Arthritis and Cannabis

[1nd3cEnt]

Can You Use Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain?

The cannabis plant contains more than 540 chemicals, including more than 100 active chemicals known as cannabinoids that are only found in the world in the cannabis plant. The two most abundant cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Products that contain significant...

420intel.com

Many people anecdotally report cannabis helping them manage their arthritis pain, but most of the scientific evidence so far comes from animal or lab studies. Although cannabis can’t cure arthritis, it may help reduce some of the symptoms. According to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source, there are few high-quality studies showing its effectiveness in humans for joint diseases.

The cannabinoid CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that may potentially reduce arthritis pain. The exact mechanism of CBD’s action in the body isn’t clear, but a 2020 studyTrusted Source found evidence that CBD reduces the production of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, molecules that contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

 

[Cheebsy]

My better half suffers from arthritis, amongst some other ailments, and finds a THC edibles touch parts of the pain that cannot be touched with the conventional medication she has tried up to this point. We haven't tried CBD since her diagnosis but we really should!

 

[kurt6652]

Degenerated discs in my lower back and arthritis are what got me vaping cannabis. My life has greatly improved and I am more active.
I am 53 and a for me cannabis has been a godsend.

 

[arb]

Absolutely helps with the physical and mental pain.

 

[1nd3cEnt]

Joints for joints: cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis - PubMed

Cannabinoids might be a suitable treatment for RA, but it is important to target the right receptors in the right place. For clinical studies, we propose a combination of a CB2 agonist to decrease cytokine production, a peripheral CB1 antagonist to prevent detrimental CB1 signaling and to...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory effects by activating CB2 receptors, and because CB1 receptor activation causes inflammation CB1 antagonism also provides anti-inflammatory effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates anti-arthritic effects by targeting CBD-sensitive non-cannabinoid receptors.

 

[chimpybits]

PEA: Anti-inflammatory Superstar
Sometimes referred to as “the endogenous version of CBD,” PEA is a powerhouse against inflammation and pain. Like CBD, PEA increases the levels of endocannabinoids and strengthens the endocannabinoid system. And, again like CBD, a constant theme in the scientific literature about PEA is its incredibly strong safety profile.

 

[Curious Gorilla]

The cannabinoid CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that may potentially reduce arthritis pain. The exact mechanism of CBD’s action in the body isn’t clear, but a 2020 studyTrusted Source found evidence that CBD reduces the production of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, molecules that contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

Possibly i should increase my CBD intake, thankyou.
Although, THC is also an anti inflamatory, works to prevent pro inflamatory prostaglandins through reducing Arachidonic acid production, amongst other actions . possibly. (had a quick look but couldnt find the exact article i remember.) A good amount of THC definately improves painkilling and anti inflamatory effects over CBD alone, or with too little THC.
And i like it. Helps with joint pain and muscle spasms, the anti inflammatory effects of vapourising Flower help get me moving in the morning. And through the day. That and coffee...

 

[cosimo]

what about CBD oinments or sprays? dos CBD work externally or just if cosnumed orally?

 

[Curious Gorilla]

MOD, Please delete.

 

[Curious Gorilla]

what about CBD oinments or sprays? dos CBD work externally or just if cosnumed orally?

Inhalation gives the best bioavailability for thc and cbd. Over double what you can get orally. So better effect for less money, and more controllable with varying pain levels.
Unless you mainline it, but i dont think you can inject thc into you veins, and it would be bad for your vasculature.
Re. CBD oinments or sprays, Not yet tried it myself but I have been told by several people i know(in The Real) that topical application of CBD (directly on the skin) works well .

And i like my glassware. I would like to aquire a pointlessly large collection of varying dab rigs. Damn stuff is always sold out when ive got any spare money, and any spare money always gets childrened. Need less pain to earn more money for more baller vapes, rubies Sic and dab rigs.
And more children.
AHHRGG, Dont hurt me Mrs Gorilla, it was just a suggestion!!!!!
So far Marijuanna is the only anti inflamatory that works without detrimental side effects, apart from the holes in my pockets. i hate tooth ache.
There is very little withdrawal and having used it for pain for 20 years(im over half a century old) pretty much pure cannabis joints for 3 years,vaped it for 1, had a heart scan 10 years after an MI caused me need resusitation in a cath lab, an MRI scan of my chest showed an improvement over the last 10 years.
My cholesterol(actualy they measure lipoprotiens, the LDL & HDL that transport cholesterol and triglycerides) has always been good and i stopped all statins after a few months having cut them by 3/4 after 2 weeks. This does not represent medical advice, but for me statins really increased my joint pain and seemed to accelerate my arthritis symptoms.
i hate tooth ache.
There are links between heart problems and arthritis, (also links to gum health,i hate tooth ache) bacterial biofilms amongst others (but doctors dont like talking about those) but inflamation is now understood to be a major problem for heart health, so not only does using cannabis help with arthritic inflamation and chronic pain but seems to help protect the heart too,on a few levels(stress reduction anyone? Try getting heart specialists to admit chronic pain causes stress on the body)
One possible dowside from thc could be endothelial disfunction, but i believe cbd can somewhat counter this, and there is a specific compound in Miso Soup that helps combat this too. Will try find links to it later. fingers hurt now. i hate tooth ache.At least the tooth is gone now.

 

[Grass Yes]

what about CBD oinments or sprays? dos CBD work externally or just if cosnumed orally?

I used a couple of different high CBD, low THC cremes from the local cannabis shops. The work extremely well for my back and for some RSI related hand pain. Better than Ibuprofen, which also works.

Depending on the strain and the amount that I consume, vaping can sometimes make me more aware of my pain. Maybe that's just me, or in my imagination.

 

[Curious Gorilla]

I used a couple of different high CBD, low THC cremes from the local cannabis shops. The work extremely well for my back and for some RSI related hand pain. Better than Ibuprofen, which also works.

Depending on the strain and the amount that I consume, vaping can sometimes make me more aware of my pain. Maybe that's just me, or in my imagination.

Certain types of pain, (like tooth ache) or particularly high levels of pain(kidney stones anyone?) or if you have just broken your hip or leg it seems to make me focus on it more, thats when i will use Dihydracodien or Oramorph(opiates).
Definately agree some types work better on pain and inflamation, some more on pain, some are better at sleep inducing than others, but decarboxylate anything till enough CBD is formed and it helps sleep .
Some are superb anti inflamatory but shorter acting (Cinderella-99, or C-99 is one, when i been able to find it, smells and tasted like grapefruit and pineapple, its one of my favourites)

 

[Curious Gorilla]

decarboxylate anything till enough CBD is formed and it helps sleep .

I Got that wrong should have been "decarboxylate anything till enough CBN is formed and it helps sleep."
THC and CBD are the keys to CB1(thc) and CB2(cbd), terpenes are what waft through the door they open, allowing them to operate at fuller potential, as i understand it. The video of Dr Jake Felice explaines it nicely. If experts in UK clinics had his level of knowledge and understanding they might have more patients.
An enlightning and enjoyable 23:48 minutes of useful info on terpenes, incase no one has seen it. I like +1.25 playback speed.

aND The Lord Dr Felice Decread We Shall Partake of the Good Stuff.
bUT the king emperor Palpatine of CuraLeech tried to sell everyone sh#t.
And so the great exodus from the medical clinics began, yet lo, there was hardley any medicaly prescribed patients to Exode..... And the gods of the greedy and the stocks and shares was angry.....

 

[Curious Gorilla]

Further Harder Evidence to add to the growing knowledge base they would like to ignore. Interesting study, from 4 years ago.

The cannabinoid CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that may potentially reduce arthritis pain.

The cannabinoids in cannabis DO 100% have anti-inflamatory effects and it absolutely proveably reduces pain and arthritic symtoms. Also neuropathy and other pain. I had to stop vapourising for 10 days after a tooth extraction. started again 3 or 4 days ago.
It may not work completely for tooth pain (did take other painkillers so can compare), but movement in the AM after waking in pain, my joints feel WAY easier and more comfortable after a good vaped bowl of herb and some coffee to potentise it (I like my abv close to thecolour of my coffee,black but not combusted), and the added tension in my muscles eases, and I get less muscle spasms after trying to do anything with my hands, or anything else, gets bad in winter.
I would be lost without it. Constant opiates and paracetemol are not an option. I Cant take Non Steroidal Anti-Inflamatorys apart from aspirin. And not too much of that because of blood thinners.
Marijuana has very few detrimental side effects compared too any drug it could be used instead of. That is a growing list.

it may help reduce some of the symptoms.

All medical data comes from patients. I believe 100% of people who use it for pain,inflamation (and its many other medical applications) KNOW this to be true. If they were enroled in a medical trial or study for big pharma that would be called data. As it is they call both recent and hundreds maybe coupple of thousand of years of evidence as 'Anecdotal evidence' so it can be more easily dismised, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and i cant hear the sound of an oncominig train.
Ginger is also anti inflamatory, so gingercake with nutella spread on it may be good for you.....
Arthritis is greatly helped by Marijuanna on many levels, it has a very long history of medicinal use, the rest of the plant seperate from the flowers is useful (rope, cloth, oils, plastics ect ect) if it was available on the NHS people would happily pay for their prescription to be filled, and it could help fund the NHS but the the UK National Health Service dances to big pharmas 's tune.

The exact mechanism of CBD’s action in the body isn’t clear,

This is also said about gabbapentin and pre-gabalin, (amongst others) they are not painkillers but theve been trying to convince people they are, have possibly worse side effects and are more addictive than opiates - you cant just stop gabbapentin and go cold turky to come off them, its not safe, you have to titrate down a little at a time, and they have no idea how they work,but say take em anyway. As it was explained to me several times while i refused them, pointing out the above.Everyone I know who has taken them stopped due to side effects far outweighing any beneficial effect.
Sorry, realised im probably repeating myself. Hard to know what day it is without checking at the moment..... wheres my rig gone...

 

[Haze Mister]

but most of the scientific evidence so far comes from animal or lab studies. Although cannabis can’t cure arthritis, it may help reduce some of the symptoms. According to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source, there are few high-quality studies showing its effectiveness in humans for joint diseases.

None of these sources are as valid as many people here think. "Scientific evidence" is not objective- it is loaded with agendas and vested interests. Basically- with enough money you can buy it or fake it, and use it for your purposes. The pharmaceutical industry are REALLY familiar with this. When you see the formulaic statement "there is no evidence that this is effective" issued by the media or big "science" organisations, it generally means "this is not profitable to us or is against our monopoly interests".

 

[Polarbearboy]

I'm 74.9(75 this month) with serious arthritis, especially in my hands and feet and also my back, and related oft times persistent neuropathy. Best med for spot arthritis pain is diclofenec, aka Voltaren, a topical ointment. Since I spend part of the year in Canada, I get over the counter Double Strength Voltaren, which is almost amazingly effective and much less problematic for the stomach than the fist fulls of ibuprofen and other NAISD pills that I used to take. I'm not so sure that marginal medicinal effects of THC and/or CBD really make a difference in pain levels. But after a puff or three of good flower or concentrate, my mind wanders away from the pain, often for hours, and I don't need any pain control medication.

 

[Curious Gorilla]

I'm 74.9(75 this month) with serious arthritis, especially in my hands and feet and also my back, and related oft times persistent neuropathy. Best med for spot arthritis pain is diclofenec, aka Voltaren, a topical ointment. Since I spend part of the year in Canada, I get over the counter Double Strength Voltaren, which is almost amazingly effective and much less problematic for the stomach than the fist fulls of ibuprofen and other NAISD pills that I used to take. I'm not so sure that marginal medicinal effects of THC and/or CBD really make a difference in pain levels. But after a puff or three of good flower or concentrate, my mind wanders away from the pain, often for hours, and I don't need any pain control medication.

Neuropathy is wearing, a lovely variation of burning and sometimes stabbing pain, combined with numbness. Not sure if its responsible for muscle spasms too or not. At least in part.
I find evening primrose oil helps with neuropathy (dont need it for period pain, got the wrong tackle).
1000mg a day helps me significantly over time, but i take breaks periodicaly. I started off on 500 a day. Have a look into it online, diabetic websites are a good place to look(im type 1). There is some evidence for this.
Naproxen is a weaker version of voltarol, Declofenac is not great for the stomache and not great for the heart particularly taken long term(in my experience) . But then niether is chronic pain.
With Cannabis i find i need a high enough amount in my system to do the job, so microdosing frequently with a proper heavey hitting desktop works best without getting me trashed. I use 0.05 or less per bowl at higher temps for a full extraction, no combustion. Portables dont really cut it for me(cant afford a tinymigh2 to see if it matches up but reports from FC denzienze are glowing). I like baller heads, but there is "the very hot object" issue, my hands can give me greif but im used to tools and hot things, or i would be more wary.
Cannabis more then matches up to codiene in my experience, but not quite upto dihydrocodiene for toothache. Ibuprofen too works for toothach, but is last ditch for me.
Cannabis was as useful as dihydrocodiene for a fractured leg and 1.5 inches of flesh removed from the shinbone, mainly used Cannabis from when it happened, but it does work in a different way. (I have a few different options up to a small bottle of Oral Morphine in my cupboard, but only use that for kidneystones.)
As an anti inflamatory, GOOD medical cannabis can get my joints moving in the morning. Lets me straighten my hands out after a good bowl or two and a coffee. Have used it as an anti imflammatory since having an M.I. as i cant use N.S.A.I.D.s without consequences.
And NSAIDs make you feel like SH17. Marijuanna makes you feel good. That is a seperate beneficial effect all in itself, as well as all the other beneficial effects.

 

[Curious Gorilla]

I'm 74.9(75 this month) with serious arthritis, especially in my hands and feet and also my back, and related oft times persistent neuropathy. Best med for spot arthritis pain is diclofenec, aka Voltaren, a topical ointment. Since I spend part of the year in Canada, I get over the counter Double Strength Voltaren, which is almost amazingly effective and much less problematic for the stomach than the fist fulls of ibuprofen and other NAISD pills that I used to take. I'm not so sure that marginal medicinal effects of THC and/or CBD really make a difference in pain levels. But after a puff or three of good flower or concentrate, my mind wanders away from the pain, often for hours, and I don't need any pain control medication.

I find Lots of Black Pepper helps with inflamation, and allows a higher dose of flower to be used as the beta caryophyllene in pepper counteracts thcs 'high' in a simular way CBD does, it works on the CB2 receptor, if research and memory are correct.
And black pepper is very tasty. Especialy on pancakes with butter and maple syrup. And bacon. Although that is possibly the least anti inflamatory way to eat pepper i can think off. No good for a diabetic either. But Very Good For The Soul.
I also find the 80's fashion for leg warmers very usefull for my ankles(get arthritus there too) and lower leg muscle spasms when its cold, or bad. And I almost always wear two pairs of trousers, jogging bottoms under loose combat trousers. Sometimes with longJohns too.
1 of My current pairs is purple. They belonged to mrs gorilla. She is still wondering where they went....

 

[Radwin Bodnic]

I have back pain since I am 10 years old. I am not 30 yet but I just have been diagnosed with cervical uncodiscarthrosis and bilateral foramina stenosis, both causing crevico-brachial neuralgia… And this is not because of a lack of physical activity. Even though when I was very active (like more than 10 hours of effective slacklining and climbing a week) I had almost no pain.

I really don't want to use corticosteroids and I really hope to avoid neck surgery. For the moment, an unknown and unexpected strain of cannabis has proven to be really helpful.

 

[Pantherburn]

My wife is a new medical marijuana patient and suffers from arthritis pain and bursa pain on her hips. How do you decode what strains are best for relieving this type of pain? I hate to just rely on the budtender’s advice. I’m not saying they aren’t knowledgeable, I just like to do my own research as well.

 

[Cheebsy]

My wife is a new medical marijuana patient and suffers from arthritis pain and bursa pain on her hips. How do you decode what strains are best for relieving this type of pain? I hate to just rely on the budtender’s advice. I’m not saying they aren’t knowledgeable, I just like to do my own research as well.

Try some, keep trying new strains. Keep notes and you'll get the idea of what works best for your missus. This is a very individual thing and something that unfortunately would have to figure out by trial and error. Not only strains but method of ingestion too.

 

[Pantherburn]

Try some, keep trying new strains. Keep notes and you'll get the idea of what works best for your missus. This is a very individual thing and something that unfortunately would have to figure out by trial and error. Not only strains but method of ingestion too.

Thanks! This may turn out to be an expensive undertaking! Hopefully someone can offer some anecdotal suggestions here as well. I will post our findings.

 

[Cheebsy]

Well, on a really bad day my missus likes a strong indica edible. I make most of our edibles from Indica but it does tend to knock you out, that might be good! I like a do si dos myself.

Honestly though, it really is a very personal thing. Don't worry though, it's not like you'll be too disappointed with whatever you choose, just don't stick to one thing until you find the absolute best for your wife, she'll know when she finds it

 

[Pantherburn]

Thanks Cheebsy, the indica gummies have been her go to so far!

 

[Curious Gorilla]

My wife is a new medical marijuana patient and suffers from arthritis pain and bursa pain on her hips. How do you decode what strains are best for relieving this type of pain? I hate to just rely on the budtender’s advice. I’m not saying they aren’t knowledgeable, I just like to do my own research as well.

Hello and welcome.
I have arthritis in my feet, ankles, hips rib cage, elbows, had adhesive capsulitis so my shoulders never realy unseized and worst now my hands. Playing guitar is agony sometimes, and working with my hands is getting harder. Cannabis really does help me. Its 4.am and im up again, need coffee. And Cannabis.
I find citrus type smells,lemonene and pinene, help with inflamation,and if it tastes sweet it seems to help more with mood too.
My personal favourite is sweet grapefruit/pinapple smelling/tasting stuff, would be using C-99 , or Cinderella-99 f i could get it anymore, not had any for a long while.
Not fond of diesel smell, but diesel varieties are good for antiimflamatory stuff too, and i find help with nausea(from meds?)
Reasearching terpenes can help give you an idea of where to start, maybe try some older style simpler genetics.
I would stay away from very high THC strains, as i have found that the more THC the less other compounds, to the point where most high THC flower i have tried tastes a little off. CBD is also needed for best annti-imflamatory effects, THC opertates on the CB1 receptor, CBD operates on the CB2 receptors, allowing the terpenes to have greater effect. (to my understanding).
Vapourising will give the most active compounds vs any other method, (upto 40% more i read somewhere) but if she is new to Cannabis she may prefer other methods.
Another difference between vaping vs edibles is that once edibles are in your system they are active for longer, the effects of vaping wear off slightly quicker but can feel more controllable for higher doses. Edibles can be harder to dose initialy.(I found)
As Cheebsy said, its a personal thing, so if you can smell the bud first, that can help decide. Also try go for something with a little higher CBD/THC ratio first, the CBD can help balance the phycoactive effects of THC. Good for morning and daytime use.
THCV can also do this, and has its own benefits. I believe THCV helps regulate my blood sugars(type 1 diabetic) but selecting for THCV takes some knowledge and trial and error. unless theres lab results on it.
When i wake up, several times a night, and can barley move because ny joints are siezed up, vapourising a big bowl through a water pipe and a fresh black coffee gets them mobile and in less pain. Means my rib cage can move enough for me to breath without too much pain.
Cannabis really does work, take time, start on low doses, try different types.
If she goes the route of vaporising, do not be afraid of higher temperatures. Combustion does not really happen till way past 220c, and there are alot of useful compounds released at higher temps. Sometimes increasing temperatures can reduce harshness from terpenes.
varieties i have found particularly good for arthitis, and would have again in a minute if i could get them--
C-99
Stardawg.
Candy Cream/Cream caramel
Mexican Airliner
White Rusian/Siberian
Jack Herer(or related strains)
Cookies strains.(currently French Cookies)
Blueberry strains are tasty too.
Enjoying it is an important part of the medicine too.
Also, she could try Tumeric capsules, i take them most days. seem to help me as an anti-imflamatory. And a kg + of magnesium sulphate (epsom salts) in a hot bath. I have at least a 5 kg a week magnesium habit.