Medical marijuana, particularly the cannabinoids found in marijuana such as cannabidiol (CBD), has demonstrated potential in alleviating certain symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is important to discuss the use of medical marijuana for rheumatoid arthritis with a healthcare professional, as its effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Medical marijuana is believed to benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients in three main ways:
1. Pain Relief: Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD have demonstrated pain-relieving properties, alleviating the chronic pain associated with RA.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Cannabinoids, especially CBD, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation causing joint damage in RA.
3. Reduced Muscle Spasms: Marijuana can relax muscles and reduce muscle spasms, which is especially helpful for individuals with RA experiencing muscle stiffness and pain.
“Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis sativa, has shown anti-inflammatory properties in various conditions, including arthritis. However, its exact mechanism of action has been somewhat unclear due to its interactions with multiple receptors and enzymes. A study from 2020 shed light on CBD’s effects, revealing that it increases intracellular calcium levels, reduces cell viability, and decreases the production of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-3 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) [1].”
The 2020 study suggested that CBD specifically targets activated, pro-inflammatory RASF. It concluded that CBD has anti-arthritic properties and may improve arthritis by targeting synovial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions [1]. However, a 2022 review suggests that evidence about the effect of cannabis on rheumatoid arthritis is very uncertain [2]. The review notes that cannabis and cannabinoid products may slightly reduce disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis but do not always help with pain reduction.
Best Strains for Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is important to approach medical marijuana with caution and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Different strains and consumption methods may have varying effects, and individual responses can differ significantly. Medical marijuana is typically just one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis, which may also include medications, physical therapy, and other interventions. Considering current research, patients using medical marijuana for rheumatoid arthritis may want to try high CBD cannabis strains before using THC varieties.
Remember that high CBD strains, also known as hemp flowers, have very low THC content and are non-psychoactive. There are also marijuana varieties with high CBD and less psychoactive effects, containing more than 0.3% THC. It’s important to note that these varieties are not the same as a “50/50” hybrid, which refers to balanced Indica and Sativa genetics and does not necessarily mean an equal cannabinoid content. Equal cannabinoid content is represented as a “1:1 THC to CBD ratio,” which is the same ratio found in the prescription cannabinoid drug Sativex. Sativex (nabiximols) has shown significant improvement in clinical cases of rheumatoid arthritis and may be recommended by your doctor as an alternative to medical cannabis.