Because there is so little information published about treating arthritis with CBD, I am posting therapies I’ve used over the last five years. Hopefully this may give you some ideas about how Cannabis might improve your own condition, but please contact your health provider before making any dosage considerations. Our bodies metabolize medicines very differently.
In my own case, my Doctor was mostly unfamiliar with the therapy and could not make any recommendations. But he was certainly surprised when I initially showed up with conclusive results – without the use of pharmaceutical drugs.
Primary Treatment
I am currently taking in the range of 50 mg of Hemp CBD paste, or Hemp Paste Edibles a day. I choose paste because when processed using low heat, the majority of the other cannabinoids and terpenes are mostly left undamaged. (See lab results). While we aren’t yet sure how big a difference this makes, Dr. Mechoulam, the Godfather of Cannabis research, has already suggested that the Entourage Effect is real, and that ALL of the cannabinoids help each other as a team.
I have read that it takes several weeks of medicating for CBD to begin affecting Rheumatoid Arthritis. And right around the two month mark of daily dosing, I noticed a marked improvement in my symptoms.
I would note that I began by taking CBD in the 15 – 20 mg range per day, and slowly increased from there. Initially there were times when I took larger doses, but got a headache. So at least for me, it seemed like I had to let my body slowly adjust to larger dosages with small increases. Some say headaches occur as the body detoxifies.
Get plenty of Vitamin D
According to Dr. Mercola, the easiest way to get Vitamin D is directly from the sun and that a sunburn is not even necessary to receive a full dose. In my own case, the sun did not provide nearly enough Vitamin D. And while I do try to get sun in the summer months, I am taking an additional supplement of 6000 IU in order to reach normal levels.
Adding THCA
Being fortunate enough to live in a medical marijuana state, I am able to legally add THCA to my diet (I am not currently using THCA). Dr. William Courtney says that we can safely consume 60 times as much THCA as we can THC, and suggests juicing (and consuming) an entire cannabis plant per day. Note: As raw cannabis ages, it decarboxylates and can become psychoactive, so be careful when consuming higher doses of cannabis that is more than a few months old.
In addition, it is possible to take a low dose edible that contains THC in the 2 – 4 mg range. This can be below the psychoactive level for many people (but not everyone) and is still effective, dramatically reduces nausea, and lessens but not eliminates pain.
Cannabis Dosing
After reading about Dr. Courtney’s work and suggestions, I began dosing with CBD at more frequent intervals. I still maintain my planned total daily dosage, but try to break it down into more individual doses. I am now dosing about three times a day – and I definitely noticed an improvement in my symptoms after making this change. Dr. Courtney says Cannabis is metabolized in about 50 minutes, so multiple doses will keep the CBD working in your body throughout the day. I once dosed at four or five times a day, but found it was too much work to do long term.
Diet
I have dramatically cut back on, but not eliminated glutens, sugar, and wheat – though I certainly eat less bread, sweets and grains. I’ve also eliminated dairy products, tomatoes (all nightshade plants) and beans. This has brought a lot of relief. These items contain “lectins” which some researchers like Dr. Gundry, believe cause a reaction in the auto-immune system. Many Doctors will tell you dairy does not affect RA, but I have found that to be untrue. Gundry says that dairy from grass-fed beef does not contain lectins and would be safe to consume for those with auto-immune illnesses.
Breaks in Medicating
After a year and a half of taking high doses of CBD, I have found the treatment to be less effective, and that breaks are needed in treatment. So for this reason, I feel the need to take a (month or two) break from dosing on occasion.
Alternative Therapies
I recently began receiving acupuncture treatments and find this to be very effective in treating RA. It hasn’t put the symptoms into complete remission, but it has dramatically reduced them.
I’ve also begun using a laser to mange pain. While the results are limited to the one area of treatment, I have eliminated pain in specific areas in as quickly as five or ten minutes. I don’t consider the laser as overall effective as acupuncture, but location specific results can at times be better.
In addition, I have added Cats Claw to my list of medications. There are actual studies done that suggest marginal success, but after a year of use, have decided it is a very effective medication. I have also added, Boswellia (Frankincense), and believe it to be very effective in reducing inflammation.
This is my current but constantly evolving plan for managing Rheumatoid Arthritis. I hope it helps. I do want to point out that my symptoms haven’t gone into complete remission and I continue to make changes in the medication. I’ve been through every medication that Western Medicine has to offer, and ended that treatment with Rituxan.
Please consult your own health care providers before adopting a similar therapy.
Updated 1/22/22
