Compare the Best CBD Oil for Lupus in 2022

How CBD May Help With Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), simply referred to as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and inflammation throughout the body⁽¹⁾. 

Individuals with lupus may experience joint pain, skin sensitivities, rashes⁽²⁾, sleep disorders, and depression⁽³⁾.

Studies have suggested that cannabidiol, more popularly referred to as CBD, may possess anti-inflammatory⁽⁴⁾ and analgesic properties for chronic pain⁽⁵⁾. 

CBD works by engaging with the body’s ECS or endocannabinoid system to maintain homeostasis⁽⁶⁾, which is the process living things use to maintain stable conditions for survival⁽⁷⁾.  

The ECS comprises various essential components, such as the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2)⁽⁸⁾.

These receptors assist in regulating several bodily functions like sleep, eating, pain control, and immune and inflammatory responses⁽⁹⁾.

CB1 receptors, primarily located in the CNE (central nervous system), are responsible for pain regulation. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors found in the cells and tissues in the immune system activate the body’s anti-inflammatory response⁽¹⁰⁾. 

These receptors may deliver analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when they interact with CBD⁽¹¹⁾. Additionally, the activation of CB1 receptors is noted to impact sleep regulation⁽¹²⁾. 

5-TH1A or serotonin receptors are also endocannabinoid receptors activated by CBD⁽¹³⁾. Serotonin, the “happy” hormone, is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and induces the feeling of happiness. 

The interaction of CBD with these receptors may activate CBD’s properties and potentially provide comfort and relief to individuals with lupus.

Benefits of Using CBD for Lupus

Currently, there is no treatment for autoimmune conditions such as lupus. 

However, there are various purported therapeutic effects of CBD, such as anti-pain⁽¹⁴⁾ and anti-inflammatory⁽¹⁵⁾ benefits. These effects may help in managing symptoms of the autoimmune disease.

The most common lupus signs and symptoms include⁽¹⁶⁾:

• Joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness
• Rashes on the body or across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose
• Skin sores that appear and worsen due to sun exposure
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Sleeplessness⁽¹⁷⁾
• Anxiety and depression⁽¹⁸⁾
  

CBD for Pain and Inflammation

A 2018 study indicated that more than 90% of individuals suffering from lupus experience pain in the muscle and joints⁽¹⁹⁾. Arthritis is another typical indication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)⁽²⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, a 2020 study discussed that CBD may have a significant role in pain linked to rheumatoid arthritis due to the compound’s effects on immune cells⁽²¹⁾.

Lupus arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may possess similarities in both causing pain, swelling, and stiffness of joints⁽²²⁾.

According to research published in Pain Medicine, chronic pain is one of the most frequently noted issues among people with lupus, with 32%-66% reporting headaches and 85% experiencing joint pain⁽²³⁾.

Research in 2018 suggested that one of the most common reasons for individuals using medical cannabis is for managing chronic pain⁽²⁴⁾. 

“Medical cannabis” refers to doctor-prescribed use of the cannabis plant and its phytocannabinoids to treat disorders or alleviate symptoms.

A study noted that cannabinoids may potentially suppress rodents’ inflammatory and chronic pain symptoms⁽²⁵⁾. 

Another animal study on osteoarthritis discussed that CBD may offer safe and therapeutic joint pain relief⁽²⁶⁾. The experiment showed that the compound did not cause harmful side effects. 

Despite the studies having been done on animals, the mentioned research may show promise in further studies on the effects of CBD in humans. 

According to a 2017 research on lupus patients, individuals with the autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop symptoms, such as skin rashes and alopecia areata⁽²⁷⁾. 

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in inflammation and hair loss⁽²⁸⁾.

A study discussed the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids⁽²⁹⁾. 

Additionally, recent research on CBD topicals suggested that the compound may be efficacious in managing skin disorders like eczema⁽³⁰⁾. 

Eczema is a skin disease that produces red and itchy rashes on the skin⁽³¹⁾.

CBD’s therapeutic potential on the skin may benefit individuals with cutaneous lupus, the type which primarily affects the skin.

CBD for Anxiety and Sleep Disorders

Individuals with lupus may experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. These issues may occur during flare-ups or increased disease activity⁽³²⁾. 

Furthermore, almost 95% of individuals with lupus reported having sleep disorders such as restlessness and disturbed sleep⁽³³⁾. 

These sleep problems may be due to lupus causing pain, depression, stress, and some side effects of medications taken for the autoimmune disorder.

A study in 2018 indicated that CBD may be beneficial for individuals suffering from sleep disorders⁽³⁴⁾. 

In a case series in 2019, study participants with sleep problems were given a dose of CBD⁽³⁵⁾. The research concluded that cannabidiol may have calming effects on the nervous system, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety.

Another 2019 research suggested that CBD may contain anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant properties in animal models⁽³⁶⁾. These properties may offer potential benefits in dealing with symptoms of medical conditions like lupus. 

CBD for Hypertension

Individuals with lupus who frequently use corticosteroids for symptom management may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure⁽³⁷⁾.

A study in 2017 indicated that CBD reduces resting blood pressure and may possess potential benefits in managing other cardiovascular disorders⁽³⁸⁾. 

How to Take CBD Oil for Lupus

There are different delivery methods of taking CBD oil to help manage the symptoms of lupus. These formats include CBD tinctures, CBD edibles like gummies, CBD topicals, and vapes.

The efficacy of these CBD formats may depend on the individual’s weight, metabolism, and diet.

Best Type of CBD for Lupus

• Sublingual administration: This method includes CBD oil tinctures or oromucosal sprays that may be delivered sublingually (under the tongue). 

This method allows the compound to bypass the gastrointestinal tract and directly enter the bloodstream, resulting in a quicker onset time⁽³⁹⁾. 

• Oral administration: Oral CBD products include supplements, edibles, gummies, and chews. In this method, the compound passes through the digestive tract before it gets absorbed by the bloodstream. 
• Vaping: CBD oil is administered into the system via inhalation. Vaping is considered one of the quickest methods to take CBD into the body⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

However, caution should be exercised due to vaping causing potential health risks like pulmonary disorders⁽⁴¹⁾. Consult your physician before using vape products if you have existing medical conditions.

• Topical application: CBD oil may applied directly to the skin for localized relief from inflammation, muscle tightness, itching, and sunburn⁽⁴²⁾. 

Other CBD topical products include creams, lotions, and ointments.  

CBD Dosage for Lupus

The FDA  (Food and Drug Administration) has not authorized CBD as a potential treatment option for lupus.

Therefore, there are no standard CBD dosage directions specific to lupus. 

A general rule is to start with lower doses when taking CBD⁽⁴³⁾.

Other factors such as diet, exercise, stress levels, genetics, and existing health conditions may also affect CBD dosage⁽⁴⁴⁾.

If you are suffering from symptoms of lupus or other medical disorders, it is best to speak to a medical health professional before taking CBD. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Lupus?

There are no clinical studies on the onset times of CBD for lupus.

In general, CBD administration through sublingual and topical methods has an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, CBD edibles may take effect around 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. Lastly, the onset time for CBD inhalation is about 2 to 15 minutes⁽⁴⁵⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Lupus?

There are no clinical studies that determine the duration of CBD’s effects on lupus.

However, a systematic review in 2018 hypothesized that 5 milligrams (mg) and 20mg of CBD doses through oromucosal sprays have a half-life of 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Half-life is defined as the time it takes for a medication to decrease its concentration within the system by 50%.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Lupus

Individuals who want to purchase the best CBD oil and high-quality CBD products must consider different factors, such as extraction methods and types of CBD products or extracts. 

CBD is extracted from cannabis plants via techniques such as natural solvent, ethanol, or carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction⁽⁴⁷⁾.  

Note that using hexane or butane to extract CBD may leave behind pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful residues.

CBD extracts are categorized as full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, or CBD isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil contains all the cannabis plant compounds and cannabinoids, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and terpenes.

THC is the cannabis plant‘s psychoactive compound, meaning it causes a euphoric high⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Flavonoids are plant chemicals that may possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties⁽⁴⁹⁾. Terpenes give cannabis plants their unique fragrance⁽⁵⁰⁾.

The combination of all the cannabis compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil may provide the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect refers to the event wherein all the active compounds of cannabis function better when taken simultaneously.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains similar compounds and cannabinoids as full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum CBD products do not have THC.

Lastly, CBD isolates are pure CBD and are entirely free of any cannabinoids or compounds.

Individuals may consider broad-spectrum products or isolates if they wish to take CBD oil without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Lupus

A report from the World Health Organization states that cannabidiol, in general, is well tolerated by the body, non-addictive, and has a good safety profile⁽⁵¹⁾. 

Additionally, there are no clinical studies that CBD oil may induce detrimental side effects on autoimmune disorders like lupus.

However, taking CBD, in general, may cause minor side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, appetite loss, drowsiness, and dry mouth⁽⁵²⁾.

In addition, high doses of CBD may inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450⁽⁵³⁾. Cytochrome P450 are liver enzymes that metabolize approximately 60% of the medications individuals take. 

Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or pain relievers like ibuprofen may relieve pain, swelling, and lupus-related fevers⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

Corticosteroids (steroids) are also used for lupus in counteracting inflammation caused by the autoimmune disorder⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

NSAIDs and steroids use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which in turn, may interact with CBD⁽⁵⁶⁾. The interaction can increase the effects and duration of action of drugs metabolized by CYP450. 

Therefore, it is essential to consult with your doctor before taking CBD alongside other medications for lupus. 

Legality of CBD

Currently, the only CBD product authorized by the FDA is Epidiolex. This prescription medicine is used for treating seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy in children and tubular sclerosis⁽⁵⁷⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis that contain less than 0.3% THC concentration are federally legal in the United States⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

Still, it is highly encouraged to verify your state laws and check CBD products’ THC content to find out whether CBD is legal in your state.