Human beings have a long and complicated relationship with the marijuana plant. We have been cultivating marijuana since the beginning of recorded history, and we have used the plant as a source of fiber, food, cooking oil, and medicine.
While experts are yet to ascertain exactly how cannabis affects the body, there is substantial evidence to show that it can help relieve chronic pain typically associated with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. CBD can interact with your endocannabinoid systems when consumed, affecting mood, memory, pain levels, inflammation, and immune function.
However, you should note that medical marijuana is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis; rather, it’s an effective treatment for some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like chronic pain.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes the joints to become stiff, tender, and, thus, painful. It can also cause damage to the skin, lungs, eyes, and other body parts.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that is long-term and progressive, developing in stages. It is also disabling, which limits a person’s ability to move their affected body parts.
Even though pain is a common factor in all forms of arthritis, it is essential to realize there are many different forms of arthritis and no single medicine is an effective treatment for arthritic pain.
It is also essential to know that different treatments work for different bodies, which means there is no single CBD product that can work for everyone with arthritis, and the pain relief CBD offers will vary from person to person.
Is Marijuana a Good Choice for Arthritis Treatment?
Due to marijuana possession and use being illegal in many countries (including the US under federal law,) there is a lack of scientific research into the benefits it may present as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation states that only animal studies have been conducted on the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of marijuana. Consequently, experts remain unsure if marijuana can ease rheumatoid-related symptoms.
CBD has been shown to provide pain relief in some circumstances, anxiety reduction, and better sleep. However, there are no human studies that prove CBD provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis-associated pain.
In an article titled “The Dilemma Of Medical Marijuana Use By Rheumatology Patients” published in Arthritis Care & Research in May 2014, the author discusses how the risk/benefit profile of herbal cannabis is lower than all other pain-relieving drugs, including opioids.
The article also states there is little scientific evidence that cannabis can relieve pain specific to rheumatic conditions, and it discourages long-term marijuana use and smoking marijuana.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana?
While the use of marijuana as a treatment is still a matter of debate, there is general agreement that marijuana can relieve chronic pain symptoms. Medical marijuana as a pain reliever is most beneficial to the elderly, and it’s considered a safer alternative than opiates.
If someone has GERD, ulcers, or other kidney problems, medical marijuana can be used as a replacement for NSAIDs such as Advil. It also helps with nerve pain and multiple sclerosis.
People who use medical marijuana for medicinal purposes claim it makes their lives easier and they feel more relaxed. Patients with Parkinson’s disease report fewer tremors when using medical marijuana.
According to altitudeorganic.com, there are many uses for medical marijuana, including as a treatment for:
- Nausea
- Fibromyalgia
- Endometriosis
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Interstitial cystitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Muscle stiffness symptomatic of multiple sclerosis
- Weight loss
- Reducing anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
- Reducing inflammation
- Killing cancer cells and slowing tumor growth
Arthritis and Medical Marijuana: What Are the Guidelines?
There are few to no guidelines for people who have expressed an interest in treating their arthritis symptoms with CBD. Doctors and patients will decide together if CBD treatment is a viable treatment option.
Here is a guideline developed by the Arthritis Foundation on the use of CBD:
- Select a CBD product that has been tested thoroughly.
- CBD should not be used as the only treatment but in conjunction with pain management plans, non-medication treatment options, and psychological support.
- Choose oral CBD products over ones that you must smoke or inhale.
- Consult your doctor before seeking CBD treatment.
- Only your primary physician should determine your pain management plan.
Key Takeaway
Medical marijuana has long been proven effective in relieving pain symptoms. It is considered a safer alternative for pain relief as it has a lower risk-benefit ratio than other pain relief medications, particularly opioids. People can also use medical marijuana to treat various medical conditions and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. So, if ever you’re suffering from painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, you might want to consider using medical marijuana as a relief. However, patients must remember it should not be used alone without the consent of their doctors.
