Best CBD Oil For Lupus: The Most Trustworthy Brands In 2024

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that takes several forms, the most common of which is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This condition is characterized by widespread inflammation and organ damage that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues. There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatment options like CBD oils for lupus to help mitigate symptoms and prevent flare-ups and progression of the disease. 

Symptoms of lupus range from case to case but can become severe, even life-threatening. With early diagnosis and symptom management, the damaging effects of lupus can be limited but long-term complications are still possible. Proper treatment of lupus is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining function and quality of life. 

Read on to learn more about lupus including what it is, what causes it, and what lupus symptoms look like. We’ll also talk about potential therapies including alternative treatments like CBD oil for lupus.

Best CBD Oil For Lupus To Buy On The Market In 2024

Using CBD As Treatment For Lupus

The Different Types Of Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In a person who has lupus, the immune system, which normally protects the body against infection and foreign invaders, malfunctions. Instead of attacking outward threats, the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissues which can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and even organ failure. Lupus can lead to serious health complications and, in some cases, can become life-threatening.

There are five recognized types of lupus:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – The most common form of lupus, SLE is also the most serious because it involves the entire body. 
• Subacute Cutaneous Lupus – This form of lupus is limited to the skin and involves a widespread rash often worsened by sun exposure.
• Discoid Lupus – Also known as chronic cutaneous lupus, this form involves a specific scarring rash made up of circular-shaped lesions. 
• Drug-Induced Lupus – Often a temporary form of lupus, this type is caused by certain medications including drugs to treat high blood pressure or rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Neonatal Lupus – A rare form of lupus that affects infants of women with lupus.

The signs and symptoms of lupus vary from one person to another depending on the type and severity. In many cases, early symptoms include arthritis of the small joints (like the fingers and wrists) and a rash. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fevers, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, headache, dry mouth, and mood disorder. In many cases, the first clinical sign of lupus is an abnormal blood test result such as protein in the urine or an indication of kidney disease. 

Individual lupus sufferers often have their own unique pattern of symptoms and flare-ups which may change over time. The diagnosis of lupus is generally based on laboratory tests.

What Causes Lupus?

The exact cause of lupus is unknown, as is the case for many autoimmune diseases. Researchers believe, however, that it may be linked to various hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors. Others believe factors such as stress and sunlight may be involved.

Though lupus can affect anyone, the newest cases of lupus are seen in women under the age of 45. Lupus also tends to affect more people of color, particularly people of African, Asian, and Latin descent. When lupus occurs in children, it usually develops after 15 years of age.

How Is Lupus Treated?

Because lupus is a complex condition, treatment varies. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and the organs involved, more than one therapy may be required to help manage the condition. Treatment requirements may change over time as well, depending on how the disease progresses. Many people with lupus experience a normal lifespan but may have some level of disability. 

Here are some of the most common treatments for lupus:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids 
• Antimalarial drugs (like Hydroxychloroquine)
• Immunosuppressive drugs 
• Biological agents
• Intravenous immunoglobulin 

Unfortunately, some of these therapies result in adverse effects.^[2] For this reason, the search for newer, more effective treatments with fewer side effects is ongoing. 

Benefits Of CBD Oil For Lupus

Because pharmaceutical medications often come with side effects, some lupus patients seek alternative therapies to address symptoms including pain, fatigue, and inflammation. 

In fact, a 2014 review revealed that as many as 50% of lupus patients^[3] with SLE have utilized complementary and alternative treatments to manage their condition. Some of the therapies mentioned in the review include natural remedies, breathing exercises, meditation, and chiropractic treatment as well as dietary supplements. Some lupus patients may even use CBD. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major plant compounds^[4] found in Cannabis. Though the benefits of CBD are still being studied, its effects have been linked primarily to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a cell signaling system in the body that helps regulate function and maintain homeostasis. By binding to or interacting with certain receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors), CBD oil may offer pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, among other benefits. 

Though CBD oil has been tested for a wide variety of conditions, its effects are still being studied. Some studies^]5] have shown that CBD oil may help reduce chronic pain by interacting with neurotransmitters and affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity to lower inflammation and reduce the perception of pain. Other studies^[6] support the use of CBD for more serious conditions like epilepsy and even opioid addiction. 

Does CBD Work For Lupus Treatment?

Research on CBD for lupus is extremely limited, so there is no scientific evidence to support CBD oil as an effective treatment option. That being said, taking CBD may help with certain symptoms such as chronic pain and inflammation. You should not take CBD without talking to your doctor first, however, because it can interact with other medications you may be taking. 

Here are some of the ways in which CBD may help treat lupus symptoms:

Chronic Pain And Inflammation

Though lupus affects each patient differently, pain is a common symptom. According to the National Resource Center on Lupus, more than 90% of people with lupus will experience joint or muscle pain at some point over the course of their illness. In fact, more than half of those who develop lupus mention joint pain as their first symptom. When it comes to lupus pain, inflammation is certainly a contributing factor. 

In a 2018 study of CBD use^[7], pain was the most commonly cited reason for using CBD oils. Whether CBD oils are studied specifically for pain related to lupus, scientific support does exist for the use of CBD for pain and to reduce inflammation. A 2018 review^[8] published in the Journal of Pain Research shows that CBD has significant analgesic effects compared to placebo.

Anxiety And Depression

Lupus is a chronic condition and, as is true for many autoimmune diseases, it often goes through periods of remission and flare-ups. Dealing with the disease may contribute to psychological disturbances such as anxiety and depression, not to mention the effects of the disease on the nervous system itself. One study showed that depression affects as many as 25% of lupus patients^[9] and anxiety affects as many as 37%. Another study^[10] confirms that several moods and anxiety disorders are more common in women with SLE compared to the general population.

In the study of CBD use^[11]mentioned above, the second most commonly reported reason for taking CBD oil was anxiety. CBD has been shown to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin,^[12] the neurotransmitter linked to mood. As such, it has shown potential as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders. Studies using animal models have also shown CBD to exhibit antidepressant effects.^[13]

Opioid Addiction

Because pain is a chronic issue for many lupus patients, some take prescription painkillers including opioids. A 2019 study^[14] revealed that nearly one-third (31%) of lupus patients used prescription opioids compared to 8% of people without them. Of those using opioids, 68% had been taking them for longer than one year, and 22% were on two or more opioid medications.
When used as directed by a doctor opioid medications can help control pain but, due to their high risk for dependence, they are generally recommended for short-term use. Opioid addiction is a growing epidemic^[15] in the United States and it is a problem that can be difficult to treat. Some studies^[16] indicate that CBD has potential as a therapeutic intervention against opioid addiction.

CBD Dosage For Lupus

Though CBD products may help relieve joint pain, inflammation, and other lupus symptoms, it’s important to remember that CBD has not been widely tested as a lupus treatment. When it comes to CBD for lupus, the effective dosage may vary from one person to another. In fact, there is no standard dosage for cannabis, so you may need to try different doses anyway. 

If you’re just getting started you may want to start with a lower concentration and work your way up to a higher dose once you see how your body reacts. Keep an eye out for side effects^[17] like drowsiness, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, and be sure to double-check with your doctor if you’re taking other medications.

How To Choose The Right CBD Oil For Lupus

If you’re going to use CBD, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Do your research to find a trustworthy brand and verify the source of their cannabis. Keep in mind that some companies use a CBD isolate while others use the whole cannabis plant – this makes a difference when it comes to THC content. When it comes to CBD, THC can legally comprise up to 0.3% of the dry weight of the product.

In addition to shopping for a reputable brand, make sure to check the concentration of the CBD products you’re considering. Most CBD oil is sold in 30ml glass bottles, but some companies offer larger 60ml bottles. The concentration will impact the dosing recommendations – talk to your doctor if you’re not sure how much you should be taking. Verify as well that the product has been tested by an independent lab for safety, purity, and potency. 

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