Using CBD in battling arthritis

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Science proves that cannabis can be useful in alleviating arthritis symptoms

This year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over three million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with arthritis. 54 million in the country already live with the disease. There have long been over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines to help fight the pain, reduce the inflammation and stiffness, but, in some cases, the only solution has been joint replacement surgery. Fortunately, there is now another solution available and it already has the backing of science. Cannabis can do more than almost all lab-based chemical solutions.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound in cannabis, is being shown to help soothe joint discomfort and inflammation. A study from 2017 showed that “the preclinical and human data that do exist indicate that the use of cannabis should be taken seriously as a potential treatment of joint pain.” This was reinforced last year in a separate study that found that the cannabis compounds can treat pain linked to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

If the science isn’t proof enough, there are the first-hand accounts to help support CBD’s use. According to 58-year-old Alexandra Callner, she couldn’t sleep due to her arthritis and OTC pills didn’t work. However, everything changed when she began consuming CBD. She says, “Every night, I get into bed, read about an hour, take one or two puffs, and then I am off to sleep. The pain has become much lighter.”

Even Sir Patrick Stewart agrees. The Captain Kirk actor suffers from osteoarthritis in both hands and said in a statement last year, “I believe that the [CBD] ointment and spray have significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands. I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment.”