Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune condition. It starts by causing swelling in the lining of the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees but can lead to a wide variety of issues throughout the body. It can cause a range from mild to severely debilitating pain.
The first documentation of the disorder was in 1800 by Augustin Jacob Landré-Beauvais,1 and according to the World Health Organization, it now affects approximately 18 million people worldwide. The specific cause of RA is still unknown.
No known cure for RA exists, but inflammation-reducing medication is the typical treatment. Harvard University published an article in 2022 that listed a few studies that have shown these medications can also work to help reduce the risk of dementia.2,3,4
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by general wear and tear of the joints, RA is an autoimmune response. The body mistakenly attacks otherwise healthy cells, which can cause inflammation, stiffness, and even deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by a variety of risk factors, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Birth
- Early life exposure to environmental contaminants
- Obesity
Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs & Symptoms
If you are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swollen joints
- Stiff joints
- Fever
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Weakness
Although RA starts as inflammation of the lining of the joints, it can eventually lead to other issues in the body, including but not limited to problems with:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Heart
- Lungs
- Blood vessels
- Nerve tissue
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties.5,6 This is most likely why many believe it can potentially be a beneficial treatment for symptoms of RA. There are many personal accounts of people who have used cannabis as a way to treat the symptoms of their condition.
One review concluded that cannabinoids might be an effective treatment for RA, specifically CBD, but more extensive research is called for. There have been studies on Sativex’s efficacy on RA, a 1:1 CBD:THC prescription cannabis medication only available in the UK, that did show improvement with use.7
However, there is limited research to determine whether or not cannabis is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.8 Doctors typically recommend other prescription medications to treat and manage the condition. It’s best to consult with your physician to determine if cannabis is an ideal treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers rheumatoid arthritis to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes rheumatoid arthritis as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 23 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Rheumatoid Arthritis
What terpenes are good for rheumatoid arthritis?
Cannabis is rich in terpenes that may potentially aid in a minor reduction of inflammation.9 Some of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis with anti-inflammatory properties include myrcene,10 caryophyllene,11 limonene, linalool, and pinene.12
Which strains are best for rheumatoid arthritis?
There are many online articles recommending specific strains for the alleviation of symptoms of RA. Still, depending on where you’re purchasing your cannabis, it may be difficult to find these particular strains, especially since names and options change regularly. It’s better to focus on which strains are rich in CBD and anti-inflammatory terpenes.
Which is better for rheumatoid arthritis: sativa or indica?
Indica-labeled products are often recommended as the better pain and inflammation management option. However, focusing on which flowers are rich in anti-inflammatory terpenes, like myrcene, limonene, linalool, pinene, and caryophyllene, might give you better results.
Do topicals help with rheumatoid arthritis?
People living with RA and its effects often turn to cannabis topicals to help alleviate their pain and inflammation. However, there is no conclusive research to determine whether or not it is a beneficial treatment for their condition.
Which cannabinoid is good for rheumatoid arthritis?
CBD has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, but there needs to be more research to determine if it is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. There are many personal testimonies of its efficacy but no scientific studies.
Sources:
1. Entezami P, Fox DA, Clapham PJ, Chung KC. Historical Perspective on the Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hand Clinics. 2011;27(1):1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2010.09.006
2. Sattui SE, Navarro-Millan I, Xie F, Rajan M, Yun H, Curtis JR. Incidence of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and association with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs – Analysis of a national claims database. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2022;57:152083. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152083
3. Kronzer VL, Crowson CS, Davis JM, Vassilaki M, Mielke MM, Myasoedova E. Trends in incidence of dementia among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A population-based cohort study. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2021;51(4):853-857. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.06.003
4. Huang LC, Chang YH, Yang YH. Can Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs Reduce the Risk of Developing Dementia in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis? Neurotherapeutics. 2019;16(3):703-709. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-019-00715-6
5. Downer EJ. Anti-inflammatory Potential of Terpenes Present in Cannabis sativa L. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 2020;11(5):659-662. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00075
6. Baron EP. Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2018;58(7):1139-1186. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13345
7. Lowin T, Schneider M, Pongratz G. Joints for joints: cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2019;31(3):271-278. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000590
8. Fitzcharles MA ., Baerwald C, Ablin J, Häuser W. Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabinoids in chronic pain associated with rheumatic diseases (fibromyalgia syndrome, back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Der Schmerz. 2016;30(1):47-61. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00482-015-0084-3
9. Gallily R, Yekhtin Z, Hanuš LO. The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. 2018;3(1):282-290. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0014
10. Surendran, Shelini, et al. “Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?” Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 8, 19 July 2021, 10.3389/fnut.2021.699666. Accessed 17 Nov. 2021.
11. Scandiffio, Rosaria, et al. “Protective Effects of (E)-β-Caryophyllene (BCP) in Chronic Inflammation.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 11, 26 Oct. 2020, p. E3273, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33114564/, 10.3390/nu12113273. Accessed 20 Jan. 2022.
12. Del Prado-Audelo ML, Cortés H, Caballero-Florán IH, et al. Therapeutic Applications of Terpenes on Inflammatory Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:704197. Published 2021 Aug 13. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.704197
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.
