CBD & The Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Many people with chronic psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are interested in alternative treatments. They may be looking for new ways to treat their arthritis pain and other symptoms.

Can I treat my psoriatic arthritis with CBD?

Traditional treatments may not relieve all PsA symptoms. Some people find that traditional treatments may cause unwanted side effects. They may not be able to tolerate these effects.

There are many alternative treatments to treat PsA. Currently, one of the most popular therapies is CBD. Many people who take CBD make claims about how well it works. Is CBD right for you and your PsA symptoms?

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a chemical that comes from the hemp plant. Hemp is a plant that is related to marijuana. Hemp produces minimal amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that creates a “high” feeling. Marijuana creates a lot of THC.^1-4

CBD and THC are chemicals called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS system. Cannabinoids may also reduce inflammation in your body. CBD may reduce psoriasis by slowing the growth of some skin cells. It may also reduce arthritis inflammation.^1-4

Can I use CBD?

There is still a lot we do not know about how CBD works. Some doctors are studying CBD to find out how it works in treating arthritis. They are trying to find out if it is effective and safe when treating arthritis. Doctors also want to find out if there are symptoms that CBD does not treat.

CBD seems to be safe for most people to use. You should talk to your doctor before you start using CBD. CBD can interact with some medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about interactions if you take steroids, biological agents, or mental health medicines.^1-4

CBD should not be taken in the place of your other medicines without talking to your doctor.

Is CBD legal?

CBD is legal in most states. You should check with your state and local laws to find out if CBD is legal to use where you live. It is important to recognize that high-quality CBD can be expensive. You should research where your CBD comes from.^1-4

Try to find organic CBD that is grown in the United States. It should be certified by an independent laboratory that will verify the strength and quality of the CBD. There are resources available for people who want to find good-quality CBD.^1-4

How do I pick the right CBD for me?

CBD comes in many forms. There are no guidelines for dosing oral CBD. It is always better to start with a lower dose and work your way up. You do not know how CBD will affect you.^1-4

• Oils or tinctures – These are often used under the tongue or in foods or drinks. You will start to see the effects of these in 15 to 30 minutes of taking them.
• Edible form – These are usually candy, sodas, or chocolates. You will start to see the effects of these within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consuming them.
• Topical form – These are usually in creams or lotions that are rubbed directly on the skin. You will start to see the effects in about 10 minutes of applying them.

Smaller doses usually have fewer side-effects. If you notice any unwanted effects or reactions, you should stop taking CBD immediately.^1-4

The impact of CBD on PsA

No one really knows how effective CBD is for PsA. It may be a good supplement to your healthcare regimen. Make sure you talk to your doctor before you take CBD.

While it seems to be helpful for many people, it does have the potential to cause harmful interactions. You and your healthcare team can work together to make sure CBD is right for your PsA symptom management treatment plan.