Over 100 of the 540 distinct compounds found in the cannabis plant are cannabinoids, which are active compounds. The two most prevalent cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) (CBD). Products with high THC content are sometimes referred to as “marijuana.” The article utilizes the accurate scientific term “cannabis” throughout to refer to anything manufactured from the cannabis plant.
Although there are anecdotal accounts of cannabis users experiencing relief from arthritic pain, the vast majority of scientific evidence to date comes from studies conducted on animals or in laboratories.
The medicinal potential of cannabis in the management of pain and other conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders is still being studied. Read on as we examine the most recent research on the relationship between medical cannabis and arthritis if you’re feeling pain from arthritis. We also discuss the most effective cannabis usage practices and any possible side effects.
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An Explanation of Marijuana for Medical Use.
The use of cannabis or cannabis-related products for medicinal purposes is referred to as “medical cannabis” for the purposes of this definition. Cannabis is used to treat a variety of medical ailments, including chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep issues.
The FDA has not yet approved the use of cannabis to treat any of these illnesses, despite the fact that it has demonstrated promise in the treatment of a number of medical conditions.
Many medical cannabis patients utilize CBD or other cannabis-based medications with very low THC levels. Although THC has therapeutic use, it also has a strong intoxication potential, which is why marijuana is used recreationally. The only CBD medicine currently approved by the FDA to treat a particular medical condition is Epidolex (source: Trusted Source).
For the treatment of two incredibly rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, it has received a license. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted dronabinol, a synthetic THC contained in Marinol and Syndrol, a license to treat nausea and vomiting brought on by cancer chemotherapy as well as to stop weight loss in AIDS patients.
Marijuana as A Medicine.
Patients in jurisdictions where the drug is allowed may buy and possess cannabis with a prescription from a doctor and a medicinal cannabis card. For instance, medical marijuana is permitted in California to treat the following signs and symptoms:
- Aids
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- The Ache that Lasts for A Long Time
- Glaucoma
- Migraine
- Contractions in The Muscles, Such as Those Brought on By Multiple Sclerosis
- Seizures
- Nausea and Vomiting of A Severe Nature, Such as That Caused by Chemotherapy
- A Dramatic Decrease in Body Weight
- An Illness Characterized by Rapid Weight Loss.
Also: Cannabis. A dangerous drug or universal plant?
Does Cannabis Aid in Pain Relief from Arthritis?
There is no evidence that medical marijuana would treat arthritis, and the Federal Trade Commission and FDA Trusted Source has issued warning letters to cannabis businesses that make such claims. Cannabis Has Been Proven to Reduce Some Pain in Arthritic Patients, but It Won’t Take All of Their Pain Away.
Limited High-Quality Research Showing Its Efficacy in Humans for Joint Disorders, According to a 2020 Review Reliable Source. Animal studies and anecdotal evidence primarily support the claim that cannabis can reduce arthritis pain.
CBD, a cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory properties, has the potential to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Despite the fact that the exact mechanism by which CBD exerts its effects on the body is still unknown, a study conducted in 2020 (reliable source) found that CBD inhibits the formation of synovial fibroblasts, molecules that aid in the degeneration of cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis.
How Can Cannabis Oil Aid in Pain Relief from Arthritis?
Cannabis can be consumed orally, smoked, or used topically. There is a large selection of cannabis products available, including:
- Capsules & Pills
- Edibles
- Oil and Tincture
- Lotions & Creams
- Vapes
- Connected and Uncut
There are sadly few studies comparing various pain relief techniques. A 2013 small-scale study compared the effectiveness of smoking cannabis containing 3.56 percent THC to taking 20 mg of synthetic THC orally for pain relief.
They found that both medications reduced pain sensitivity when compared to a placebo, while the effects of oral dronabinol lasted significantly longer.
It’s advised to ease into the use of cannabis products gradually to prevent unpleasant side effects. You Might Need to Wait a Few Hours for the Full Effects to Start If You Want to Consume Cannabis Orally.