How CBD Can Help Ease Joint Pain

As we get older, chronic joint pain can become debilitating, making it hard for us to get around and live an active, healthy life.

The use of CBD as an alternative medicine to treat acute and chronic pain has skyrocketed in recent years. CBD is safer than many prescription medications because it is natural, has painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties, and is non-addictive.

There are a lot of questions about CBD and if it works or not. This article will look at CBD, how it can help with joint pain, how you can take it, and possible side effects.

Related: Why Hemp?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of over 500 chemicals in the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of over 100 cannabinoids and other compounds such as terpenoids, nitrogenous compounds, and flavonoids found in cannabis.

Both hemp and marijuana belong to the cannabis Sativa species. The principal difference between hemp and marijuana is that hemp has less than 0.3% or less THC. CBD differs from THC because it is not psychoactive. In other words, it does not cause the high or intoxication associated with marijuana.

Clinical studies suggest that CBD effectively treats pain, movement disorders, cognition, and anxiety.

In 2018 Epidolex was approved by the FDA for treating two epilepsy disorders.

Is CBD Legal?

Also, in 2018, the United States Farm Bill removed hemp ingredients like CBD from the Controlled Substances Act. On a Federal level, this legalizes the regulated production of hemp with less than 0.3% THC.

CBD is fully legal in 33 states, legal with restrictions in 14, and illegal in 3 states.

Types of CBD

The companies that manufacture CBD products use varying methods to extract the compound from the hemp plant. The different types of diffusion produce three different types of CBD.

Three Types of CBD

• Full-Spectrum: Uses all parts of the hemp plant. Full-spectrum CBD products contain less than .03% THC.
• Broad-Spectrum: This contains many of the compounds found in the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum products contain only trace amounts of THC.
• Isolates: Only contain CBD with no other cannabinoids or THC. Products that have CBD isolate may not produce any noticeable effects.

The Entourage Effect

Research suggests that the many compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like CBD and THC, and organic compounds like flavonoids and terpenes are more effective when combined.

This idea is known as the entourage effect, which is why full-spectrum CBD products are believed to have higher efficacy.

What Causes Joint Pain?

Arthritis, or the inflammation or swelling of joints, is the medical term for joint pain. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of bones wear down. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, spine, hips, and hands.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the lining of the joint capsule (synovial membrane) that encases the parts of a joint. As a result, the attacked lining can become swollen and inflamed.

A recent Arthritis Foundation Survey of over 2,000 patients had some eye-opening statistics about the impact of osteoarthritis on their everyday lives.

Survey Highlights:

• 64% have had osteoarthritis for longer than ten years
• 15% think that they manage their osteoarthritis well
• 85% said that pain reduction was their most important goal for new treatments

Everyday wear and tear, injuries, gout, bursitis, tendinitis, and viral infections can cause joint pain that can grow from acute to chronic as we age.

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How Does CBD Ease Joint Pain?

The human body has a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system(ECS), which regulates many body functions, including appetite, immune system response, sleep, and pain sensation.

The body naturally produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to the ECS receptors in our bodies.

The TRPV1 receptor in the brain influences the perception of pain and inflammation in the body. CBD binds and activates the TRPV1 receptors, which can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints when these receptors are active.

Studies with animals have shown that CBD does indeed have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Still, these studies have not been validated in humans yet.

Anecdotally,CBD has proven to be effective for many people in helping them cope better with chronic joint pain.

How Do You Take CBD?

CBD products come in many different forms, including oils, liniments, tinctures, gel caps, and edibles.

Common ways to take CBD include:

• Inhaled - Inhale smoke via CBD vape cartridges.
• Transdermally - Place a CBD patch on your skin, which will go through your skin and into your bloodstream.
• Sublingually - Place drops of oil under your tongue, let it sit for a minute, and then swallow.
• Topically - You can apply lotion or cream directly to your skin.
• Orally - Take a CBD gel cap, edible, or add CBD oil to your food or drink.

People find exciting ways to use CBD oils in smoothies, coffee, salad dressing, treats, and even cocktails.

Related: The Bordertown Farm Story

Does CBD Have Side Effects?

CBD can have side effects that vary in severity from person to person and from one type of CBD to a different kind.

Common CBD Side Effects:

• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Changes in Appetite
• Changes in Mood
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or Drowsiness

The side effects of CBD are comparable to or less than those of OTC and prescription painkillers.

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Can CBD Alleviate Your Joint Pain?

CBD may be the answer for people with acute and chronic joint pain and looking for natural, non-addictive pain relief.

It’s important to remember that CBD comes from hemp, not marijuana, and contains less than .03% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the regulated production of hemp. However, the legality of hemp varies from state to state.

As a cannabinoid, CBD works with the ECS system of the body to activate the receptors that can promote anti-inflammatory and analgesic responses to pain.

You can take CBD in many forms, including liniments, tinctures, and gel caps.

There can be some side effects with CBD. Still, they are generally less severe than those associated with OTC or prescription painkillers.

All CBD is not the same. Look for single source, organically grown hemp grown by family farms that take the time to use traditional growing and curing processes.

Related: CBD Products - Farm to Customer