Over 4 million Canadians suffer from some form of arthritis, making it one of the leading causes of long-term disability in Canada. The two most common forms of this condition are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA). 

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. OA attacks the cartilage in the bone, causing symptoms like deep joint pain, joint stiffness, and inflammation. This condition can develop at any age but affects more men before the age of 45, and more women after the age of 45. It usually affects the hands, feet, knees, hips, and spine. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis can develop at any age, but most commonly appears sometime between the ages of 25 and 50. It affects over 1% of Canadians. RA is considered to be an autoimmune disease that causes a loss of function in the joints, and symptoms such as severe inflammation and chronic pain.

In its early stages, arthritis is usually treated with Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), while in it’s later stages it is attacked with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), steroidal injections, or corticosteroids, depending on the kind of arthritis. These drugs can expose patients to a variety of side effects and illnesses. For instance, NSAIDs such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen have a nasty reputation for damaging stomach lining and causing ulcers. Moreover, DMARDs alter immune function and can potentially expose patients to infections. Comparatively, CBD (Cannabidiol) can treat the same conditions while causing fewer, and less serious, side effects. 

CBD’s ability to suppress inflammation and reduce chronic pain makes it ideal for treating arthritis. A 2014 study found that the body’s endocannabinoid system plays a key role in the pathophysiology of arthritis, especially in the “regulation of pain, inflammation, and joint function”. CBD is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system by indirectly binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and thus disrupting the development of inflammation, and the pain that comes along with it. The same study further concluded that CBD has shown promise as a treatment for osteoarthritis.  

Other studies have similarly concluded that CBD has the potential to be an effective treatment for multiple forms of arthritis. A 2006 human study concluded that “disease activity was significantly suppressed” following treatment with a 1:1 THC/CBD solution. A 2011 study on mice showed that CBD helped to decrease inflammatory pain by changing the way that pain receptors respond to stimulation. Moreover, a 2016 study found that topical CBD reduced “inflammation and pain-related behaviors”. And lastly, a 2017 study concluded that CBD “prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis”. 

Whether conducted on humans, or animals, laboratory studies unanimously confirm that CBD can effectively treat multiple forms of arthritis, and the symptoms they cause. CBD has even been shown to help in the prevention of arthritis, by suppressing localized T-cell function, which plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

CBD can be consumed in a variety of forms such as vape oils, capsules, edibles, tinctures, or high CBD plant strains. Check out our shop for to find a product that is just right for you.