Many arthritis sufferers are experimenting to see if cannabis can ease arthritis pain, as an alternative to traditional medications. Learn how cannabinoids like CBD and THC may help manage pain and inflammation.
Arthritis encompasses various conditions characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Traditional arthritis treatments often involve medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. However, these may not be effective for all patients and can have significant side effects. Consequently, many individuals are exploring alternative therapies, including cannabis, to manage their symptoms.
Cannabis contains cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially influencing pain perception and inflammation. Some studies suggest that these compounds may offer relief for arthritis-related discomfort. For instance, a study published in The Journal of Cannabis Research found associations between CBD use and improvements in arthritis symptoms, along with reductions in other medications.
Chris Finds Success With Cannabis for His Arthritis
Chris, an arthritis sufferer from Gilroy, CA, says that he’s found great relief using cannabis. Now in his early 40s, Chris was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child—at around age eight or nine—when fevers, pain and inflammation began interfering with his life. After suffering through a painful childhood, Chris decided to try cannabis as an adult.
“I had friends suggesting I try cannabis for medical purposes,” Chris says. “I decided to go ahead and give it a try. And then, lo and behold, it started helping a lot with inflammation and whenever I would have soreness or stiffness.”
Chris says he’s been able to reduce his pain with the use of cannabis, and while not completely gone, the plant has helped him function in spite of his pain. Chris says he prefers this option to pharmaceuticals. “Cannabis never numbs you completely, as opposed to using opiates and stuff like that which completely numbs you,” he explains.
According to Chris, topicals and smoked cannabis have been most helpful. He’s also found that strain selection is key. “I’ve noticed different strains help with different symptoms [better] than others do,” he says. “So that’s also something I’m exploring.”
Chris has been using cannabis daily for the past five years now. His opinion on cannabis for arthritis? “It helps, quite significantly,” he says.
How Cannabis Can Ease Arthritis Pain
If you suffer from arthritis and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor.
Whether you have a medical marijuana card or document or live in a state or province where you can purchase through recreational means, there are many options you can try. Cannabis’s many forms can help arthritis, so it’s really about finding the best options for you. Marijuana-infused topicals, for example, can be applied directly to the affected area without any psychoactive effects. Some folks prefer cannabis edibles for their long-lasting, full-body pain relief, while others choose to smoke and vape for its quick-acting effects.
Whatever you try, remember that cannabis can affect people differently, so you may need to try a few options before you find the right one for you.
