Arthritis Foundation of America releases recommendations on CBD use for joint pain

The American Arthritis Foundation, which represents 50 million adults suffering from some form of arthritis, has just publish its recommendations for people wishing to try CBD, a first for such a patient advocacy group.

These recommendations aim to clarify the use of CBD. The group does not recommend its use, but notes that people with arthritis show «significant interest in CBD» for pain relief.

«It was important to recognize public interest and release guidance on the state of the science,» said Kevin Boehnke, a researcher in anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. «Our recommendations don't say, »You should try this.» They say, «If you want to try this, here's how you should do it.»".

CBD products have become widely available in the United States after the passage of the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level, and therefore the extraction and use of CBD.

The Arthritis Foundation interrogated more than 2,600 patients, and found that 791 of them are taking CBD, have taken it, or are considering taking it for their joint pain. She notes, however, that there is anecdotal scientific evidence of the effectiveness of CBD on pain, and encourages further scientific research.

While these studies are being conducted, she suggests that patients:

• Start with low doses and gradually increase while monitoring symptoms. The same applies to adding THC in states where it is legal.
• to set up a medical protocol with their doctor
• to obtain them from well-known and recognized brands that provide certificates of analysis for their products
• to avoid vaping CBD, particularly for individuals suffering from inflammatory arthritis
• to inquire about CBD interactions with other medications

The Foundation does not recommend any particular product.