How Does CBD Oil Work for Psoriatic Arthritis?

CBD (cannabidiol) has exploded in popularity in recent years, in large part because it has shown promise in reducing pain, alleviating anxiety, and reducing symptoms of certain health conditions.

One such condition that may benefit from CBD oil is psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic (long-term) disease affecting the joints. While there is no cure for the condition, some people are turning to CBD to manage the symptoms of the disease. 

Here are a few things to know if you want to try using CBD to treat the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

What Is CBD Oil? 

Cannabis plants contain chemicals called cannabinoids. The two major cannabinoids are:  

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which makes a person feel “high” 
• Cannabidiol (CBD), which has no psychoactive effects but can provide a number of therapeutic benefits 

Both CBD and THC act on a communication system in the body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex biological system that affects appetite, fertility, sleep, mood, and memory. The ECS is active in the body even if you do not use cannabis.

CBD binds to and activates receptors in the brain that create a therapeutic effect in the body, which allows users to get relief from symptoms without feeling impaired. 

Types of Arthritis 

Arthritis is a term to describe conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Though there are over 100 types of arthritis, they all cause inflammation and swelling in one or more joints.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that causes an overactive immune system to attack normal cells and tissues in the joints. PsA affects some people who have psoriasis—a skin condition that causes the formation of itchy red patches topped with silvery scales.

PsA typically is diagnosed after psoriasis. PsA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues. An estimated 2.25 million Americans have psoriatic arthritis.

PsA most commonly affects joints in the arms and legs, including the elbows, wrists, hands, and feet. It can also impact the spine, hips, and shoulders, though this is less common.

There are several types of psoriatic arthritis, which are categorized by the joints they affect.

The five types of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Distal interphalangeal predominant, which affects the end joints of the fingers and toes and can cause nail changes (such as pitting, spotting, and separation from the nail bed)
• Asymmetric oligoarticular, which affects fewer than five joints in the body and typically occurs on one side of the body
• Symmetric polyarthritis, the most common type of PsA, affecting five or more joints on both sides of the body 
• Spondylitis, which involves inflammation of the spinal column and can cause neck pain, stiffness in the lower back, and limited mobility
• Arthritis mutilans, a severe type of PsA that can wear down, destroy, and deform joints in the fingers, hands, wrists, and feet 

CBD for Psoriasis Symptoms

Approximately one in four people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Some will develop symptoms of PsA slowly over time, and others will experience the onset of severe symptoms quickly.

Some common symptoms of PsA include:

• Swollen fingers and toes
• Stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling, and tenderness in affected joints
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling in tendons (flexible fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone)
• Nail changes (like pitting and separation from nail bed) 
• Redness and pain in one or both eyes 
• Fatigue
• Limited range of motion
• Morning stiffness 
• Anxiety and depression

Mental Health

CBD cannot cure conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but research has shown that it might help some people cope with their symptoms by decreasing pain sensation, inflammation, and the anxiety that a person might experience related to the condition.

A review of 49 studies found that CBD may help with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. A 2019 study found that 80% of participants had reduced anxiety after a month of taking CBD.

What Triggers Flares?

Psoriasis can be triggered by certain factors in a person's environment or even conditions within their own body, such as illness, foods, and medications.

Some common psoriasis triggers include:

• Allergies (such as those to certain foods, alcohol, or environmental conditions) 
• Illness
• Medication interactions
• Stress
• Skin trauma/injury
• Smoking
• Weather (dry and cold weather, in particular)

Are There Any Side Effects? 

CBD is generally well-tolerated but can cause some side effects, particularly when taken in large amounts.

Possible side effects of CBD include:

• Diarrhea 
• Drowsiness 
• Dry mouth 
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite 

Best CBD for Managing Psoriasis Pain 

There is limited research into CBD’s effectiveness at treating psoriasis, but its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are well documented. Anecdotally, some people have found that CBD helps them manage their psoriasis symptoms.

Types of CDB

There are three basic types of CBD: 

• Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural components found in cannabis plants (and hemp plants), including terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids as well as cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC. When these plant compounds interact with the body, they help a user obtain the desired therapeutic benefits. 
• Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD but with all traces of THC removed. Users will not experience any mind-altering effects. 
• CBD isolates are produced by using a detailed extraction and purification process of the cannabis/hemp plant. All other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are removed to create a 99% pure CBD.

Products and Delivery Methods

There are many different ways to use CBD, which means that you can tailor it to your preferences and needs. Examples of CBD products that are available include:

• Topicals (lotions, rubs, and creams)
• Tinctures (alcohol-based extracts)
• Edibles (like gummies) 
• Capsules and pills 
• Vaping products (oil) 
• Suppositories

How Much to Use

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved CBD for treating epilepsy. As a result, there is no standard dosage of CBD for treating psoriasis. 

Follow the recommended usage guidelines on the products that you are using. You may want to slowly increase the amount that you use until you feel that you’ve reached the right dosage for symptom relief.

How to Buy CBD

Although CBD is generally safe, the industry is poorly regulated. When you are looking for a product that meets your needs, there are a few key factors to consider.

CBD from reputable companies should have information about the product on the label, including: 

• Amount of CBD per serving
• Suggested use and dosage
• Whether it is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate 
• List of ingredients 
• Manufacturer and distributor name 

In addition to checking the labels, make sure that you:

• Avoid products that make sweeping, definitive health claims (like promises to ‘"cure").
• Look for companies that provide third-party testing results of their products. 
• Check customer reviews for products since testimonials from users can tell you a lot about a product. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take to feel the effects of CBD for PsA? 

The type of CBD that you use will determine how long it will take to feel the effects. It generally takes 15 minutes to feel the effects after vaping or using sublingual tinctures (those placed under the tongue). Ingesting CBD oil or gummies will take longer (up to two hours). Topicals may take up to an hour for effects to be felt, and they peak around 90 minutes after application. 

How much CBD oil should I use for psoriatic arthritis pain? 

The FDA has not released an official dosage guide for specific conditions, but many people with psoriatic arthritis report taking around 20–40 milligrams per day. Some people take higher doses during a flare-up. 

Is full-spectrum CBD better for psoriasis than isolates? 

Research suggests that full-spectrum CBD has more obvious health benefits than isolates. Isolates are generally better for people who have negative reactions to other cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD.

A Word From Verywell

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are painful, chronic conditions that can cause stress and anxiety. CBD is an alternative treatment that may help reduce pain and inflammation and relieve anxiety related to PsA. 

Talk to your doctor before trying CBD. A physician might be able to recommend specific products and dosages that can help manage your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.