Over the last few years there has been a lot of buzz about cannabidiol, also known as CBD. CBD can be derived from hemp or cannabis, which are both members of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. While both hemp-derived CBD oil and cannabis-derived CBD oil offer certain health benefits, not everyone will respond the same to each of these. Although cannabis-derived CBD oil seems to be a much richer source of phytochemicals and cannabinoids, including a compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this doesn’t mean that hemp-derived CBD oil can’t benefit people with different types of health conditions…including thyroid and autoimmune disorders.
As for how CBD oil can help with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can decrease proinflammatory cytokines, while increasing T-regulatory cells (Tregs) (1). As I have discussed in past articles and blog posts, proinflammatory cytokines promote inflammation, while Tregs suppress autoimmunity. One of the main proinflammatory cytokines associated with autoimmunity is interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is produced by Th17 cells. And there is evidence that CBD oil can reduce levels of IL-17 (2) (3).
Of course just as is the case with other natural anti-inflammatory agents, CBD oil doesn’t do anything to address the underlying cause of the condition. So while CBD oil might be able to help to reduce symptoms by decreasing inflammation, you still want to find and detect the triggers and correct underlying imbalances. In other words, if you have Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s, taking CBD oil alone probably isn’t the solution, as you need to remove your autoimmune triggers, correct other underlying imbalances, heal the gut, etc. That being said, it’s important to add that at times removing the triggers won’t break the inflammatory cycle, and CBD oil might be helpful in this case as well.
Have You Tried CBD Oil?
The purpose of this blog post isn’t to get into detail about the benefits of CBD oil, but instead is to learn about the experiences those with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have had when taking this. If you have taken CBD oil to improve your thyroid health (or for any other purpose) please share your experience in the comments section below. Did you take hemp-derived or cannabis-derived CBD oil? If you took it for your Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease condition I’d be especially interested to see if it benefited you, how long it took before you noticed positive changes, and anything else you’d be willing to share to help others who might be interested in using CBD oil.
I used CBD oil topically for joint pain in my hands and orally to help me sleep. It works. But then I was diagnosed with slightly elevated eye pressure, and searched for scientific studies and found one that showed CBD increases eye pressure, so I stopped using it. Interestingly, one of the main uses for medical marijuana is for glaucoma, but it’s the THC that reduces eye pressure.
Thanks for posting your comment Christine. That’s interesting about CBD possibly increasing eye pressure. I’ll have to do more research on this, but you might be referring to the following study which shows that THC lowers intraocular pressure, while CBD seems to prevent THC from lowering intraocular pressure:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30550613
I used cbd hemp-based oil on a leg for pain. I apparently used too much, as my heart began racing, and it took nearly 12 hours for it to return to normal. I have only had this happen two other times ~ once when using too much magnesium, and once when applying helichrysum oil. I guess I am just extra sensitive.
I’m sorry that the hemp-based CBD oil caused the heart racing, as I guess this serves as a warning not to overdo it with CBD oil, which of course applies to many other natural agents as well. Thanks for sharing Laura.
I used CBD oil topically for my swollen thyroid and also orally. I helped me a lot. I have Graves.
Thanks for sharing your experience with CBD oil Toi! I’m glad it helped with your swollen thyroid.
Hi Dr Eric, I have been taking CBD oil (<.1 mg THC) for colitis for one yr. I believe it plays a significant role in my healing, better than prednisone, and without side effects. I never thought that I would take anything with THC in it for fear of getting high. Well for 7 months, I have added .35 mg (that's like 3 drops of CBD, THC) blend at night before bed, and it has been the one thing that has freed me from insomnia of 40 yrs. I also dont wake up groggy and have managed getting into all stages of sleep. I have not experienced any high, not even close. I've been working on sleep hygiene and light management as well for many years, that part had not changed, the thing that did change was adding those few drops of THC. Getting to my thyroid, numbers were up and down, but with more regular sleep, thyroid is more stable. Also just read an article on Green Flower how CO can help with liver disease. Mind you the study was done on mice but their liver dysfunction improved quite significantly. I too have liver dysfunction and it creates problems for me. I exercise health and lifestyle practices daily , but have had numerous past injuries/insults. I am hoping that while I'm taking the CO, it will help my liver heal and maybe even improve the function of other glands and organs. Many folks with thyroid issues do have liver dysfunction issues as well, so this is encouraging news. If they are looking here at the liver specifically, maybe they need to do some studies on CO and thyroid specifically, that would be great, after-all the endocannabinoid system is everywhere in our body, densely in our gut, brain and then organs. Have a smooth day:)
Dolores, thank you so much for sharing your experience with CBD oil! A lot of people are afraid of taking THC, but very small amounts usually don’t cause any psychoactive side effects. I also realize some people aren’t concerned about the psychoactive effects, as depending on where they live they might not be able to legally get CBD with THC. Either way it’s encouraging that a small amount of THC greatly helped with the insomnia. And thank you for also letting me know about the study that showed it might help with liver disease.
I just start to try : have a nodule with hyperthyroid but don’t know the dosage exactly.
In the shop they told me only one drop .I will tell you if it’s efficient!
Caroline, I can’t say that I’ve heard about CBD oil helping with thyroid nodules, but please do let us know if it helps!
I live in Canada so I am able to legally buy CBD oil and THC. I have used both CBD oil on its own and CBD oil with a ratio of 20:1. I find that the CBD with a bit of THC works better for me. It has helped me sleep and has greatly reduced my pain levels. I hardly ever have pain anymore. I take 4 drops of 400mg, 30ml bottle 20:1 CBD – THC under my tongue when I wake up and apply a drop or two onto my thyroid twice a day. Morning and lunchtime. I use it to balance my thyroid and for fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. I had a complete hysterectomy and 10 inches of my colon removed 20 years ago after having several other surgeries for endometriosis. I never tolerated hormone replacement so I did not take any. I am extremely sensitive to many things. I have struggled with endocrine imbalances all my life. I have recently tried just CBD on its own and it is too stimulating for me even at a lower dose. It makes my heart beat rapidly and I feel too stimulated to sleep like the other person who commented above me. I have done a great deal of research so for those who live in areas where they cannot buy CBD with THC it is best they buy CBD that is made with the whole plant. I personally have not tried that yet. I have found that since taking CBD/THC oil my digestion has improved and I am able to tolerate healthy foods which used to cause flare ups in my body. I have had to follow a very strict autoimmune diet for years before this. I still avoid gluten soy, wheat and most grains except for a small amount of white rice as a treat, sugar in all forms, dairy and nightshades. Everything I eat is organic. I never ever eat processed foods of any kind. If I am going through a stressful period my sleep is still affected and I may have to wait a while until I feel better again. I do think that CBD oil is an amazing product but it does need to be from a reputable company as they are not all good quality and one must do their homework.
Hello, I am also from Canada, from Montreal. Is it possible to let me know the Cannabis brand that you buy ? Is it a sativa or Indica or Hybrid ?
Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Hello Sylvie, Sorry for the late reply your question never came into my inbox. I purchase my oil from a very reputable company called sweetleaffarm.ca They only sell the highest quality oils grown by really lovely ethical people here on Vancouver island. They ship all over Canada. I think it is a hybrid but you can ask them. I was under the impression I could only tolerate an Indica strain but I am now learning that when making the oils it is not as important as we think. It has helped me so much. I hope it can do the same for you:)
Thank you Carla for sharing your experience with everyone, as I’m glad that CBD with THC has helped to improve your sleep and reduce your pain levels. It sounds like you’re doing a wonderful job with the diet. Keep up the good work, and I agree that it’s important to purchase CBD oil from a reputable company.
Yes, I find that it works. I have Graves’ and Graves’ Ophthamopathy. The CBD helps a great deal with pain and discomfort when my eye and face muscles are changing. I rub it on my temples and it gives relief after about 20 min. I also take it orally for sleep, and use about half a dropper in a hot bath with Epsom salts for joint relief.
Incidentally, I use the oil from cannabis, and not hemp and have experienced a strange reaction – if I take CBD oil at the same time as I take 2 magnesium capsules, and have recently eaten food, in about 30-40 min I will be quite stoned! The CBD does not have any “mental” effects when used alone, but 3 times now I have notice that in combination, I have noticed the reaction. For me, it’s usually fine, as I take both before bed, but this could be a problem at any other time of day (or not, depending on your desired outcome!) Just be careful. I guess the magnesium gets everything moving through your system.
I also mix the CBD with coconut oil and use as a salve for joint pain. Works really well, with no “stoned” effects.
I find it a great tool to use for my Graves’ eye problems. My eyes are protruding quite a bit, and are out of alignment (Strabismus) The oil soothes the pain associated with TED (thyroid eye disease). Not sure if this is because of the anti-inflammatory properties or the calming properties
Thank you so much for your comments, as I’m glad that it has helped with your thyroid eye disease condition. I haven’t heard of someone experiencing psychoactive effects when combining cannabis-based CBD oil with magnesium, but thank you for sharing.
I had hyperthyroidism probably caused by a thyroid nodule.
I followed an autoimmune diet protocol, took a tincture of Bugle Weed, Motherwort and Lemon Balm, plus 60 mg CBD oil from hemp in divided doses throughout the day . In addition I used organic essential oil of Myrrh massaged into the thyroid area once per day.
Within one month on this regime, my T4 and T3 had returned to normal levels although the TSH was undetectable at the beginning and took two months to return to normal levels.No antibodies have been detected. My heart rate returned to it’s normal resting rate of 58 -62 bpm within one month.
The only medication I now take is 24 mg of the CBD oil at night as a sleep aid. I believe the hemp CBD oil helped my recovery and assisted in calming the hyper state caused when the hyperthyroid condition was at its height. I have declined to take Carbimazole and refuse to contemplate treatment with radio active iodine, although the endocrinologist seems to be extraordinarily keen on the idea despite my successful self management of the disorder.
Hi Stephanie ,
I have the same as you , nodule with hyper and refused surgery and radiation iodine .. Just wanted to know :does your nodule goes smaller with cbd oil ?
Caroline 🤔
Thank you for sharing your experience Stephanie, as I wonder if the CBD oil or the myrrh is what had a greater effect. You said that no antibodies were detected, but was this after following this regime, or were no antibodies detected initially when you were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? If so then it would be interesting to know if the CBD oil or the myrrh had a positive effect on the thyroid nodule. Either way I’m glad you received some great results!
I take cannabis CBD for pain in my arms, hands and shoulders which in 10 years nothing has helped. The cbd oil has worked. I can do 90%more activities in the day with little or no pain and no build up of pain for the next day and I sleep well. I found the cbd with 4% and 6% Thc did not seem to work so well for the pain as the less than %2
I am not sure if it’s helped with Graves. I have been on meds for 10 years and had a recent flare up in part due to slacking off supplements
Went from 110 vitamin D to 73 and low selenium. Was looked after really well by Dr in Nz but moved to Tasmania and not so good. So had to get your book out again! Dr’s want me to be irradiated ☹️ But I want to struggle on with neo mercazole
But I am great full for the pain relief with cbd 😊
Claire, I’m glad that the CBD oil has worked for the pain when nothing else helped over the 10-year period. I’m sorry that you have to continue to take the antithyroid meds, but hopefully you have also done some things to try finding and removing your triggers, as this is a big key with reversing the autoimmune component of Graves’ disease.
I have Grave’s and I began taking CBD oil oral drops to help me sleep better. The drops are wonderful because I can fall asleep within an hour of taking them without any side effects. I take 5 to 10 drops each night. If I don’t take anything, I will lie awake for hours.
That’s wonderful Maggie! I’m glad that the CBD oil drops have helped you to sleep better. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Hi I am from Montreal, Canada. I am a French speaker…sorry for my English 😉 I have Hashimoto for 25 years and I am also menopausa – it would be interested to read more on those 2 combination as both are dealing with hormones – so having bot isn’t easy to deal with. I tried so much things. I eat well, I do exercise, and stop dairy product for 90% since 2012 and diminished gluten food for 80 %
And still I can’t loose weight , I have hot flashes, a kind of vertigo and irritability. I took for a while some 5-htp for the emotion. I would say it works for a while.
I décide to ask my doctor for a cannabis prescription and he agree. So I started to take CBD 10 drops mix with THC 2-3 drops 2-3 times a day – on top of that, to support my health, I go once in a while to acupuncture and it helps –
I didn’T know that CBD could help with Hashimoto so I will continue my posology and see in a month or 2 how it will go a do a blood test to see.
If you have nay recommandation let me know
Thank you for posting your comment Sylvie! Although food isn’t a trigger for everyone, I’ll say that most natural healthcare practitioners will recommend to avoid gluten and dairy 100%. While some people might be able to get away with exposure to small amounts of these allergens, others aren’t. But of course keep in mind that there can be other triggers, such as infections, environmental toxins, estrogen dominance, even stress. So while there are some great success stories in the comments section related to CBD oil, with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s it’s essential to find and remove triggers, correct other underlying imbalances, and heal the gut.
Hello Sylvie,
Dr. Eric is correct. Food is a huge trigger. Your body does not know the difference between a small amount of gluten or dairy or any other food that causes an inflammatory reaction. It reacts whether it is small or large. I have had to make enormous changes to my lifestyle to regulate my hormones. I am still not perfect but suffer far less than I used to:) I wish you well on your journey to health.
My doctor recommended hemp derived cbd oil for two months for Hashi antibodies. Labs showed my antibodies were slightly higher. Not lower. I noticed nothing different in any way during the two months. I do get migraines and tried to take the cbd oil for that and it didn’t help very much. I have not bought anymore. My doctor now wants me to start .05 mg of low dose naltrexone. I’m nervous about taking prescription medication. I eat a mostly Paleo diet minus eggs and dairy. I still eat rice but my doctor wants me to stop. I have been gluten, dairy, corn, nightshade and soy free for almost three years and I think that has helped me the most.
Debra, I’m sorry that the CBD oil didn’t help. As for LDN, I’ve written blog posts/articles on this, and some people do wonderful on LDN, while for others it doesn’t help at all. But just as is the case with CBD oil, LDN doesn’t actually address the cause of the problem. Here is an article I wrote on this topic:
https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/low-dose-naltrexone-and-thyroid-autoimmunity/
I use a “rice grain” dose of hybridol cannabis oil that has both THC & CBD in it for my arachnoiditis (nerve damage from a cerebrospinal dura tear during a spinal fusion)
Not even Oxycodone would help this “bee-sting” agony.
I sat with the medical marijuana pharmacist and she choose this for my maladies.
I went out of the country for 18 days, could not take it on the plane & I suffered without it.
I am glad I live in CT., where we have medical cannabis.
I can now sleep on my left side for the first time in 15 years.
ASK the dispensary pharmacist in private, what would be best for you.
I do NOT smoke at all. Not even cigarettes, so this oil in the syringe was the best “route” for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience Anne-Kristine! I’m glad you are now able to sleep on your left side for the first time in 15 years!
good day I am from South Africa. I start using CBD oil in December 2018 for over active thyroid and it help for me. I was in Hospital for a thyroid storm T4 46 and had a hiatal hernia repair also in December after the operation my T4 was 18.9 with the using of CBD my T4 came down to 12. but last week I had a blood clot in my right lung was admitted to hospital and went for Thyroid blood test and T4 went up to 15 but I think it was the infection again that rises the T4. all I know that with AIP and CBD oil both work for me. I am on warfarin now and stop the CBD oil. I used 10 drops 2x per day. I will start using it after 3 months again because that how long my dr say the clot will took to dissolve
Hello my name is Tina, I started taking CBD oil at night before bed it definitely helps me sleep and very vivid dreams. I have hashmotos and my thyroid peroxidase was high it was 417. Now what I notice is I’m Very tired through out the day where I wasn’t before. I take armour thyroid 90 mg. I do have nodules on my thyroid. My question is can that be from cbd and why would it make my head feel groggy and tired. I know it the cbd because I didn’t feel that way before and that’s the only thing that I’m doing different. I feel some pressure in my eyes too and feel like I can sleep all day. I take 1ml
Thanks for sharing your experience Tina. I wouldn’t expect the CBD oil to cause an increase fatigue and/or brain fog, but keep in mind that everyone is different, and so if you’re certain that your symptoms are caused by the CBD oil I’d listen to your body and take a break from it. Other options are to take a lower dosage and/or try a different brand.
I’m in the UK and have been taking CBD oil since 2017, I think it helped with reducing my Graves antibodies (TRab) as well as covering up any symptoms of Graves. I stopped taking all anti-thyroid medication after 2 years of Graves treatment, on the advice of my Endocrinologist, before starting CBD Oil and found it effective as well as taking other supplements, L’Carnitine, Selenium and Vitamin D3
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Mostly ladies it seems ? Here’s one from a man with a diagnosis of “inflammatory arthritis”, one large thyroid nodule / Hashimoto’s and varying degrees of degenerating lumbar discs from L1 – L5 with most being moderate to severe in damage. My knees and hips are also very worn from a long career as a Fire Fighter /paramedic. All of this causes a great deal of pain and high levels of inflammation. The arthritis began after a short virus in Oct 2009….after caving in to a pain management “doctor” who insisted on 3 epidural steriod injections in just 15 months time and 5 total in 34 months. I firmly believe all that depo medrol played a role in my immune system going haywire. -I have survived on prednisone and pain meds along with staying active and physically fit the best I can. I recently tried CBD and had near instant relief of joint pain…absolutely amazing and in fact and have ordered more of the same, (Anza Cali if you can use that) but also another line, (Sol CBD) that also offers verified lab test results of the product line. *OF INTEREST ! I took a shot and applied direct over my thyroid. Within 2 days it was no longer visible and the 5.1cm nodule feels much smaller and more pliable in 1 week. It’s due for an ultrasound along with regular bi annual blood work which includes thyroid, ANA and inflammatory markers. Can’t wait for the results and will share when available. I should note that as great of a discovery CBD is it doesn’t do much for radicular nerve pain and I full well expect to need prednisone / methotrexate again in particular during winter and bad flares. CBD sure brings hope though and relief for what many people suffer. Hopefully it will keep many people off the big meds
I am hypothyroid. I take Armour Thyroid which I’ve heard has a different interaction with CBD oil then other thyroid supplement medications. At first it had amazing results amazing… On pain anxiousness focus I was so pleased. But then it changed. It felt like it was making me hypothyroid but it actually was making me hyperthyroid. I went into see my doctor and we took blood test and I was becoming hyper thyroid. Seems that studies that I have read with other thyroid medications like Synthroid combining it with CBD oil people of had the opposite effect. What have you found?
Hello, I live in the UK and have hyperthyroidism with large cystic thyroid nodule. Dr’s here are very stretched and although my consultant seems very knowledgeable, they are doing little for me except monitoring my levels while medicating me with carbimazole. Im supposed to see the consultant quarterly, but it’s been 6 months and I havebt heard from them.
I’m struggling mentally and it’s affecting my ability to work. I’m trying cbd oil for the anxiety but have started on a low dose. It’s very expensive to buy so I don’t think I can become reliant on it. I’ve never been told to change my diet in any way so it’s interesting to see the comments on going gluten or dairy free. Is this specific to symptoms you were having? I have ibs and when this flares up, so does the nodule to the point of it pressing on my throat, anxiety is worse and sometimes asthma too…
Hi, I have been thinking about CBD for my anxiety. I know this isn’t part of the topic of conversation here, but I’ve been suffering a lot of health anxiety I would assume. Just had RAI on October 2nd as my Endocrinologist said that it was my best chance. I had what I believe was a thyroid storm on May 1st of this year and have REALLY stuck to the diet to try to repair my gut if that was my trigger. No gluten aside from gluten free oats, no grains aside from that. No sugar or dairy or processed or refined carbs. I eat the same thing almost every day, well I was for months. My levels were brought down to below range with methimazole but was a very high dose. Went off of that on September 26th and haven’t been on anything since except a beta blocker. After RAI my t4 and t3 are still rising but my tsh is now back down to .01. the previous are still in range, but high range, and that was two weeks ago. If I were to guess now if say they were above range again. I had a pap test done with abnormal cells and also a lupus test at my request due to family history. I’m ANA positive so now being referred to a rheumatologist… There has been ongoing “chest/rib/upper back/lung issues since the beginning of September. My doc still hasn’t said anything as to what it could be and all of this creates a HUGE amount of anxiety. I really need some answers!