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In a recent press release published on PR Newswire by the Arthritis Foundation titled, Arthritis Foundation Releases First CBD Guidance for Adults With Arthritis, revolutionary information is being shared on the medicinal benefits of hemp oil ingredient CBD (cannabidiol). This news is massive for both the medical community and for the cannabis industry.
The Arthritis Foundation has released recent stats that 50 million Americans suffer from some degree of arthritis, and that this is a leading cause of disability. Previously, CBD was reserved only for the states who have legalized medical marijuana. But now that CBD is going mainstream and is available for purchase online, more and more people who live with the crippling symptoms of arthritis are now able to access this remedy.
Recognizing CBD as a remedy for adults with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation has even published a guide to CBD for relief stating that, “Our July 2019 survey of 2,600 people with arthritis shows significant use of and interest in CBD (cannabidiol).” In addition to the results shared in the survey, “The Arthritis Foundation also sent a formal comment to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July urging the agency to expedite the study and regulation of CBD products to help make them a safe option for the 54 million people with arthritis.”
We are intrigued by the potential of CBD to help people find pain relief and are on record urging the FDA to expedite the study and regulation of these products. While currently there is limited scientific evidence about CBD’s ability to help ease arthritis symptoms, and no universal quality standards or regulations exist, we have listened to our constituents and consulted with leading experts** to develop these general recommendations for adults who are interested in trying CBD.
This is huge news! CBD hemp oil has been reported to help so many with inflammation and pain, and this is a step in a direction that could open up the potential benefits to so many.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is an active chemical compound found in the marijuana plant and industrial hemp plant called a cannabinoid. It is one of the most dominant of over 100 cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the body (endocannabinoids) and in several plants including cannabis. CBD impacts the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for maintaining the balance in normal body functions. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids naturally produced in the body such as anandamide and 2-AG), enzymes that synthesize and degrade the cannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2) found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The main purpose of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis in the body.
Whole-Plant Hemp Oil for Arthritis: What Science Says
Whole-plant, full-spectrum hemp oil is derived from the aerial parts and the whole plant, but primarily the leaves and flowers NOT the stalks and seeds. This type of cannabis plant does not contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive element present in the cannabis plant. This type of oil contains the medicinal benefits of hemp oil including the terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, which whole-plant hemp oil has been reported by users to decrease. Because whole-plant hemp oil impacts the endocannabinoid system, inflammation can be decreased, bringing potential relief to painful and inflamed joints. While direct claims cannot be made, as CBD is still not approved by the FDA, there have been many animal studies that lend insight to how CBD also affects humans.
In addition to the scientific research that has found rats to experience decreased inflammation from CBD, there is a lot of advocacy for CBD to be approved by the FDA. Creakyjoints, and arthritis support community, conducted a survey 77-item survey to 1,059 patients with arthritis to further understand their usage of marijuana and CBD and the benefits they’ve experienced.
Here are the findings in a tidy infographic:
Within this survey, it was found that hemp oil and/or cannabis was useful to relieve the following symptoms associated with arthritis:
- Pain
- Inability to sleep
- Relaxation
- Depressed mood
- Nausea
- Physical function
- Fatigue
Additionally, the survey found, “The vast majority of arthritis patients who reported using marijuana or CBD said it helped their symptoms: 97% of people who tried marijuana said it improved symptoms; 93% of people who tried CBD said it improved symptoms.”
While the scientific research and direct understanding as to how and why hemp oil works is still in early stages, it seems that the only thing standing between wide-spread usage of hemp oil for arthritis is money and legislation.
How to Use Hemp Oil
“Low and slow” is the general rule of thumb with any new substance or dietary supplement. Hemp oil can and will affect everyone differently, so it’s best to start with a low dosage over a few days and closely monitor the effect. You can keep a journal to make this easier, and write down what you feel 45 minutes to 3 hours after taking a low dose of hemp oil. This will help you keep track of pain level, inflammation, mental state, sleep, etc.
There are many different ways to use and consumer whole-plant hemp oil including a tincture, edibles, capsules, and topical ointments. Hemp oil tinctures are typically going to be the strongest, with the most direct results. Topical creams and balms can help to soothe direct, localized pain at the source. It is easiest to monitor and control consumption with CBD hemp oil tincture.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends hemp oil or edibles in their official CBD guide. It is important to note that hemp oil is not a substitute for disease-modifying treatment for inflammatory arthritis and anyone looking to try hemp oil for arthritis relief should consult their medical doctor before adding it to their relief routine.
The Bottom Line
Using hemp oil for relief from symptoms of arthritis is a personal choice. Until there is more research done on humans, or approval by the FDA, no real claims can be made on the subject. All we can do is educate the public on what users are experiencing and provide the highest quality, whole-plant full-spectrum hemp oil on the market. Function Remedies maintains incredibly high standards, proprietary lipid infusion, and has years of development and third-party certification. When shopping online for hemp oil, it can be confusing to find the right brand at the right price. Synchronicity is proud to not only be in the business of creating a high-quality product, but we are also doing the work behind the scenes to bring real world evidence to the masses, and the FDA.
Explore our multiple hemp oil and products for relief!
