Medical Marijuana for Arthritis: The Best Cannabinoids

As a cannabis patient seeking instant relief, wading through the seemingly endless variety of strains and cannabinoid concentrations can be overwhelming. For those with arthritis, finding the best strain for pain can work wonders on joint discomfort and improve quality of life.

Which Cannabinoids Help Most With Arthritis?

As a treatment option, medical marijuana for arthritis shows promise in clinical studies and patient reports.

The efficacy of cannabis is in part due to its cannabinoids, chemical compounds found mainly within the trichomes on the plant’s flowers. They produce a broad range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time.

Among the 100-plus cannabinoids in the plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most prominent and therapeutic. Other minor cannabinoids are found in trace amounts, including cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN).

It’s important to understand which cannabinoids help the most for arthritis symptoms. This can be done by keeping up with the latest research and drawing on anecdotal reports from users with the condition.

According to the latest studies, both CBD and THC play a significant role in managing certain symptoms of arthritis. They may do so by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in managing pain and inflammation.

Research into CBD’s role in arthritis has seen promising results. One study found that CBD showed potential in managing symptoms, with significant improvements reported in pain relief, physical function, and sleep quality.

Additionally, patients reported reducing or even stopping their use of traditional pain relief medications, such as NSAIDs and opioids, after starting CBD. This shows CBD’s potential as an effective and safer alternative to long-term pharmaceutical use, which can have severe side effects.¹

Patients have a variety of consumption methods to choose from, each offering different benefits. In studies on animal models, oral CBD use reduced arthritis symptoms in both acute and chronic cases. Applying CBD gel directly to the joint dramatically reduced swelling and pain after a few days of treatment.²

THC, well-known for its intoxicating effects, has also displayed anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects, both of which are crucial factors in managing arthritis. For example, animal studies also show that THC and its precursor, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), may relieve arthritis symptoms.³

Clinical trials show that THC-based extracts, used as a sublingual spray, were effective in controlling pain with only mild side effects.

Which Cannabinoid Concentrations and Ratios Help Most With Arthritis?

Finding the best strain for pain can make all the difference in symptom relief. 

Too much of one cannabinoid, such as THC, could increase the risk of experiencing adverse side effects like dizziness, mood changes, and anxiety. Additionally, using only one cannabinoid provides limited benefits compared to a full spectrum of compounds.

Research suggests that cannabinoids work best as a team in a process known as the entourage effect. Cannabinoid products that include THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes provide the full scope of possible benefits.

For example, the 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD in Sativex, an oral spray, may relieve movement and resting pain in arthritis patients without severe side effects. This may be due to CBD’s potential dampening effect on THC.²

Another study using mice showed that THCa eased arthritis symptoms, calming down swelling. It works by interacting with the body’s CB1 receptors and PPARγ pathways to control inflammation and pain. This means THCa may fight arthritis symptoms without causing the high and over-intoxication that THC does.³

As for the benefits of minor cannabinoids, studies on animal models have shown that CBC and CBD, when taken alone or combined, had anti-inflammatory benefits. The combination of CBC and CBD had even more significant anti-inflammatory effects than when either cannabinoid was taken alone.⁴

Whether you’re using non-intoxicating CBD gummies for pain or THC-rich strains for a euphoric buzz, understanding a product's cannabinoid concentrations and ratios will help you find the most effective relief for arthritis.

How to Choose Strains for Arthritis Based on Cannabinoid Content

When choosing medical marijuana for arthritis, consider the variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds available. While THC and CBD are well-known to provide relief, getting the proper dose can take some trial and error. Start with low-THC dose strains or strains high in CBD to avoid overintoxication.

When looking for good strains for arthritis, keep an eye on the cannabinoid ratio. High-THC and low-CBD strains have a higher risk for side effects. Meanwhile, a balanced CBD and THC profile provides a better chance of relief without harshing your mellow.

If you can, go for a full-spectrum effect with a focus on minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN. Research has shown that minor cannabinoids may play a significant part in relief.

Keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone differently, so you may have to use different strains to find the right one. For example, the best CBD strain for joint pain might work best when there’s a balanced blend of THC rather than a lower THC content.

Additionally, look for certificates of analysis (COAs) to ensure you get what you paid for. Independent lab testing verifies the percentages of cannabinoids and terpenes available.

If strains aren’t working for you, there are also edibles, topicals, tinctures, and vapes as alternative solutions. However, these may not be strain-specific, so it can be a mixed bag of what you’ll get in terms of effects.

As always, before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you’re new to cannabis or have other health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider. They can help guide you in choosing the right products and dosages.

The 5 Best Strains for Arthritis Based on Cannabinoid Content

Each cannabis strain has a unique chemical profile that varies depending on many factors, including cultivation and processing methods, seed quality, and genetics. This makes finding the best strain for arthritis pain tricky since effects can vary by plant.

However, there are a few cannabis strains that have provided significant relief for arthritis patients who use cannabis medicinally. The top 5 strains, in no particular order, are based on cannabinoids and ratios that may help most with arthritis.

1. Chemdawg

Also known as Chem Dawg or Chem D, this popular cultivar is known for its pain-relieving qualities. Consumers enjoy it for its high THC content and caryophyllene’s reported anti-inflammatory properties. Many anticipate feelings of euphoria, sleepiness, and creativity with Chem D.

2. White Runtz

Enjoy the sweet and earthy aroma and flavors of White Runtz, plus its strong THC potency, which is often used for immediate pain relief. You may also receive the anti-inflammatory benefits of terpenes like limonene and pinene, which may provide deeply relaxing effects.

3. Granddaddy Purple

This legendary strain is a gorgeous sight, sometimes known as Grand Daddy Purple or just GDP, with vibrant violet whisps throughout. In terms of pain relief, GDP contains high THC levels and a terpene profile that includes limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, linalool, and pinene. These are all known for their anti-inflammatory characteristics.

4. Sweet and Sour Widow

If you’re new to cannabis, have a low tolerance, or looking for mild relief, Sweet and Sour Widow has a low cannabinoid content. Its balanced CBD-to-THC ratio may provide pain relief without a significant risk of adverse side effects. Likewise, experience an anti-inflammatory terpene blend of myrcene, limestone, and caryophyllene.

5. CBD Critical Mass

Another balanced CBD and THC blend with low cannabinoid levels, and some consumers may experience pain relief without the adverse effects. CBD Critical Mass may help with pain and inflammation due to its rich terpene profile featuring myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.

References

1. Frane, N., Stapleton, E., Iturriaga, C. et al. Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study. J Cannabis Res. 2022;4(47) https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00154-9
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2. Paland N, Hamza H, Pechkovsky A, Aswad M, Shagidov D, Louria-Hayon I. Cannabis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review Evaluating the Benefits, Risks, and Future Research Directions. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2023;14(4):e0022. Published 2023 Oct 29. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10509
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3. Palomares B, Garrido-Rodriguez M, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, et al. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid alleviates collagen-induced arthritis: Role of PPARγ and CB1 receptors. Br J Pharmacol. 2020; 177: 4034–4054. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15155
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4. Grogan G, Stephens K, Chou J, Timko MP, Cottler P, DeGeorge BRJ. The Mechanism of Cannabichromene and Cannabidiol Alone Versus in Combination in the Alleviation of Arthritis-Related Inflammation. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2023;90(6S):S408. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000003547
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.