CBD
for Arthritis

Can CBD help with Arthritis?

How CBD May Help with Arthritis

Many of our customers come to us looking for CBD products that can help them manage their arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. There is not yet a cure for arthritis, and many of the treatment options come with unwanted side effects, which is why many people seek a natural way to manage its symptoms.

CBD has the potential to be helpful for those suffering from arthritis because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network that helps regulate pain and inflammation. CBD can be applied via a cream to affected joints to potentially calm and ease discomfort.

What the science says about CBD for arthritis

Topical CBD may improve pain relief and function in osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint

In 2022, researchers conducted a double-blind, crossover randomised clinical trial published in Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. The study included adults with thumb basal joint osteoarthritis who used a topical CBD cream (6.2 mg, twice daily) for two weeks before switching to placebo.

Results included:

  • Greater pain reduction compared with the placebo group.
  • Improved hand function and grip-related outcomes.
  • No adverse reactions reported during CBD use.

Read the full study on PubMed: Topical cannabidiol for thumb basal joint arthritis: a randomized controlled

CBD gel may reduce pain and improve Quality of life in hand osteoarthritis

A 2024 open-label feasibility trial published in Scientific Reports examined the effects of a 4% CBD gel (~30 mg/day), applied three times daily for four weeks to each participant's most painful hand. Findings included:

  • Significant reductions in pain severity.
  • Increased grip strength and improved hand function.
  • Minimal, short-lived, and non-serious adverse effects.

Read the full study in Scientific Reports: Topical cannabidiol gel for hand osteoarthritis: an open-label feasibility trial.

Key takeaways from CBD arthritis studies

1

Topical CBD has been shown to help reduce joint pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.

2

Benefits appear dependent on consistent daily application; effects diminish once use is discontinued.

3

Across both studies, topical CBD demonstrated a favourable safety profile, with only mild and transient side effects.

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FAQs

Can CBD really help with arthritis pain?

Medical studies and patient testimonials report that CBD may help reduce pain and improve mobility when applied directly to arthritic joints.

What type of CBD works best for arthritis — oil, capsules, or topical?

Because arthritis affects specific areas and joints, CBD that can be applied to targeted regions works best. These include CBD creams, CBD patches and CBD roll-ons. Oral CBD products like CBD oil may still be useful, but arthritis
research is limited.

What dosage of CBD works for arthritis?

In the medical studies that we looked at above, the following doses were used:

  • CBD cream: ~12.4 mg/day per joint
  • CBD gel: ~30 mg/day on one hand

Applying 2–3× daily over several weeks was key to results.

How long does it take to feel the effects of CBD for arthritis?

Medical studies note that improvements are noticed within the first few weeks.

Is CBD safe to use alongside arthritis medications?

In many cases, CBD is safe to use alongside arthritis medications, but CBD can interact with some medicines - particularly those that affect the liver. Always check with your healthcare provider before mixing CBD with prescription medication.

Are there any side effects of CBD for arthritis?

Studies show that side effects are rare and generally mild, such as dry mouth and drowsiness.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

If the CBD product is made using CBD isolate, then all the THC would have been removed, and you should not fail a drug test. Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace levels of THC and may lead to failing a drug test.

Can CBD help with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Studies have found more success for osteoarthritis, but since CBD has anti- inflammatory properties, it may also have benefits for rheumatoid arthritis.

How often should I use CBD for arthritis pain relief?

A major takeaway from the medical studies is that consistent use leads to positive outcomes. Daily use gave the best results in trials, and effects may fade if CBD is stopped.

Is CBD for arthritis legal in the UK and Europe?

Yes, if it’s hemp-derived, contains less than 0.2% THC, and meets safety regulations.