CBD Arthritis Cream: Does It Work?

According to the CDC, approximately one in four adults in the United States have some form of arthritis. There are actually several different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common. Those with arthritis can experience varying levels of pain. For some, that pain can be so excruciating that it’s extremely difficult to perform basic, everyday tasks. Many people manage their symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Many are finding relief with CBD arthritis cream. The question is: do these creams work?

What is CBD Cream?

CBD cream is a type of cream infused with CBD that you apply to your skin. Some contain only CBD, while others contain various other cannabinoids. These creams may also contain additional ingredients that help to treat specific symptoms such as pain and inflammation. 

Using a CBD arthritis cream is a bit different than using any other type of cannabis product. You don’t inhale it, drop it under your tongue, or eat it. Instead, you apply it directly to your skin at the site of your discomfort. Like conventional topicals, the ingredients in the CBD cream absorb into your skin to provide you with effective pain relief. 

Can CBD Cream Alleviate Arthritis Pain?

Cannabis research is still in the early stages. Even so, studies are finding that CBD topicals can provide pain relief for those with arthritis. A 2019 report from the Arthritis Foundation found that 79% of the 2.600 patients they surveyed have considered or are already using CBD products to help alleviate discomfort. Of those surveyed, 29% said they currently use CBD products, and 55% of those using CBD use topicals.

How do these products work? Much like other creams, the cannabinoids and other ingredients absorb directly into your skin. CBD (and other cannabinoids) interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, the system responsible for regulating internal processes such as mood, digestion, sleep, and pain. The cannabinoids help to restore balance to your endocannabinoid system, which can help to at least temporarily reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. So, while CBD creams can’t cure arthritis, they can help to make your symptoms more manageable, allowing you to function more normally throughout the day. 

Are There Other Benefits to CBD Cream?

One of the biggest benefits of a CBD cream is that it can help to provide effective relief from your arthritis symptoms. With less pain, you can function normally throughout the day. Less pain can also make it easier for you to relax at the end of the day and fall asleep at night.

Another significant benefit of CBD creams is that you don’t have to worry about getting high. Even if the cream has THC in it, the cannabinoids can’t penetrate your skin deep enough to get into your bloodstream. As such, there’s no risk of experiencing mind-altering effects. You can apply the cream as often as you need without experiencing the high many people associate with cannabis products.

A final benefit to consider when deciding on a CBD product for arthritis pain is that using it in cream form means you don’t have to smoke or vape anything. You also don’t need to worry about consuming an edible. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional arthritis treatments, a CBD arthritis cream may provide some relief. In addition to CBD, these creams contain various ingredients that can help to alleviate your discomfort, making it more bearable and easier to perform normal, daily tasks.