Does Cannabis for Rheumatoid Arthritis work?
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
According to the arthritis foundation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. About 1.5 million people in the U.S. between the ages of 30 and 60 suffer from RA. Additionally; it’s nearly three times as common in women than men.
Medical Cannabis for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
The medical consensus among RA experts is that conventional treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs is the best course of action to decrease the risk of long-term joint damage and complications from RA. Preliminary studies, however, point to the possible efficacy of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a complement to conventional treatment.
Effects of Medical Marijuana on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Many years of anecdotal evidence point to cannabis as having the potential to be a powerful analgesic. Medical studies that have been conducted, have led to medical marijuana programs in the United States (including The Commonwealth) to list chronic pain and degenerative arthritis as qualifying symptoms. Along with helping to manage pain, medical marijuana may offer RA patients relief in several ways:
- Anti-inflammatory – Unusually high levels of CB2 receptors are found in RA patients. Cannabis (particularly CBD) can fight inflammation by activating the pathways of these receptors.
- Immunomodulatory – Preliminary evidence shows that cannabis may enhance the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to a strengthened immune system and, potentially, relief for those suffering from MS, allergies and RA.
- Sleep – Sleep is necessary for health and recovery. The chronic pain of RA can make sleep extremely difficult. Medicating with cannabis (especially Indica strains) at night can encourage heavy sleep.
Visit Revolutionary Clinics for All of Your Medical Marijuana Needs
At Revolutionary Clinics, we’re always on top of the latest breakthroughs in medical marijuana research. Come in to register as an MMJ patient with us. While you’re here, don’t forget to chat with our staff about the latest news relating to medical cannabis in Massachusetts.
I have severe arthritis in my lower back but my current doctor refuses to give me a medical card.
Do you sell for recreational use for adults?
Hi there, Rev Clinics is not currently licensed for Recreation sales. If you live in Massachusetts you can apply for a medical marijuana card via the DPH, and get an appointment with a doctor that is certified for the MA MMJ program. I would search “cannabis doctor Massachusetts”, and find the caregiver closet to where you live and setup an appointment.
You can also find more information here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/register-as-a-patient-with-the-medical-use-of-marijuana-program
My Mother has R.A.and Her doctor will not give her a midiseanal card for medical marijuana, none of the man made pills and prescription has helped with her pain can you please help me notify anyone who can help with getting her a MD
card or MMpills for her pain
Only doctors that are licensed with the State can provide patients with paper work to receive an MMJ card from the State. It should be very possible for your mother to get her card. Go to this website and follow the instructions and you should be all set. https://www.compassionforpatients.com/patients#become_a_patient
Is cannabis treatment safe for elderly arthritis patients?