Chronic pain is a health problem affecting many people, especially adults. Some medications don’t work well for everyone and can have risks. That’s why more people are turning to medicinal cannabis as a natural alternative to medications. The demand for cannabis continuously increases, with lots of weed delivery North Vancouver and other cities going around places.
Good thing – there are scientific studies suggesting medical cannabis as a key to arthritis relief. In a 2021 study, medicinal cannabis helped relieve pain and enhance sleep quality for patients with various issues seen at rheumatology clinics. But besides this claim, what more other studies can prove? Let’s find out!
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, approximately one out of every five adults has received a doctor’s diagnosis of arthritis. It causes inflammation and joint pains, making everyday tasks challenging. The common arthritis types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
| Osteoarthritis | This type of arthritis happens whenever the protective cartilage that reinforces the ends of your bones tatters down over time, commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune health disorder. It happens whenever your immune system mistakenly attacks your joint lining, leading to inflammation and pain. |
Role of Cannabis in Arthritis Relief
In a study published in Sage Journals, patients experiencing chronic pain, particularly those using CBD:THC products, reported significantly reduced pain intensity. About 22% of patients noted a meaningful decrease in pain intensity. In the arthritis subgroup, patients reported decreased pain intensity, especially with CBD-only and balanced products.
Other health-related quality of life measures also improved based on the CBD:THC ratio, with balanced products showing the most improvement across different domains.
This study suggests that using cannabis for managing arthritis symptoms holds promise. Cannabinoids are the active cannabis compounds which touch the body’s endocannabinoid system. They play a crucial role in regulating pain and inflammation. Let’s explore how each cannabis compound contributes to relieving arthritis symptoms.
CBD for Arthritis Pain
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. It has gained attention for its potential analgesic properties. A study in 2022 found that CBD could help relieve arthritis pain and enhance sleep quality in patients with arthritis.
According to the study, CBD use improved pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%).
When analyzing different arthritis types, physical function improved, favouring osteoarthritis. Overall, pain was reduced by 44% after CBD use, with osteoarthritis showing greater reductions in percentage and point compared to other types.
A majority (60.5%) reported reducing or stopping other medications after CBD use:
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- anti-inflammatories (31.1%)
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- acetaminophen (18.2%)
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- opioids (8.6%)
And discontinuation:
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- anti-inflammatories (17.8%)
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- acetaminophen (17.8%)
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- opioids (18.9%)
THC For Inflammation
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is another compound in cannabis known for its psychoactive effects with anti-inflammatory properties. A 2022 study shows that THC has anti-inflammatory effects. However, these effects weren’t influenced by CB1 or CB2 receptors.
In another study, cannabis has a beneficial impact on reducing inflammation and related health issues. The combination of cannabinoids, including THC, creates an entourage effect, enhancing the overall outcome. This synergy effectively reduces inflammation, alleviating associated diseases and pains.
Combination Therapy (CBD:THC)
In a study report, combining THC and CBD is a potential treatment for chronic pain. These compounds activate cannabinoid receptors, reducing nerve signalling and inflammation. Adding CBD to THC enhances pain relief while reducing some side effects. THC/CBD drugs are effective for chronic pain, especially neuropathic and inflammatory pain, with a good safety profile compared to opioids.
Practical Considerations for Using Cannabis
If you’re considering using cannabis for arthritis relief, it’s essential to approach it responsibly and with caution.
| Consult with a Healthcare Professional | Prior to starting any new treatment regimen, including cannabis, consult with a medical professional, particularly for those with underlying medical conditions or who are taking other medications. |
| Start Low and Go Slow | If you’re new to cannabis, begin with a low dose and gradually increase it to the optimal dose for symptom relief. This method can help reduce potential side effects. |
| Consider Different Delivery Methods | You can consume cannabis in various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, and topical creams. Try the different delivery methods to find what works best for you. |
| Be Mindful of Legal Considerations | While cannabis laws vary by region, it’s essential to know the legal implications of using cannabis in your area, especially if you’re considering medicinal cannabis. |
Recommended Cannabis Products for Arthritis Relief
As mentioned above, the combination of CBD and THC is good for relieving pain and inflammation. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of the recommended cannabis products containing equal CBD:THC ratio. For effective arthritis relief, check the product below:
1. Pineapple Guava THC & CBD Soft Chews
Type: Edible
Flavours: Tropical, Fruity, Sweet
Contains:
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- THC 10.00mg/pack
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- CBD 10.00mg/pack
Experience the waves of sweetness and sour bliss with Pineapple Guava THC+CBD soft chews. Perfectly balanced, these treats are ready to elevate your cannabis experience while relieving your arthritis pain.
2. Anytime 1:1 Berry Lemonade 1g Cartridge
Type: Vape
Flavours: Berry, Sweet, Citrus
Contains:
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- THC 40.00-42.00% | 400.00-420.00mg/g
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- CBD 40.00-42.00% | 400.00-420.00mg/g
Crafted using Glacial Gold distillate and botanical terpenes, this vape ensures a premium experience. Designed for convenience, this is compatible with standard 510-thread batteries and boasts stainless steel components with a ceramic atomizer.
3. Root Beer Blast Soft Chews
Type: Edible
Strain: Indica
Contains:
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- THC 10.00mg/pack
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- CBD 10.00mg/pack
This product offers a delightful soda pop flavour infused with an equal portion of THC and CBD per piece. With a vegan-friendly formula and all-natural flavours, these chews provide a tasty and effective option for arthritis relief.
4. Sugar Free 1:1 Orchard Fruit Gems
Type: Edible
Strain: Blend
Contains:
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- THC 10.00mg/pack
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- CBD 10.00mg/pack
Indulge in our Ontario Orchard-inspired hard candy variety pack. Each sugar-free candy contains 2.5mg THC and 2.5mg CBD, providing a balanced experience. With only 5 calories per piece, these portable treats offer discreet relief on the go.
5. Salted Caramel Chocolate Square
Type: Edible
Flavour: Sweet
Contains:
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- THC 10.00mg/pack
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- CBD 10.00mg/pack
This provides a tasty and discreet cannabis consumption option. The chocolates are sourced from a top chocolate supplier and feature traceable, natural ingredients, with cocoa derived from a Belgian/Ghanaian blend.
In Conclusion
The potential of medicinal cannabis for managing arthritis symptoms is gaining recognition. With the rising demand for natural alternatives and lots of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, cannabis products offer promising relief.
Approach cannabis use responsibly and consult with healthcare professionals. As research continues to uncover the healing benefits of cannabis, the hope is to bridge the gap between medical guidelines and the real-world experiences of arthritis patients seeking relief. Get arthritis relief via weed delivery North Vancouver at Sea to Sky Cannabis.
Sea to Sky Cannabis stands out as the best “cannabis store near me” with its wide product range.
Frequently asked questions
How frequently can I take edibles for arthritis pain?
As edibles take time to take effect, you might be tempted to consume more shortly after your initial dose. However, this can result in overconsumption. It’s important to wait at least 24 hours before considering another dose.
How long do CBD effects to relieve pain?
Tinctures under the tongue usually take about 30 seconds to absorb, with effects felt within 15 minutes. However, when ingesting CBD by swallowing it or consuming CBD-infused products, the CBD effects may take between 45 minutes to two hours to be felt.
What are the alternatives for herbal cannabis?
Cannabis comes in various forms, including the following:
- Oil: Cannabis oil can be extracted from the plant using ethanol. It’s taken orally in small quantities for various benefits. CBD oil, a popular variant, is favoured by many with chronic pain.
- Topical treatments: You can directly apply lotions, balms, and salves containing cannabinoids to the skin to alleviate pain and inflammation. Transdermal patches with cannabinoids are also an option.
- Edibles: Popular for their convenience, edibles involve infusing food items like cookies, brownies, and candies with cannabis. However, predicting the effects of edibles can be challenging.
- Sublingual cannabis: This involves placing a cannabis product under the tongue for quicker release into the bloodstream, resulting in more immediate effects.
