Does Medical Marijuana Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Does Medical Marijuana Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Does Cannabis Relieve Arthritis Pain? from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Medical Marijuana and arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. How much an individual suffers with arthritis varies, it can affect one joint or multiple joints and there are more than 100 known types of arthritis all with different causes and treatment methods.

Arthritis is a condition that generally develops over time and is most common in adults over 65, however it can appear suddenly and in people of any age. The common symptoms are joint pain, stiffness and swelling which can decrease the range of motion of a sufferer. Some people with the condition also feel tired or experience loss of appetite, however pain is one of the most commonly cited issues with those who have arthritis, with patients often looking for relief from the pain arthritis causes.

There are a number of different treatments available for those diagnosed with arthritis with the main goal being to reduce the amount of pain being experienced while ensuring that as much joint function as possible is maintained. Treatments include a variety of different medications, the use of mobility assistance devices, heat pads, ice and in some cases medical cannabis. As every individual suffers differently with arthritis sometimes multiple treatments need to be tried before an individual will find one that works well for them.

Medical marijuana is still being studied by medical professionals, and studies are continually discovering new ways that it could be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical medication. One such use of medical marijuana is to help relieve the pain associated with Arthritis.

Can Medical Marijuana help relieve arthritis?

Research on medical marijuana suggests that it could be an option to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis, particularly pain. Cannabinoids have been known to help relieve chronic pain conditions such as cancer and neuropathic pain, and therefore it is worth considering that it could help with arthritic pain too.

One study published in the September-October 2009 issue of the Journal of Opioid Management found among medicinal marijuana users in Canada, 65 percent said they use medicinal marijuana for severe arthritis.

Research into medical cannabis still has some way to go to being fully conclusive, and therefore there are some physicians and scientists who suggest applying caution when using medical cannabis to relieve arthritis, as there isn’t enough scientific evidence that it helps chronic pain in rheumatic diseases in the same way as it does with other chronic pain conditions. However evidence showing it does relieve chronic pain is in abundance with studies showing that THC, an active ingredient in cannabis effectively treats chronic pain.

For someone suffering with arthritis medical marijuana is definitely an option worth considering. However as with all changes to medication it is suggested that you discuss it with your doctor so you can determine if it’s a treatment therapy they would recommend for you.

What types of Medical Marijuana are available?

Cannabinoids stop the transmission of pain and decrease inflammation and that will help relieve the pain of arthritis. When you decide to use medical marijuana you need to consider the strain that will suit your health needs best. Each different strain of medical weed will have its own unique effects, so it’s worth doing your research and consulting with a physician or dispensary.

Whether you’re looking for one simply for pain relief, to help with fatigue or to give you a boost in mood there will be a strain that’s suitable for you.

Is there a best way to take Medical Marijuana for treatment?

There is no best way for you to take medical cannabis for your treatment, it really depends on you, your symptoms, how you react to using medical marijuana and how you prefer to take it.

Common methods used include smoking, vaping, edibles, topicals such as lotions and balms or by taking pure CBD through using oils, and pills.

Some of these may work better than others for you, and the best thing to do is likely to be to try out different products and work with your doctor to find the one that will work best for you.

Are there any side effects of Medical Marijuana?

As with most treatment options as well as the benefits medical weed also has some potential side effects for patients. As with other treatment options side effects will vary from person to person and what might be a bad side effect for one person – e.g. becoming sleepy, may be a benefit for another person who is looking to use it to help them with insomnia.

Some side effects of medical marijuana are:

Hunger – Medical marijuana can cause you to eat more.

Drowsiness – If you are using a strain high in CBD it can make you sleepy, which depending on your reason for taking medical marijuana may be an advantage or disadvantage.

Insomnia – If you are using Sativa strains with high THC levels you may experience insomnia.

Red eyes – Although this will have no negative impact on health it can make users self-conscious that people will know they have been taking marijuana.

Respiratory problems – If you’re smoking or vaping there may be a risk of respiratory issues.

Thirst/dry mouth – You may experience higher thirst levels than user while taking medical marijuana

Short term memory loss – When your medical cannabis is in full effect you may feel a little more forgetful.

How can I begin Medical Marijuana treatment?

If you’re interested in trying medical marijuana as a treatment for your arthritis after learning about the potential benefits then it’s simple and easy to try it out.

In Canada Health Canada approved the use of cannabis as a legal medicine since 2001 and there are 35 Health Canada regulated Licensed Producers (LP) who sell it to Canadians. In order to possess and use medical cannabis you must be authorized by a regulated healthcare provider to have it as a medical treatment.

In order to qualify for a medical marijuana license in Canada you must be at least 18 years of age (or have assistance from your parents), and authorization from a physician. A physician can authorize your medical cannabis prescription for up to one year and you will receive proof of your prescription from the LP, which you should keep with your as a support document to prove that you are eligible to be in possession of marijuana.

Discussing this with a knowledgeable doctor is also important to ensure that you get the best out of your treatment plan. A trained doctor with experience in medical marijuana will be able to help suggest the right strains for you and advice on the right options for you based on the type of arthritis you have.

How can I get a Medical Marijuana card?

Getting a medical marijuana card is a very simple process and it is even possible to access a prescription for medical marijuana online.

Websites such as Namaste MD make it as easy as 3 simple steps to get your medical marijuana license that will allow you to get medical marijuana from one of the Health Canada regulated Licensed Producers as soon as the same day.

They guarantee that you have never experienced a medical service as practical, simple and fast and at no cost to you. You simply need to follow these steps:

Fill out an online application form – The application form will ask you for some basic personal information such as your email, phone number and information on any existing medical conditions you may have.
Online consultation – You will need to go to an online consultation with a nurse practitioner. They will ask you a few standard questions regarding your request for a medical cannabis prescription and based on your answers determine what their recommendation should be.
Get your recommendation – If the nurse practitioner approves your request and recommends that medical marijuana is a suitable treatment then your prescription will be transferred to your LP the same day. The average prescription at Namaste MD lasts for one year.

Medical marijuana can be a great option to help relieve the symptoms associated with arthritis. With the variety of strains of medical cannabis available and a host of ways to take it many patients find it a successful way to manage their relieve symptoms, particularly pain.

Does Cannabis Relieve Arthritis Pain? from CannabisNet on Vimeo.