Health The highs and lows of CBD oil Despite its close relationship to cannabinoid chemicals that produce a hallucinogenic effect, cannabidiol is a legal product in the UK that has started to generate interest as a potential painkiller A s an organisation, weve been receiving a growing number of enquiries about using cannabidiol (CBD) products for pain. There has also been increasing media coverage of patients taking CBD products for conditions such as sciatica, and its become a popular topic on our Online Community and social media pages. People often ask whether these products can help with arthritis pain, and whether they are safe and legal to use. We know that finding information can be challenging, so here we answer some of your frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions. What is CBD oil? CBD is one of a group of chemicals called cannabinoids, which are found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD products are usually made from the hemp plant and contain only trace levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid that gives cannabis products their hallucinogenic effect. However, CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. Whats the legal position? Because CBD products contain only trace levels of THC, these products are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Since January 2017, CBD products have been recognised by the MHRA the body that regulates medicines in the UK as amedicine. This means people who sell CBD productsneed to have a licence. However, many manufacturers have avoided regulation by marketingtheir products solely as food supplements, which are not subject to the same If you would like more regulations as licensed medicines. information, please call Should people with arthritis try CBDproducts? Its important to remember that, although legal, CBD is not licensed as a medicine for use in arthritis by the MHRA. It is also not approved by NICE or the Scottish Medicines Consortium for the treatment of arthritis. This means it is not regulated in the same way as many other pain medications. We would not recommend using CBDproducts until further research has been carried out that clearly shows their benefit and safety for people with arthritis, and until a licensed product is available. the arthritis helpline on 0800 5200 520. Lines are open from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Whats the evidence? There has been research into the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of CBD for people living with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis. In 2006, a trial of a drug called Sativex, containing CBD and THC, was used on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and showed promising results. However, there have not been any newer trials. Before CBD medicines can be made available on prescription, more research is needed to show their benefit and safety. My doctor wont prescribe me CBD what are my rights? CBD products are not approved by NICE or the Scottish Medicines Consortium, so they are not recommended in the UK as a prescription for arthritis and related conditions. This means your doctor can refuse to prescribe them. Arthritis can cause levels of pain that cannot be controlled by current licensed painkillers. But we urge those living with arthritis, who feel their pain is not being managed effectively, to ask their GP for access to specialist pain-management services.