Medical Cannabis for Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Fairly common yet widely misunderstood, arthritis is a blanket term for joint inflammation and is classified as a rheumatic condition. With more than 100 types of arthritis, it’s a leading cause of disability across the world and occurs most commonly in women and more frequently as people age.
From pain to stiffness and decreased range of motion, the symptoms of arthritis stretch far and wide. Perhaps the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis with other forms like gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following closely.
In general, rheumatic conditions involve symptoms of pain, aching, stiffness and swelling around the joints, and according to Global RA Network, it affects more than 350 million people across the globe.
As most of us know, there is no cure for arthritis, but patients can manage their condition, and one such “management tool” is the use of medical cannabis to treat arthritis.
Medical Cannabis and Arthritis
One of the main health benefits of medical cannabis for arthritis is its possible ability to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There is also evidence pointing towards the fact that medical cannabis for arthritis might help relieve long-term pain which is a major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
Out of the hundreds of chemicals found inside the Cannabis sativa plant, THC and CBD are perhaps the two most widely studied compounds. Some studies indicate that people suffering rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis might benefit from the use of medical cannabis for arthritis.
The body’s endocannabinoid system has two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The majority of our CB1 receptors are associated with cognitive actions pertaining to coordination like memory, mood, appetite and thinking. The CB2 receptors, on the other hand, live in the immune system, making them responsible for how your body responds to inflammation and pain.
While THC attaches to CB1 receptors, CBD just impacts CB2 receptors and does not attach to the receptor. Instead it entices the body to produce more of its own cannabinoids, creating a positive effect on the body’s pain inflammation responses.
How Can Medical Cannabis Help Treat Arthritis?
One primary benefit of CBD oil or cannabis cream for arthritis patients is its positive effect on pain. According to the journal Pain, analyzing cannabis and arthritis, indicated that it could prevent joint neuropathy, decrease joint inflammation and serve as a protective layer to the nerves.
Another study published in the Therapeutic and Clinical Risk Management report even indicated that cannabinoids might be helpful with easing pain for people that suffer from conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer.
Healthcare practitioners can authorize medical cannabis for arthritis in a variety of forms including capsules, oils, topical creams, edibles and many others. Regardless of whether its cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis cannabis products, these products can help you manage the pain and inflammation associated with your condition.
How to Get Medical Cannabis for Arthritis
Our team of professionals work hard to ensure that patients are guided and educated on the use of medical cannabis. You will receive an assessment, and if eligible, your healthcare provider will issue you with a medical document (i.e. prescription) best suited to your needs.
Canadian Cannabis Clinics offer consultations both in their clinics and through their virtual appointment service. Virtual appointments are conducted through a secure and private video call with a healthcare practitioner and medical cannabis educator.
Virtual Appointment
Appointment is online through a secure and private video call.
Clinic Appointment
Appointment is in one of our clinics across Canada.