The Fast Facts
- Further research is necessary to determine how cannabidiol (CBD) creams may reduce arthritis inflammation and joint pain.
- Testers for Medical News Today (MNT) report pain relief, improved sleep, and other benefits from the CBD creams they tried.
- MNT’s tester with arthritis found Soul CBD Raid Relief Cream and CBDistillery Oooh Distilled CBD Balm the most helpful.
| Price | CBD type | CBD potency | COA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul CBD | $75 | CBD isolate | 1,500 mg | available online |
| CBDistillery | $60 | full-spectrum | 500 mg | available online |
| CBDfx | $39 to $99.99 | broad-spectrum | 750 mg or 3,000 mg | available online |
| Extract Labs | $89.99 | full-spectrum | 2,000 mg | available online |
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria, where possible:
- Ingredients: Products contain safe, high quality ingredients, and their labels state all ingredients clearly. They also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: Products clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: Manufacturers need to suggest a safe serving size.
- Third-party laboratories: Products undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis (COA): The company demonstrates transparency and shares a product’s COA following receipt of its third-party laboratory results.
The Arthritis Foundation states that CBD may help reduce symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
One of CBD’s primary benefits is helping
In a
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CBD creams and other products are not a replacement for the medication people with arthritis may need to take.
At moderate doses, ingestible CBD is safe for most people and should not cause serious side effects. However, like all medications, the substance may interact with other drugs and trigger adverse effects, including some serious ones.
Common side effects
- feeling sleepy or inattentive
- having stomach problems, such as diarrhea or nausea
- experiencing mood changes, such as irritability
CBD may also interact with other sedating substances, such as alcohol and opioids. Experts have not identified all drug interactions, so it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD alongside other medications.
Similar to other drugs, CBD may cause an allergic reaction, particularly in people with tree or nut allergies.
However, researchers cannot confirm the long-term effects of using CBD.
People can always discuss using CBD products with a healthcare professional to ensure the product will not interact with any existing prescription and nonprescription medication or health conditions.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
There have not been any studies on the best strength of CBD for arthritis pain. Optimal dosages will vary due to a person’s tolerability thresholds.
People can start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it to find the strength that best suits their needs.
There is insufficient research to confirm which CBD is best for arthritis pain. Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds in the cannabis plant, so it may have more potent effects. However, people may speak with a doctor if they want to try CBD for arthritis.
Very limited reliable research confirms that topical CBD is effective for arthritis. Most research involves animal studies, which may not produce results applicable to humans.
However, some of these animal studies have found that topical CBD can reduce the inflammation and pain relating to osteoarthritis.
Studies with mice have shown that CBD may help reduce arthritis pain by limiting the inflammatory response. A study on rats with osteoarthritis also came to the same conclusion.
CBD cream may help with arthritis pain. A 2022 study found that CBD may help reduce pain, although it is more effective against osteoarthritis pain than rheumatoid or other autoimmune arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation states that current research on CBD for arthritis is promising but inconclusive. While several animal studies show potential, more studies are necessary to conclusively establish benefits.
No one CBD product is best for arthritis, but a topical product may provide targeted relief to the areas arthritis has affected. Animal studies have shown topical CBD to be effective against arthritis-related joint inflammation.
New hemp laws may restrict access to CBD
The law around cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is changing. The changes may bring an industry-wide restriction to CBD and other hemp-derived products.
This ban takes effect from December 2026. Until then, you can still legally buy full- and broad-spectrum CBD products.
»Learn more: The federal ban on hemp-derived THC.
CBD may help relieve arthritis inflammation, although further research is necessary. CBD cream is a possible option for people who wish to try a natural remedy for joint pain.
However, every case of arthritis is different. What works well for one person might not be effective for another. Individuals can consult a qualified healthcare professional to find a suitable combination of natural and medical remedies for arthritis relief.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.