Cannabis may be useful in the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia. Cannabis has both immune modulating properties and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to analgesic effects. Because both RA and fibromyalgia are systemic illnesses, most patients administer either vaporized or ingested cannabis. Strains or products with a higher CBD/THC ratio have been effective in alleviating chronic pain while lessening psychoactive effects of the medicine.
Also, for musculoskeletal discomfort in general, many patients have found topical salves to be beneficial in treating localized joint or muscle pain. One benefit of this approach is that most, if not all, of the cannabis does not enter the blood stream, so their are no systemic effects; therefore, topical can be used comfortably during the day as well as the night.
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