Nearly 1 in 4 osteoarthritis patients had tried CBD products, but they reported worse pain than non-users

24% of 200 patients presenting with hip or knee osteoarthritis had used CBD products. CBD users had significantly worse SANE scores (41.3 vs. 50.8, p=0.012) compared to non-users. Most learned about CBD from friends (60%) and purchased from dispensaries (67%). Oral tinctures (43%) and topicals (36%) were the most common forms.

Cross-sectional survey of 200 consecutive patients presenting with painful hip or knee osteoarthritis at a large academic orthopedic center. Pain and function assessed using Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. Chart review provided demographic data.

With CBD products widely marketed for joint pain, understanding their actual prevalence and perceived effectiveness among osteoarthritis patients helps set realistic expectations and guides clinical conversations.

The finding that CBD users reported worse pain does not mean CBD worsened their condition. More likely, patients with more severe pain were more motivated to try CBD. But the lack of perceived benefit challenges the marketing claims surrounding CBD for joint pain.

Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether CBD use preceded or followed worse pain. Selection bias: patients presenting for evaluation may not represent all OA patients. No information on CBD product quality, dosage, or duration of use. SANE score differences could reflect baseline severity rather than CBD effects.