Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the country according to the Arthritis Foundation. Millions are suffering from arthritis-related symptoms such as pain, insomnia, and anxiety every day. Until recently, many were dependent on opioids and other strong drugs for relief. However, it has become clear that these drugs can have destructive health effects with long -term use because of the ongoing opioid crisis. Many of those living with arthritis are now looking for alternative methods to control their symptoms because of this. Unsurprisingly, CBD is becoming a popular choice.
In response to this, The Arthritis Foundation put out the following statement: “We are intrigued by the potential of CBD to help people find pain relief and are on record urging the FDA to expedite the study and regulation of these products. While currently there is limited scientific evidence about CBD’s ability to help ease arthritis symptoms, and no universal quality standards or regulations exist, we have listened to our constituents and consulted with leading experts to develop these general recommendations for adults who are interested in trying CBD.”
Key Takeaways
- CBD may help with arthritis-related symptoms, such as pain, insomnia and anxiety.
- While no major safety issues have been found with CBD when taken in moderate doses, potential drug interactions have been identified.
- CBD should never be used to replace disease-modifying drugs that help prevent permanent joint damage in inflammatory types of arthritis.
- CBD use should be discussed with your doctor in advance, with follow-up evaluations every three months or so, as would be done for any new treatment.
- There are no established clinical guidelines to inform usage. Experts recommend starting with a low dose, and if relief is inadequate, increase in small increments weekly.
- Buy from a reputable company that has each batch tested for purity, potency and safety by an independent laboratory and provides a certificate of analysis.
What to look for when shopping?
There is good reason to be a cautious shopper. CBD products are largely unregulated in the U.S. market and that presents challenges for buyers. Sadly, independent testing has shown rampant mislabeling and lack of quality control. The biggest issues are misrepresenting CBD content (significantly more or less than the label says), the presence of undeclared THC, and contamination with pesticides, metals, or solvents. It can be tough to tell what you can trust, so we’ve listed some suggestions from the Arthritis Foundation below.
- Look for products manufactured in the U.S. with ingredients grown domestically.
- Choose products made by companies that follow good manufacturing practices established by the FDA for pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements.
- Always buy from companies that test each batch and provide a certificate of analysis from an independent lab.
- Avoid companies that claim their products have disease benefits.
- Be aware that marketers and people behind retail counters are not health professionals
Clearly, there is immense potential for CBD to help with arthritis related issues, but all products are not created equally. Here at Texativa we take extreme pride in providing you with the highest quality CBD products available. All of our products are tested and the certificates of analysis are always readily available to you through QR codes right on the product. The health and well-being of your mind and body are our highest priority.
For more information on the Arthritis Foundation click here.