil tincture contains 500 mg of CBD and delivers 17 mg per serving. The company claims that the CBD derives from hemp flowers, stalks, and stems. It states that its CBD does not derive from hemp seeds, as the seeds are not a legitimate source of CBD.
As a full-spectrum product, this tincture contains all the compounds found in cannabis, including THC at levels lower than 0.3%.
The product also contains fractionated medium-chain triglyceride coconut oil.
The product is third-party tested for quality and consistent dosing. It contains U.S. Hemp Authority-certified non-genetically modified (non-GMO) industrial hemp grown in the United States of America (USA).
The tincture is best for people who want fast-acting relief from a high-potency oral product. Some people who use this product claim they like the taste.
Learn more about the CBDistillery brand.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Best CBD sports cream: Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream
- List price: $49.95 for a one-time purchase and $39.96 with a subscription
- Type of CBD: broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 1,000 mg of CBD per 4 fluid ounce (fl oz) bottle.
- COA: available online
Each pump bottle of this cream contains 1,000 mg of CBD. It also contains menthol and camphor, which aim to relieve aches and pains associated with minor sports injuries.
The product is best for athletes who want targeted relief from joint pain while being able to control the amount of product they apply.
People who purchase the product via a subscription can choose from delivery intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks.
Learn more about the Joy Organics brand.
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
Best CBD salve: FABCBD Body Salve
- List price: $79 – $159 for a one-time purchase, with discounts available for subscriptions
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 1,000 mg of CBD per 1 oz tube, or 3,000 mg of CBD per 2.5 oz tube
- COA: available online
FABCBD Body Salve comes in a roll-on bottle. The product is available in strengths of 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg of CBD per tube. Other ingredients include organic beeswax, menthol, and camphor essential oils to help relieve aches and pains.
This CBD salve is best for those who want targeted relief for their joint and muscle pain from a product that offers heating and cooling effects. The company recommends this product to active people and those who type regularly for work.
The company offers a subscription discount of up to 20% with deliveries every 2–10 weeks.
Best CBD capsules: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- List price: $74.99 – $119.99 for a one-time purchase
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 25 mg of CBD per capsule
- COA: available online
The product is available in bottles of 30 or 60 capsules. Each capsule contains 25 mg of CBD and organic extra virgin olive oil.
The company claims that these capsules can promote recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.
Charlotte’s Web liquid CBD capsules are suitable for vegans. The company states that the product is also gluten-free, allergen-free, and kosher.
These CBD capsules may suit people who want fast-acting relief from post-exercise inflammation.
The following table compares CBD products for type, strength, and price.
Below are some potential advantages and disadvantages of using CBD.
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 2020 study found that CBD has anti-arthritic activity and may help symptoms by targeting the cells that drive inflammation. The authors tested CBD on rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), a type of cell within certain forms of connective tissue such as the synovium. The synovium lines a person’s joints.
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, side effects are possible, such as:
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 2019 study notes that CBD may interact with several drugs, including:
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:
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 a person 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 would like 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 can work as a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory. Reducing inflammation in the joint can reduce pain.
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.
For how long does CBD for joint pain work?
CBD for joint pain can provide relief for varying lengths of time, depending on how a person takes it, how strong the dose is, a person’s size, and other characteristics.
CBD may help with joint pain, but more research is needed to understand its effects and benefits fully. 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.
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