30 Mar Attention Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Why is rheumatoid arthritis a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use? Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that has no cure but requires management. Medical marijuana offers a solution that other medications cannot produce without unwanted side effects. Cannabis is an all-natural treatment that has been shown to improve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Marijuana acts as an anti-inflammatory to relieve inflamed joints. Prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) generally have risky side effects including internal bleeding, hypertension, stroke, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems. Medical marijuana does not have such scary side effect. In fact, marijuana is one of the safest forms of pain and inflammation relief that it can even be taken alongside some prescriptions.[1] Marijuana can typically be used solely or in combination with other pain killers, allowing patients to reduce or replace dangerous pain medication.

Marijuana’s Effect on RA

Rheumatoid arthritis, like other autoimmune disorders, is caused by the failure of endocannabinoids in our body. Our body is able to accept cannabinoids (from marijuana) in place of our own failed endocannabinoids. This process happens through CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are our prime neurotransmitters. CB1 receptors regulate pain, coordination, and brain function while CB2 receptors influence immune response such as inflammation. These receptors are able to bind with cannabis compounds THC and CBD. THC interacts with brain to lower the level of pain you are feeling, while CBD targets inflamed joints and helps you to sleep.

While marijuana is not a cure-all, it can help alleviate many of the symptoms RA patients suffer from. Talk to your doctor to see if medical marijuana could be a good fit for your condition.

Recommended Strains for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

 Joint Pain

Canna Tsu

Gorilla Glue 4

Sleep

Blue Dream

Granddaddy Purple

[1] Please consult your doctor before you mix substances as this can lead to complications.