Many patients come to us and ask, “can I use medical marijuana for arthritis pain?” Arthritis can be uncomfortable, and just getting up in the morning is difficult. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to combat the pain, including medical marijuana. This blog article explains what you need to know about using medical marijuana for arthritis pain.
What Causes Arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down over time. This can happen for various reasons, including age, injury, or repetitive motion.
Additionally, if you have arthritis, you know that the pain can be debilitating. Fortunately, there is some evidence that medical marijuana may help relieve arthritis pain. One study found that CBD, a compound in marijuana, was effective in reducing inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis.
Of course, more research is needed. But if you’re considering trying it, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider first. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of using marijuana to treat your arthritis pain.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. Moreover, this system is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including pain perception, immune system function, and inflammation.
Cannabis is effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis. Cannabis can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and consuming edibles. Each method of consumption has different effects on the body.
How Effective is Medical Marijuana for Arthritis?
Medical marijuana is often praised for its ability to relieve various types of pain, including that associated with arthritis. But how does it work?
Studies have shown that cannabinoids can help reduce pain and inflammation in various conditions. One review looked at the effect of cannabinoids on pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The primary advantage of medical marijuana for people with RA is that it can alleviate chronic pain. One of the most comprehensive reviews to date looked at over 10,700 studies on the potential health benefits and risks of cannabis.
The study concluded that cannabis and its constituents effectively relieved chronic pain, a major symptom of RA. Because RA causes inflammation and pain, it can harm a person’s quality of life and mental health. So another potential advantage of medical marijuana for people with RA is that it may improve their mental health and lifestyle.
Two compounds, CBD and THC, effectively reduce pain and improve sleep quality. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. THC, on the other hand, is the compound responsible for this high.
Anyone living with RA considering medical cannabis should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks.
Resources
There are many different ways to use medical marijuana for arthritis, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which method is best for you. Pause Pain & Wellness provides you with helpful resources so that you will know the answer to the question, “can I use medical marijuana for my arthritis pain?”