The pain and damage from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be debilitating, impacting quality of life. Symptoms also cause depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Patients with RA have reported that cannabis can help to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Research supports this and suggests that a variety of cannabinoids are effective in reducing RA pain.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids can reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. They also ease the immune system response to the disease, which can help reduce joint damage.
Endocannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the body and regulate a variety of processes, including memory, mood, immunity, sleep, and responses to stress. They are metabolized by the liver and are produced in the brain and throughout the body.
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids, such as CBD, are thought to act on receptors in the brain and central nervous system to produce anti-inflammatory effects. They may even help prevent chronic inflammation.
While research is still in its early stages, some laboratory tests suggest that cannabinoids might tamp down the body’s immune response in RA. However, more proof is needed before doctors can recommend them as treatments.
Currently, a small number of clinical trials are underway to evaluate the role of cannabis and cannabinoid-based drugs in rheumatoid disease. These studies require hundreds of people to participate, which is a time-consuming and expensive process.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology suggests that medical marijuana, cannabis-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids can slightly decrease rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. It also found that these products are safe and have fewer side effects than many other pharmaceutical drugs.
THC
There is growing interest in using cannabis to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that damages the joints and other parts of the body. The condition can lead to chronic pain, deformity, and disability and affect people’s quality of life.
Studies have shown that cannabinoids such as THC may help reduce inflammatory processes that cause inflammation in RA, which in turn can alleviate pain. They also can help tamp down the immune system, which can help prevent flares of RA and minimize joint damage.
In the United States, many patients who use cannabis for RA have reported that it helps manage symptoms and reduces discomfort. It may also improve sleep and support overall well-being.
For a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to know how to use cannabis safely and responsibly. The best way to do this is to speak with a doctor about your symptoms and the different ways cannabis can be used to treat them.
If you’re new to smoking or edibles, you should start small and work your way up from there. This will allow you to feel how the THC and CBD affect your body and how long it takes for the effects to kick in.
When you’re taking a medical cannabis product, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and talk with a doctor about your specific health conditions. This will allow you to understand how the product will affect you, what side effects to look out for, and if it will interact with other medications you’re taking.
CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is thought to reduce inflammation and pain by influencing the body’s endocannabinoid system. It also works to tamp down the immune system’s attack on healthy tissue.
In a study published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD reduced pain and inflammation caused by RA in animal models. They also found that it lowered the need for opioids and helped to improve sleep.
A recent review from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research explains that there are several preclinical studies showing that CBD is an effective treatment for RA. These studies show that it can tamp down the immune response to the disease by affecting CB1, CB2, and TRPV2 receptors, which play an important role in controlling the immune response and preventing autoimmunity.
It has been shown that CBD decreases the number of inflammatory cells in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF). In addition, it reduces cell viability and production of IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-3.
Before using CBD, it is recommended that patients talk to their health care provider. This will allow them to discuss potential side effects, drug interactions, legal concerns and which form of CBD is the most effective for their specific condition. If they decide to use CBD, they should also keep a symptom and dose diary so that they can monitor their progress.
Indica
Indicas are known for their relaxing effects and can be helpful in alleviating pain, stress, and insomnia. They can also help improve appetite, reduce muscle spasms, and ease anxiety.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints, including the hips, knees, and shoulders. Those who suffer from the disease often use various medications to manage their symptoms. These can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which ease pain but are not meant to be long-term remedies.
Medicinal cannabis can be administered in several different ways to treat the symptoms of RA. Some of these methods include smoking, vaporization, consuming edibles or tinctures (sublingual), and applying topicals.
The cannabinoids in marijuana are shown to work through CB1, CB2, and TRPV2 receptors to reduce inflammation and increase the effectiveness of DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In addition to cannabinoids, certain terpenes also have painkilling properties.
For example, myrcene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in treating RA pain and swelling. Other terpenes like linalool, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene are said to have positive impacts on RA-related symptoms, as well.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but medical cannabis is said to be an effective and safe treatment for many patients. Studies are showing that cannabis can help relieve the inflammation and pain associated with RA, and that it also helps improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Hybrid
If you’re looking for the benefits of both sativa and indica, hybrid strains are the way to go. They provide a balance between the energetic and euphoric effects of sativas and the sedating effects of indicas, and they offer pain relief without becoming too drowsy.
Hybrids may also have a high level of CBD. This can help relieve symptoms of arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain.
Several types of cannabis products can help you control rheumatoid arthritis, including vaping, edibles, and tinctures. Some people find vaping to be less painful than smoking marijuana, and they don’t have to worry about smelling like pot smoke.
While it can take a few puffs to get the full effect, vaporizers are a convenient way to use marijuana. They are safe and easy to use, and you can control your dosage by changing the temperature of the vape pen or by adding more or less cannabis.
In some cases, a patient can use a combination of vaporizers and edibles for their daily dose. This is especially effective when using a CBD-dominant strain, as this helps reduce pain and inflammation while allowing the body to relax.
Another popular choice among patients is Cannatonic, which provides a low THC content that allows for fast-acting pain relief. This strain is also renowned for its high CBD content, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications.
Hemp
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a plant that can be grown to produce protein-rich food products and a variety of oils and other substances. Hemp seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, which can improve heart health and brain function.
Hemp seeds are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular and neurological function. They also contain a high concentration of the essential amino acid arginine and a sulfur-rich protein fraction.
The hemp seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant are processed to make various types of industrial fiber and food products. Unlike marijuana, hemp is not psychoactive and contains only small amounts of THC (
CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient of hemp and has been used to treat a variety of health conditions including pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis report that CBD has helped alleviate their symptoms.
However, before using CBD for pain, patients should discuss their condition with their doctor and make sure to start at a low dose and work up from there. This way, you can avoid any unwanted side effects and feel confident that you’re getting the best results.
While a moderate number of studies suggest that CBD can ease the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. If you decide to try a CBD product, be sure to find one that is third-party tested for safety and quality.
