• Studies showed that cannabidiol (CBD) may induce anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects in individuals with joint pain(1).
  • Arthritis is often characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Arthritis patients should consult their doctor before using CBD products for pain relief(2).

Benefits of Using CBD for Joint Pain 

Joint pain, such as knee pain, is a widespread problem involving a variety of causes, although it often results from an injury or arthritis(3).

A 2020 study showed that CBD has anti-arthritic properties and may alleviate symptoms by targeting the cells that trigger inflammation(4).

Animal research indicated that CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. However, high-quality human trials have yet to verify these effects(5).

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical substance in the cannabis plant. In 1940, chemists extracted CBD from the marijuana plant for the first time(6). 

CBD is one of the chemical components extracted from cannabis plants, also known as cannabinoids. 

CBD is one of the most plentiful and beneficial non-psychoactive cannabinoids contained in hemp extract(7). Hemp is a species of cannabis plant that has 0.3 % tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less.

CBD for Joint Pain: Full-Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate

Both the full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate are derivatives of the cannabis plant. 

 Animal research indicated that these products may help improve markers of inflammation and pain(8). 

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD encompasses all of the chemicals found in cannabis plants, including trace concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound from cannabis that produces a high.

Although CBD isolate may be helpful for pain control, research suggested that a full-spectrum hemp extract may be even more effective. Research results suggest that CBD works synergistically with THC to enhance the nonpsychoactive compound’s analgesic benefits(9).

However, individuals who want to experiment with CBD but are unable or do not want to intake THC may find CBD isolate a good alternative.

What is CBD Isolate?

Unlike full-spectrum CBD products, CBD isolates are pure CBD and typically do not contain any THC. 

Manufacturers of CBD isolate utilize a variety of procedures to extract all of the chemicals and other components found in the cannabis plant, including THC. The method yields pure CBD crystals.

CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that is usually refined and sold as a powder. 

Ways to Administer CBD for Joint Pain

CBD products are often available in the following forms:

  • CBD oil
  • CBD tinctures
  • CBD topicals
  • CBD gummies and edibles
  • CBD capsules 

Among the various forms of CBD, the CBD capsule is a popular choice. CBD capsule production employs two widely used processes and provides two types:

CBD isolate capsule: This capsule is a powdered ingredient of pure CBD infused into capsule packaging. 

CBD oil capsule: This capsule contains CBD oil and several carrier agents. Carrier agents may include hemp oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil.

Capsules are available in both dry and soft gel forms. Individuals may prefer CBD capsules because they are edible. 

Individuals can take capsules daily after determining a safe and effective capsule dose.  

However, CBD edibles need to move through the digestive system, resulting in a delayed efficacy than other CBD products like CBD oils.

How to Use CBD Oil for Joint Pain

CBD oil from full-spectrum hemp has cannabinoids (including CBD and THC), flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabis plant components. Terpenes are fragrant chemicals, and flavonoids are plant pigments.

CBD oil must be administered sublingually, with a few drops placed beneath the tongue.

How Long CBD Takes to Start Working in Individuals with Joint Pain

The different types of CBD affect the body at various rates.

Cannabidiol can be absorbed directly into the blood by holding a spray or tincture under the tongue for 60 to 120 seconds (sublingual). The individual may feel the effects of CBD within 15 to 45 minutes(10).

How Long Do CBD’s Effects Last in Individuals with Joint Pain?

One review suggested a significant lack of data and some discrepancy in the studies concerning the time course of distribution of CBD within the body(11). 

Is CBD Safe?

CBD safety research is in progress. Thus far, there have been no serious safety concerns linked to controlled doses. 

Arthritis Foundation suggests that people seek medical advice from their doctors before trying CBD if they take any of the following medications:

  • Corticosteroids 
  • Tofacitinib
  • Naproxen
  • Celecoxib
  • Tramadol
  • Certain antidepressants, including amitriptyline, citalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline
  • Certain medications for fibromyalgia, including gabapentin and pregabalin

Arthritis Foundation recommends that individuals consult with their physicians before implementing any CBD-related medications because CBD is presumed to have the potential to interfere with some drugs commonly used by arthritis patients(12).

The federal Controlled Substances Act no longer regarded CBD products extracted from hemp as Schedule I drugs. However, CBD-related rules remain unclear.

Despite this, they are widely available in nearly all states and online. People who want to use CBD must research the regulations in their respective states.

  1. Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463000/
  2. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
    https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
  3. Joint pain
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/joint-pain/
  4. Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463000/
  5. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
    https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
  6. Cannabidiol as a Promising Strategy to Treat and Prevent Movement Disorders?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958190/#:~:text=The%20data%20reviewed%20here%20point,movements%2C%20both%20primary%20and%20secondary.
  7. Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts from CBD Isolates: Implications for Policy, Safety and Science
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19390211.2020.1776806?journalCode=ijds20
  8. Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690292/
  9. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
  10. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
    https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
  11. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01365/full
  12. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know
    https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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