CBD arthritis creams are sold as a treatment for arthritis. However, there is not enough evidence to show that CBD creams can help with arthritis. So far, most studies that look at CBD for arthritis are based on animals, and there is not a single study on CBD creams and humans.
CBD arthritis creams are ointment-like CBD products marketed to help with arthritis. They have been in use for quite some time, although their efficacy is yet to be proved. Many people have used them for arthritis, even though the American Arthritis Foundation mentions that the creams only promise to help with the condition but have not been proved to treat arthritis. What is CBD arthritis cream, and what are the pros and cons of using it? Dive into this article to answer these questions and more.
Understanding CBD and CBD Arthritis Creams
CBD refers to the chemical substance in cannabis plants and is one of the more than 100 active cannabinoids, including THC, CBC, CBG, and CBN. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and will not cause the ‘high’ effect on whoever takes it. It partly explains why many people are attracted to CBD products, including arthritis creams- they will less likely make a person ‘high.’
CBD arthritis creams are CBD-infused ointment-lie products marketed to help with arthritis. CBD creams are among the many topical products featured in the CBD inventory and have long been used by people. You can have three types of CBD arthritis creams depending on the CBD they contain, including;
- Full-spectrum CBD arthritis creams; have CBD as the main compound, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and additional cannabinoids, and are linked to a full entourage effect because of the many compounds.
- Broad-spectrum CBD arthritis creams; have CBD, multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids and are linked to the full entourage effect, despite not having the psychoactive THC.
- Isolate-based CBD arthritis creams; only feature CBD and have no other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most ointments have an earthy smell, but you expect to isolate CBD arthritis creams not to have much of the smell because of the lack of many compounds linked to the smell.
Why CBD Arthritis Creams?
First and foremost, arthritis is now affecting people indiscriminately. In the past, it was a disease in older adults, affecting people who had hit the age of 40 years or more. However, the trend has changed, and the condition now affects anybody, including children. Besides, the conventional treatment methods people use for arthritis are not everyone’s cup of tea, with some complaining or not experiencing any results. That aside, some opiates and opioids used for arthritis predispose people to the risk of addiction. Moreover, more natural treatment methods emphasize the increased hype around CBD arthritis creams.
How Do CBD Arthritis Creams Work?
Currently, the line of understanding has everything to do with the interaction between CBD and a signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to parentingpod.com, cannabinoids like CBD bind to the ECS receptors and influence m many critical body processes, including pain, inflammation, immunity, reproduction, and overall health. CBD topicals like the CBD arthritis creams also interact with the ECS after penetrating the skin, only that their efficacy is low following the limited absorption through the transdermal layers.
Doe CBD Arthritis Creams Treat Arthritis- What Studies Say
Generally, CBD research, especially on human beings, is limited, let alone studies on the creams on human beings. Currently, there are limited studies on CBD creams for arthritis in animals, but there is no single study on the creams for human beings.
One study by Malfait et al. (2000) looked at the role of CBD, as opposed to CBD creams, on rats. It recorded that the cannabinoid displayed anti-inflammatory properties and promised pain-relieving effects. Hammell et al. (2015) reported that CBD creams helped reduce inflammatory markers in rats with arthritis. Of course, these studies promise much from CBD and CBD arthritis creams, but there is a need for further studies before recommending them for arthritis. Besides, there are many knowledge gaps surrounding CBD studies, and much about CBD is yet to be understood, so one needs to consult a doctor before trying any CBD product.
You Need to Use CBD Arthritis Creams for Long Before Seeing Results
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to prove that CBD arthritis creams will heal or treat arthritis. If they help, their action seems to be more anti-inflammatory, as Hammell et al. (2016) noted. The creams do not numb the affected areas or take part in direct pain relief, meaning that one might have to use them for longer before experiencing any positive results.
Pros of Using CBD Arthritis Creams
Animal studies, although limited, have shown that CBD creams may reduce inflammation in the affected areas. As such, you can expect a bit of relief from them.
Cons of Using CBD Arthritis Creams
The main concern about CBD arthritis cream use is that the FDA has not approved them for arthritis or any condition. Besides, the FDA does not regulate the production of non-prescription CBD, so there is every possibility of misinformation on the labels. Moreover, the creams may not have undergone 3rd party tests to prove their purity, especially if less reputable brands market them.
Conclusion
Many people are using CBD arthritis creams for arthritic pain. However, there are currently studies on CBD creams on arthritis in human beings, and the existing studies have examined the effect of the creams on animals. Although CBD arthritis promises to reduce inflammation, more studies are needed to prove this.
References
Malfait, A. M., Gallily, R., Sumariwalla, P. F., Malik, A. S., Andreakos, E., Mechoulam, R., & Feldmann, M. (2000). The Nonpsychoactive Cannabis Constituent Cannabidiol Is An Oral Anti-Arthritic Therapeutic In Murine Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, 97(17), 9561-9566.
Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., Mcilwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., &Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation And Pain‐Related Behaviours In A Rat Model Of Arthritis. European Journal Of Pain, 20(6), 936-948.
