Even though it has been widely used for years, researchers still don’t know that much about how marijuana affects the body. Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which limits the studies of its effects on humans that can be done. However, there is still substantial evidence that medical marijuana can provide relief from rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.
Medical Marijuana and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system begins to attack your body’s tissues, causing inflammation in the lining of your joints. This causes your joints to become swollen, stiff, and painful. Research has found that medical marijuana can help reduce inflammation and relieve some of the pain associated with RA, particularly pain felt in the morning. It can also help improve sleep, although it doesn’t seem to help with joint stiffness.
Marijuana contains more than 100 chemicals that can affect the body. The two that researchers know the most about are THC and CBD. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical that produces the euphoric high that people feel when they use marijuana. CBD, or cannabidiol, is similar to THC except that it doesn’t produce a high or affect the brain in the same way as THC. Both substances seem to help with pain relief and inflammation associated with RA, but many patients who don’t like or want the effects of THC opt for CBD instead.
Deciding if Medical Marijuana is Right for You
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and believe that medical marijuana could help relieve your symptoms, your best course of action is to speak with your doctor. They can tell you about the legal status of marijuana in your state, possible side effects, possible drug interactions, and anything else you will need to know. No treatment is 100 percent safe for everyone, so your doctor will need to complete a full assessment of your physical and mental health before referring you to a medical marijuana clinic. Those who are not suitable candidates for medical marijuana include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those with certain medical and psychiatric conditions.
Medical marijuana is typically a third-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, which means that doctors will usually recommend other treatments first. If medical marijuana is recommended, most patients start with pure CBD since it doesn’t have the intoxicating effects of THC. Small amounts of THC may be added as needed.
It’s also important to remember that medical marijuana will only relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It will not slow down its progression and should not be used as a substitute for other arthritis medications and treatments.
Although there is still much that doctors don’t know about the effects of marijuana on the body, studies have shown that it may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions. It isn’t for everyone, so speak with your doctor if you believe that it could be right for you. They will help you determine the correct dosage and treatment to relieve your symptoms.