Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The scientific evidence supporting CBD use in RA is currently limited but growing. Preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which may contribute to reduced joint inflammation and pain. For instance, studies published in journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and European Journal of Pain have shown that CBD can reduce inflammation and pain-related behaviors in animal models of arthritis.

However, high-quality human clinical trials are scarce. A small number of preliminary human studies and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may help alleviate pain and improve sleep in people with RA, but robust data on disease activity or joint damage are lacking. A 2022 review in Cureus concluded that, while promising, current clinical evidence is insufficient to recommend CBD as a standard treatment for RA. Major rheumatology organizations do not currently endorse CBD for RA, citing the need for larger, well-controlled trials.

In summary, there is mechanistic and preclinical scientific evidence supporting CBD’s potential benefits for RA, but clinical evidence remains limited and does not yet justify routine use.