CBD shows promise for arthritis pain, but more research is needed

This review critically evaluates the therapeutic role of cannabis and its derivatives in managing osteoarthritic pain, with a focus on clinical evidence and efficacy of various pharmacological dose and forms. A literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and COCHRANE databases with the key terms "cannabis", "cannabidiol", "CBD", "osteoarthritis" and "human". Inclusion criteria were limited to studies published in English with full-text access from year 2020 onwards; animal-based laboratory research, narrative surveys, and questionnaire-based studies were excluded. Out of 517 search results, 19 were included in this review. Initial clinical studies using different CBD formulations and dosages suggest potential benefits for relieving OA symptoms, with topical CBD showing the most encouraging results and an acceptable safety profile. Nonetheless, the overall strength of the evidence is constrained by considerable variability in CBD dosing and product types, as well as the absence of robust comparisons with standard analgesic treatments, making it challenging to determine the true therapeutic value of CBMPs for OA symptom management. Although cannabinoids provide a strong biological basis as a potentially useful adjunct for managing osteoarthritis-related pain, the current body of evidence does not yet justify their routine clinical use. Challenges such as variability in product quality, absence of consistent prescribing guidelines and regulatory barriers further hinder their integration into practice. Robust, well-designed clinical trials with standardised dosing and formulation protocols are needed to determine the most effective and safe therapeutic approach.