CBD Stats for Arthritis Pain - April 2024

What Is CBD?

CBD is a naturally produced chemical substance from the Cannabis sativa plant. This nonpsychoactive compound is an integral ingredient extracted straight from the hemp plant, a cousin of medical marijuana⁽⁴⁾. 

CBD, like all cannabinoids, interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is comprised of millions of CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁵⁾. This mechanism brings the body system to balance, or homeostasis⁽⁶⁾.

Clinical research in neurology indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) possesses a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects in humans, which includes antipsychotic, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and pro-cognitive properties⁽⁷⁾.

Uses and Benefits for Arthritis Pain

CBD use has been well-documented in various studies, making it an effective therapeutic agent for the relief of disease-related symptoms such as chronic pain, muscular spasticity, and inflammation⁽⁸⁾.

CBD offers an alternative treatment method to the symptoms of Arthritis with fewer adverse side effects.

CBD, as it binds with the ECS, influences how the brain perceives pain and increases the level of serotonin by interacting with serotonin receptors⁽⁹⁾. This action creates feelings of relaxation in the nervous system, which can help reduce the intensity of arthritis side effects.

Cannabinoids can block specific receptors that influence inflammation and pain within the body. CBD may block receptors that allow for levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, to increase in the body⁽¹⁰⁾. 

This process affects how receptors respond to signals, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain⁽¹¹⁾.

Chronic pain may result from an injury or illness like arthritis. The pain from arthritis symptoms is classified as high levels of pain that last over a few months and remain persistent even after full recovery⁽¹²⁾. 

CBD oil is said to be a popular choice for many patients as studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing the severity of chronic pain output⁽¹³⁾.

Substantial evidence pointed to cannabis being a suitable treatment option for adults who experience chronic pain⁽¹⁴⁾.

A common side effect of arthritis is joint swelling and widespread inflammation. Most but not all types of arthritis are the results of inflammation from the immune system. In inflammatory conditions like arthritis, the immune system will trigger a response that causes damage to its tissues⁽¹⁵⁾.

Cannabinoids like CBD have been seen to suppress inflammatory responses, reducing arthritis symptoms. Cannabinoids have potent properties that regulate pathways involving suppressing cytokines in inflammatory sites and activating apoptosis within immune cells⁽¹⁶⁾.

Side Effects and Risks

Some may experience fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weariness, drowsiness, and exhaustion when consuming CBD, all possible side effects of CBD use⁽¹⁷⁾.

CBD may interact with other medications. Drug-drug interactions between the CBD product and the individual’s currently prescribed medications may result in adverse side effects⁽¹⁸⁾.

The FDA does not regulate CBD extracts and CBD products. Hence if an individual wants to consume products infused with CBD, it is essential to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals to prevent adverse side effects⁽¹⁹⁾.

CBD Usage and Dosage for Arthritis Pain

Laboratory studies indicate that CBD may help arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties⁽²⁰⁾. 

The study also indicates that CBD may be both safe and beneficial for persistent rheumatoid arthritis pain. 

The results of published evaluations on the health effects of cannabis and CBD found strong evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults⁽²¹⁾.

CBD Statistics in America: How Common Is CBD Being Used in America?

According to a Gallup poll conducted in August 2019, approximately 14% of Americans report using CBD products, primarily for discomfort⁽²²⁾.

The Arthritis Foundation conducted its own research and discovered that 29% of respondents were already taking CBD primarily in liquid or topical form⁽²³⁾. 

Nearly 80% were either used, had previously used, or considered it⁽²⁴⁾. 

Most people who used CBD reported improved physical function, sleep, and overall well-being, while a minority reported improved pain or stiffness⁽²⁵⁾.

CBD Statistics by Age: What Age Group Uses CBD the Most?

A survey by Data Trek found that most CBD users are between 18 to 29 years old, with a 4-year degree⁽²⁶⁾.

Forty-eight percent of these male respondents stated that they use CBD daily or according to their needs⁽²⁷⁾.

CBD Statistics by Method: Common Method of Taking CBD

A clinical study indicated that the most common method of administration of CBD is in a sublingual form⁽²⁸⁾. 

This method involves the use of CBD liquids administered as sprays, drops, and tinctures. On the other hand, the least common method was the topical administration of CBD⁽²⁹⁾.

CBD and Overall Health: Effectiveness

Recent cross-examination of CBD use shows that the compound is being utilized as a specific therapy for various medical conditions⁽³⁰⁾.

Most users stated that CBD treats their medical conditions “very well” and that CBD shows beneficial effects on pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues⁽³¹⁾. 

CBD and Death Number: How Many People Have Died From Ingesting CBD Oil?

There has been no direct link between CBD oil usage and death⁽³²⁾. Vape cartridges are one of the most popular CBD products. However, the FDA has associated vaping with lung damage and death⁽³³⁾.

CBD and Monetary Cost: How Much Money Is Spent on CBD?

According to the Brightfield Group’s CBD Market Report, 44% of regular CBD users spend between $20 to $80 per month on CBD products, while 13% spend more than $160 per month⁽³⁴⁾.

CBD Law and Restrictions: CBD Legality

CBD is found in all cannabis plants, derived from either hemp or marijuana. However, CBD products are only federally legal if derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3 percent THC⁽³⁵⁾.

The Farm Bill removed hemp, which includes low-THC derivatives of cannabis, from the definition of marijuana⁽³⁶⁾.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is examining CBD as a new drug. Considering that a wide range of CBD products is available in different parts of the United States, its legal status has remained uncertain⁽³⁷⁾.

1. The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition
   https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62431
2. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
3. Does CBD help with arthritis pain?
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418
4. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
5. Healing with CBD page 56 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
6. ibid
7. The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62431
8. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
9. CBD for arthritis: What the research shows https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-for-arthritis-what-the-research-shows/120022/
10. ibid
11. ibid
12. ibid
13. ibid
14. ibid
15. ibid
16. ibid
17. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
18. CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
19. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and -cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
20. Does CBD help with arthritis pain? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418
21. ibid
22. Does CBD help with arthritis pain? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-202004101 9418
23. ibid
24. ibid
25. ibid
26. CBD Usage by Demographics
    https://www.datatrekresearch.com/cbd-usage-by-demographics/
27. ibid
28. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
29. ibid
30. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
31. ibid
32. CBD statistics 2022
    https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/cbd-statistics/#
33. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
34. CBD market report
    https://content.brightfieldgroup.com/2019-us-cbd-market
35. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
36. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
37. FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process