CBD for Joint Health: How It Supports Mobility and Comfort

Stiff, painful joints were once considered an inevitable, age-related consequence of repetitive use, illness, or previous injury. Decades of research, however, have dispelled that rather outdated notion. Today, you'll find numerous resources suggesting multiple ways to support joint health that help minimize your risk of being sidelined by pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion – regardless of the underlying cause. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do to protect your joints.¹ Experts also recommend regular exercise, limiting foods known to cause systemic inflammation, and prioritizing post-workout recovery.^2,3 Whether you're looking for a natural way to ease post-activity discomfort or avoid future limitations, consider trying CBD. Once you know how it works, it's easy to see why adults of all ages are using hemp-derived CBD products to support joint mobility and comfort.   

Topic Overview: Exploring CBD's Many Possible Benefits for Joint Mobility and Comfort  

Activity-induced discomfort, pain unrelated to injury, is typically caused by microscopic damage to muscle fibers. Although that damage is essential for muscle growth, consistently pushing through the discomfort before the inflammation subsides increases your risk of recurring injury.³

CBD (cannabidiol) – the dominant cannabinoid in high-quality hemp flower extract – interacts with more than 65 molecular targets in the human body.⁴ Most cannabis researchers, however, believe CBD's influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors CB1 and CB2 helps promote internal balance (homeostasis) by inhibiting the breakdown of the ECS messengers produced in your body, anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).^5,6 Anandamide, often called "the bliss molecule," is linked to pain perception. 2-AG plays a significant role in immune system function – including the processes involved in localized and systemic inflammation.^7,8 

Practical Advice: How to Ensure You're Buying High-Quality CBD to Support Your Recovery  

CBD oil tinctures, topicals, and gummies are everywhere. But you may not want to buy the first reasonably priced product you find in your local pharmacy, specialty shop, or neighborhood convenience store. The quality of the ingredients used to make hemp-derived CBD products can vary significantly from one brand to the next. So can product potency. 

The best CBD products to support joint mobility and comfort are made with non-GMO hemp flower extract obtained through clean, food-safe extraction methods by brands committed to confirming product purity and potency through third-party testing. The best way to ensure you're using products screened for heavy metals, solvent residue, pesticides, mold, and bacteria is to stick with brands that provide a certificate of analysis (COA). If you can't find a COA, look for a different brand. Although 75% of CBD products are labeled as third-party tested, only 13% of CBD brands batch-test at least 90% of their products.⁹ That's a huge discrepancy. 

Narrowing Your Options: How the Three Main Types of Hemp Extract Compare  

CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in hemp flower extract. It's also produced in much lesser amounts in marijuana plants. But don't let that association sway your decision just yet. CBD is not the cannabinoid that produces the type of intoxication cannabis is known for. That distinction belongs to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Although unaltered hemp extract does have a small amount of THC, the 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio in unaltered full spectrum CBD products ensures there's little risk of intoxication. Product manufacturers also have ways to accommodate consumers who have personal or professional reasons to avoid THC. That statement makes a lot more sense once you understand how the three main types of hemp extract compare. 

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract   

CBD products made with full spectrum hemp flower extract give you hemp's many minor cannabinoids, plus the full array of terpenes, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals produced in hemp flower trichomes. CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and gummies made with full spectrum extracts have less than 0.3% THC and are considered the most potent of the three main extract types because of the way the minor cannabinoids and terpenes work together to amplify the impact of each active component – a property cannabis researchers call an "entourage" effect.¹⁰  

Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract   

THC-adverse consumers often prefer products made with broad spectrum hemp extract. High-quality broad spectrum CBD tinctures, softgels, and gummies deliverthe same additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and potentially beneficial flavonoids as full spectrum products, but a process called chromatography reduces their THC content to non-detectable levels– 0.01% or less. Although products made with broad spectrum hemp flower extract have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed to initiate an entourage effect, some CBD users feel that removing THC diminishes its impact.¹¹  

CBD Isolate Powder 

CBD isolate powder is the purest, most potent form of cannabidiol you'll find. A process called "winterization" removes the minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other unwanted plant components from full spectrum hemp extract.¹² All that remains after winterization is a flavorless, odorless powder with 0% THC. CBD oil tinctures and topicals made with refined CBD isolate don't have the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for an entourage effect. But don't worry if that's the type you prefer. Researchers often use the "pure form" of CBD to ensure their test results aren't influenced by hemp's other active components. 

Understanding Your Options: How to Use Hemp-Derived CBD Products to Support Joint Health  

Most scientific evidence suggesting CBD could have a positive influence on mobility, flexibility, and comfort is based on lab results, animal studies, and a small (but increasing) number of clinical trials. Although many questions remain unanswered, the initial results of preliminary investigations are promising. 

In animal studies, for example, the cannabinoid was shown to reduce inflammation and signs of physical discomfort. In a 2020 review, investigators highlighted several biochemical and physiological effects in humans suggesting a favorable impact on athletic recovery and factors relevant to repetitive motion.¹⁴ 

According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users also claim positive results for pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity – an impressive 88%. Most report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of using the following product types. 

CBD Oil Tinctures  

CBD oil tinctures are made with a blend of full spectrum hemp extract, broad spectrum hemp extract, or CBD isolate powder and a carrier oil. The oil helps improve cannabinoid absorption. Although many people like adding tinctures to foods and beverages, people using CBD for joint mobility and comfort often prefer the simple effects achieved by holding a serving under their tongues for 45-60 seconds before swallowing the oil. The dropper-topped bottle makes it easy to adjust individual serving sizes.   

CBD Topicals  

The cannabinoids in hemp-derived CBD topicals – creams, lotions, and balms intended for external use – do not absorb into your bloodstream. Topicals can, however, begin to ease stiffness and discomfort after physical activity in as little as 10-20 minutes, and their effects can last up to six hours or more. Since their effects provide targeted relief, topicals can be used on their own or to complement the effects of CBD oil tinctures, softgels, and gummies. For best results, topicals should be applied liberally to clean, dry skin. 

CBD Softgels and Gummies   

CBD softgels and gummies give you a precise, premeasured amount of CBD in every serving in a form that's great for home use or travel. The mixing and measuring are done for you. It's important to note, however, that it could take up to an hour (or more) for their effects to kick in depending on how long it takes the cannabinoid to process through your digestive system. Once you know how long it takes your system to respond, it's easy to adjust their timing to accommodate your needs. 

Discover What CBD Could Do to Support Your Joint Mobility and Comfort  

Joint pain and stiffness can take the joy out of your favorite activities and compromise your mobility. Although multiple studies suggest CBD could have a positive impact on inflammation, range of motion, and comfort, the cannabinoid is not right for everyone. Hemp-derived CBD products are not advisable for people with certain medical conditions and can interact with several over-the-counter and prescription medications. If you have questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider. 

If you're leaning toward trying CBD to support joint health but aren't quite sure where to start, visit CBDistillery® to schedule a personal consultation. While you're there, consider taking a few minutes to browse our selection of full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products. CBDistillery® products are made with 100% clean ingredients, quality-assured, and backed by our 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Plus, every CBDistillery® label has a QR code linked to a certificate of analysis. 

References 

1. Dunkin A. (2023) 10 Tips for Healthy Knees and Strong Joints as You Age. Arthritis Foundation. 

2. Anti Inflammatory Diet. (N.D.) Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

3. What Is Post-Workout Inflammation? Plus, 8 Expert-Approved Ways to Recover Faster. (2018) Amino Science. 

4. Elsaid S, Foll B. (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

5. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

6. Ren S, Zhang Y, et al. (2020) Potential Application of Endocannabinoid System Agents in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases—Focusing on FAAH/MAGL Inhibitors. 41(10) Acta Pharmacol Sin 1263-71. doi: 10.1038/s41401-020-0385-7. PMID: 32203086; PMCID: PMC7608191 

7. Fine P, Rosenfeld M. (2013) The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain. 4(4) Rambam Maimonides Med J. Doi: 10.5041/RMMJ.10129. PMID: 24228165; PMCID: PMC3820295 

8. Chen C. (2023) Inhibiting Degradation of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol as a Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. 244 Pharmacol Ther. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016372582300058X 

9. Harrington A. (2021) 25% of CBD Products Are Not Tested for Purity. Forbes. 

10. Nahler, G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

11. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers. 

12. Chang C, Zhongoli P. (2021) Cannabidiol and Terpenes from Hemp – Ingredients for Future Foods and Processing Technologies. 1(2) J of Future Foods 113-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2022.01.001 

13. Philpot H, O'Brien M, et al. (2017) Attenuation of Early Phase Inflammation by Cannabidiol Prevents Pain and Nerve Damage in Rat Osteoarthritis. 58(12) Pain 2442-251. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052. PMID: 28885454; PMCID: PMC5690292 

14. Rojas-Valverde. (2021) Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery. 12 Front Physio 722550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550