CBD for Arthritis Pain: A Controlled Trial Shows No Benefit
What Researchers Found About Arthritis and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Pain, 2022
Researchers
Aalborg University Hospital (Denmark)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
129 patients · 12 weeks
Key Finding
In this rigorous 12-week trial, CBD (20-30mg daily) showed NO benefit over placebo for hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis pain. Pain intensity, sleep, anxiety, depression, and function were all the same as placebo.
Key Finding: In this rigorous 12-week trial, CBD (20-30mg daily) showed NO benefit over placebo for hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis pain. Pain intensity, sleep, anxiety, depression, and function were all the same as placebo.
What Researchers Studied About Arthritis and Cannabis
CBD products are heavily marketed for arthritis pain, but does the science support the claims? This 2022 trial from the journal Pain directly tested CBD in patients with hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
The International Association for the Study of Pain had specifically called for trials examining CBD for pain management—this study answered that call.
The results challenge the assumptions many people have about CBD for joint pain.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a rigorous randomized controlled trial:
• 136 patients randomized (129 in final analysis) • Hand osteoarthritis OR psoriatic arthritis with moderate pain • Already on therapy but still experiencing pain • CBD 20-30mg daily OR placebo for 12 weeks • Measured pain intensity, sleep, anxiety, depression, function • Double-blind, placebo-controlled design
Arthritis Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1CBD showed NO significant difference from placebo for pain intensity
- 2Pain difference: only 0.23mm on 100mm scale (essentially identical)
- 322% of CBD group had meaningful pain relief vs 21% of placebo (no difference)
- 4NO effect on sleep quality
- 5NO effect on anxiety or depression
- 6NO effect on pain catastrophizing or disability
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0.23mm | difference between CBD and placebo (on 100mm scale) |
| 22% vs 21% | meaningful pain relief (CBD vs placebo - no difference) |
| 129 | patients in the final analysis |
| 12 weeks | treatment duration |
difference between CBD and placebo (on 100mm scale)
meaningful pain relief (CBD vs placebo - no difference)
patients in the final analysis
treatment duration
What This Means for Arthritis Patients
This trial delivers disappointing news for arthritis sufferers considering CBD:
CBD did not work better than placebo for: • Pain intensity • Sleep quality • Anxiety • Depression • Physical function
The response rate was the same: 22% of CBD patients had meaningful relief—but so did 21% of placebo patients. The CBD provided no additional benefit.
Why this matters: Many people spend significant money on CBD products for arthritis pain. This controlled trial found no evidence to support that spending—at least for the doses tested (20-30mg daily).
Important caveats: • This was synthetic CBD, not full-spectrum cannabis • Doses were relatively low (20-30mg/day) • Different formulations or higher doses might differ • Individual responses may vary
Practical takeaway: Based on this evidence, don't expect CBD to provide meaningful relief for arthritis pain. If you've been using it without improvement, this data suggests it's likely the placebo effect.
Quick Answers: Arthritis and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does CBD oil help arthritis?
No—a rigorous 12-week trial found CBD 20-30mg daily was no better than sugar pills for arthritis pain. Pain difference was only 0.23mm on a 100mm scale, meaning essentially zero benefit (Vela et al., Pain, 2022).
Source: Vela et al., Pain, 2022 (PMID: 34510141)
Is CBD good for joint pain?
No evidence supports this. A 12-week trial found CBD no better than placebo for arthritis pain, sleep, anxiety, or function. 22% improved on CBD vs 21% on placebo—the same response rate.
Source: Vela et al., Pain, 2022 (PMID: 34510141)
Is CBD for arthritis a scam?
Likely placebo effect. A 2022 controlled trial found CBD and placebo produced identical results for arthritis, with 22% vs 21% getting meaningful relief. If you're not improving, it's likely not working.
Source: Vela et al., Pain, 2022 (PMID: 34510141)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Synthetic CBD—may differ from botanical products
- Relatively low doses (20-30mg/day)
- Specific joint conditions (hand OA and psoriatic arthritis)
- May not apply to full-spectrum cannabis products
- Individual responses could still vary
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Arthritis
This rigorous 12-week trial found that CBD provides NO benefit over placebo for arthritis pain. Pain intensity, sleep, anxiety, depression, and function were all identical between CBD and placebo groups. Only 22% of CBD users achieved meaningful pain relief—the same as the 21% who improved on placebo. For people spending money on CBD products hoping for arthritis relief, this evidence suggests they're likely experiencing a placebo effect, not a drug effect.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Arthritis, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
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Source
Vela J, Dreyer L, Petersen KK, et al. "Cannabidiol treatment in hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial" Pain. 2022. DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002466
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Arthritis
Does CBD help arthritis pain?
No, according to this controlled trial. CBD 20-30mg daily was no better than placebo for hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis pain over 12 weeks. Pain relief rates were 22% (CBD) vs 21% (placebo).
Why doesn't CBD work for arthritis?
No measurable benefit in this trial. CBD at 20-30mg daily provided no benefit over placebo for arthritis pain, sleep, anxiety, or function. The dose may have been too low, or CBD may not be effective for this condition.
Should I use CBD for joint pain?
Evidence doesn't support CBD for arthritis. If you're currently using CBD for arthritis without clear improvement, you're likely experiencing placebo effect. Consider discussing evidence-based treatments with your doctor.