Key Takeaways
- Cannabis might help patients with arthritis manage specific symptoms, including pain and inflammation.
- Research and patient reports show that cannabis may effectively reduce the need for other medications.
- Due to potential side effects, consumers should start with low doses and consult a doctor, primarily when using cannabis with other treatments.
Arthritis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. It leads to pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
According to the CDC, 21.6% of people aged 18 or older have been diagnosed with arthritis. And a NuggMD survey shows arthritis is the most common reason that people 58 to 73 years old turn to medical cannabis.
Does marijuana help with inflammation? Inflammation and pain relief are well-documented potential benefits of cannabis. Since these symptoms affect most arthritis sufferers, can weed be an effective component when treating?
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the joints, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints, starting with the lining.
Risk factors for arthritis include age, family history, previous joint injuries, and obesity.
Traditional treatments for arthritis focus on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Short-term treatments are mostly at-home remedies, including over-the-counter pain relievers, heat and cold therapy, and rest. More severe cases require anti-rheumatic drugs, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.
Benefits of Using Weed for Arthritis
Current research suggests that weed, notably the cannabinoid THC, may offer significant benefits in treating arthritis. Studies have demonstrated that cannabis-based medicinal extracts may effectively manage chronic pain and improve the quality of life for arthritis patients.
One study focuses on prescription Sativex®, a balanced combination of CBD and THC, given to 58 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Over five weeks, patients using Sativex reported significant improvements in movement pain, resting pain, and sleep quality, although morning stiffness remained unchanged. The study did not observe any severe side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Several other randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials compared the effects of THC, CBD, or a combination of THC/CBD extracts on nerve pain. THC-based extracts proved very effective for pain control, with only mild side effects.1
How does THC compare to other arthritis medicines? In a preclinical study, THC was 20 times more anti-inflammatory than aspirin and twice as anti-inflammatory as hydrocortisone.2
Anecdotal reports also support the use of weed for arthritis. Why is it effective for treating arthritis? THC interacts with different receptors in the body and several other channels.
A 2022 study looked at how THC affects the cells of RA patients. Overall, the rheumatoid arthritis study showed THC didn't change the production of inflammatory proteins at the tested doses. However, it may treat coexisting symptoms of depression, sleep problems, and pain. THC also targets a receptor called TRPA1, which may increase calcium levels inside cells and improve how well drugs are absorbed.3
THC affects the sympathetic nervous system, which helps control stress responses in the body through CB1 receptors. Quality of life issues like depression and poor sleep can accompany painful arthritis.
Both research and patient reports suggest that cannabis, especially products containing THC, may provide significant benefits for people living with arthritis. Whether through topical THC creams for arthritis relief or THC gummies for pain management, cannabis products offer a range of options for alleviating arthritis symptoms.
Weed and Arthritis: Are There Any Risks?
While the benefits of weed for arthritis are promising, as with any medicine, there are potential risks. Drug interactions are rare, but a physician should review the patient’s current medications.
Adverse effects of cannabis-based medicinal extracts are generally mild and reversible. However, some patients report side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, euphoria, diarrhea, and difficulty concentrating. These effects are usually temporary but can impact daily activities.
More severe side effects may include psychomotor and cognitive impairments, which can persist for several hours. These effects include slower reaction times, trouble focusing, short-term memory problems, and issues with coordination. Additionally, using cannabis may cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attack in people with existing heart conditions.1
Weed as a Treatment for Arthritis
Current research suggests that while cannabis may not replace conventional arthritis treatments, it may be a valuable supplemental therapy.
Combining cannabis with currently prescribed arthritis treatments, especially opioids, appears encouraging for pain management. Preclinical studies found that cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact effectively with opioids. In 17 out of 19 studies, the combination of cannabinoids and opioids produced better pain relief than either treatment alone, indicating a synergistic effect.
There are no significant adverse interactions reported between cannabis and opioids. A recent observational study at a medical cannabis clinic monitored 600 patients using opioids over six months. By the end of the survey, 26% of these patients had wholly stopped using opioids, and an additional 55% had reduced their opioid dosage by 30%. This suggests that cannabis may help reduce reliance on opioids and lower the risk of opioid-related side effects.4
By potentially reducing the need for higher opioid doses, cannabis could provide effective pain relief while minimizing the risk of dependency and other complications associated with long-term opioid use. With medical supervision, adding cannabis into an arthritis treatment plan alongside existing medications could make pain management more effective and potentially safer for patients.
In mild cases of arthritis, using THC gummies for pain or medical marijuana for back pain may alone provide sufficient relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs, along with cannabis, may offer improved symptom management and potentially reduce the need for more harmful drugs.
Tips for Using Weed for Arthritis
Consult a doctor before using weed for arthritis, especially if you are already on medication, prescribed opioids, or have other health conditions.
To use weed safely for arthritis, start with a low dose and gradually increase it to achieve optimal relief. A "start low and go slow" method helps minimize potential side effects and allows the body to adjust to the cannabinoids.
For inflammatory pain like arthritis, start with a strain containing predominantly CBD for daytime use. Clinical experience and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD has a lower risk of adverse effects, such as cognitive impairment. That makes it a good option for managing pain during the day without the intoxicating effects of THC. An initial dose of 5mg-10mg CBD, taken once or twice daily, is a good starting point. A daily dose of CBD should not exceed 1,500mg.5
For patients who have difficulty sleeping or suffer from nighttime pain, a small dose of THC may be beneficial. Start with 2.5mg of THC in an evening dose to manage symptoms. Elderly patients, those with complex health issues, or those taking multiple medications, a lower starting dose of 1mg -1.25mg of THC may avoid potential side effects.4
Choose high-quality weed products from a licensed dispensary with a certificate of analysis (COA) from a reputable third-party lab confirming testing for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. Ask your budtender for a COA, or look for a QR code on the packaging of your arthritis gummies, vape cartridges, or other products.
Ask a Budtender: Which Weed Products are Best For Arthritis?
Patients with arthritis report using a variety of weed products to manage their symptoms. Among these, smoking or vaping, tinctures, THC creams, and arthritis gummies are particularly popular.
Oils and tinctures allow for precise dosing and often more rapid relief when taken sublingually (under the tongue). THC creams for arthritis may offer targeted relief for localized pain applied directly to inflamed or painful joints. THC gummies for pain might offer a longer-lasting way to manage chronic discomfort.
Certain strains for pain relief, like Critical Mass and Blue Dream, rank well among patients. Consider products with a 1:1 balanced ratio of CBD for reliable pain and anti-inflammatory effects without excessive impairment. This combination utilizes the synergistic effects of both cannabinoids.
It's important to note that there is no clear consensus on the optimal doses of CBD and THC for pain control, especially for patients using opioids. Therefore, start with low doses and gradually adjust based on your response and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always consult a doctor before starting any new treatment, particularly if you already take medication or have other health conditions.
References
- 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 ↩︎
- Baron EP, Lucas P, Eades J, Hogue O. Patterns of medicinal cannabis use, strain analysis, and substitution effect among patients with migraine, headache, arthritis, and chronic pain in a medicinal cannabis cohort. The Journal of Headache and Pain. 2018;19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2 ↩︎
- Lowin T, Kok C, Smutny S, Pongratz G. Impact of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts Alone and in Co-Culture with Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Biomedicines. 2022;10(5):1118. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051118 ↩︎
- MacCallum CA, Eadie L, Barr AM, Boivin M, Lu S. Practical Strategies Using Medical Cannabis to Reduce Harms Associated With Long Term Opioid Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.633168 ↩︎
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎
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.
